Danielle Fiabane and Juliet Valdinger: New Synergos Philanthropy Partners
Dear friends,
Please join us in giving a warm welcome to Synergos' newest philanthropy partners!
Danielle Fiabane and Juliet Valdinger recently joined our team as points of contact with philanthropists in Brazil and Europe, respectively. They both bring a wealth of experience in supporting value-driven initiatives. Get to know more about them below!
Danielle Fiabane joins us as a part-time consultant. She brings decades of experience in Brazil’s impact sector. She has been executive diretor for NGOs and led social Innovation as a C-level executive at Red Bull before becoming a consultant. Today she advises families, NGOs, and corporativos on strategic philanthropy, next generation engagement and ESG agendas.
Danielle holds a business degree, a master’s in public management, and executive education credentials from Harvard Kennedy School, Schumacher College, and the Proteus Institute. Danielle works closely with the GPC and Brazil teams to explore ways to strengthen our community - while supporting the existing member families.
Rapid fire questions with Danielle
What is your most prominent characteristic that shapes your work?
I’m an innate bridger! I naturally connect people and love when their meeting generates something new!
What never ceases to surprise you?
My kids! Their questions on discovering the world are the most inspiring! I everyday wish to reconnect to this beautiful capacity of children to live in awe and enchantment!
What gives you hope for the future?
The micro-revolutions. Every step taken, by each person, in everyday gestures and decisions can trigger great transformations. I say I have the privilege to work around the ones who believe in change for social justice and a sustainable world and are doing something to make that happen!
Juliet Valdinger brings nearly 25 years of experience across the philanthropy sector, building networks, identifying opportunities for impact, and helping philanthropists translate their values into meaningful action. Early in her career, working under the vision of a Goodwill Ambassador to the Nelson Mandela Children’s Fund, she led a small team that generated more than $100 million in royalties for charitable causes.
Since then, Juliet has built a diverse and distinctive portfolio of work, collaborating with charities, grantmaking foundations, philanthropists and entrepreneurs across a wide range of fields, from disability to climate change. She has also worked in the asset management sector, both in fund management and as Senior Grants Manager for one of their clients’ foundations. Juliet has a MSc in Philanthropy, Grantmaking and Social Investment from Bayes Business School in London.
A thread that runs throughout Juliet’s work is helping individuals reflect on their experiences and values — including crafting personal and family autobiographies that preserve stories and lessons for future generations. Today, her work focuses on supporting individuals and families as they navigate the growing shift towards values-driven and purpose-led stewardship of wealth.
Rapid-fire questions with Juliet
Share a mantra that inspires you.
"No act of kindness, no matter how small, is ever wasted". Aesop. It's on my personal email signature and my business card 👍
What advice would you give to your younger self?
If you're in a safe place, always be open to talking to strangers. The world is full of interesting and inspiring people, and opportunities for you to explore, but you need to make the effort to open doors to find them.
Who has been a vital mentor or inspirational figure in your life?
My mum. Gentle, calm, non-judgemental, radiates kindness and is a superb hostess - I aspire to be just like her.