Our Staff

Danielle Allison is the President and Chief Executive Officer of Ms. JD.

Under her leadership, the organization has expanded its national footprint and influence through portfolio of trademarked programs that meet the evolving needs of women in the legal profession: Determined to Rise, a law and leadership program for middle school girls; the Law Student Leadership Academy, a conference focused on leadership and professional development for women law students; and LaddHer Up, a distinctive retreat for law firm associates in the first ten years of their careers to engage directly with women general counsel.

A graduate of Florida State University and Harvard Law School, Danielle was a law clerk to then-Chief Judge U.W. Clemon of the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Alabama before practicing in the litigation group at Sutherland Asbill & Brennan LLP (now Eversheds Sutherland) in Atlanta, Georgia. She is a former Fellow of the American Bar Association Business Law Section (2013–2015) and has held leadership roles with the State Bar of Georgia Committee to Promote Diversity and Inclusion in the Profession, Leadership Atlanta’s LEAD Atlanta Class of 2012, the Atlanta Women’s Foundation Destiny Fund Class of 2009, the Georgia Association of Black Women Attorneys, and the Georgia Association for Women Lawyers. At Sutherland, she was founding chair of the firm’s “Women Stepping Up” philanthropy initiative, co-chair of the women attorneys group, and a member of the hiring committee. She designed and taught a course on leadership for women in law at the University of Denver Sturm College of Law.

Brianca Hurley is a seasoned operations leader with over a decade of experience driving organizational efficiency and implementing strategic initiatives. Most recently, she served as Executive Vice President of Operations at the Juneteenth Foundation, where she managed revenue streams, strengthened partnerships, and implemented systems to enhance organizational impact. A trusted advisor to C-suite leaders and boards, Brianca is known for fostering collaboration, driving key initiatives, and delivering results aligned with organizational goals.

Morgan Gupta is a mission-driven fundraising and events professional who loves creating meaningful connections that inspire lasting support. She brings a wealth of experience from her work in development and events at the Museum of Arts and Design in New York City, as well as extensive hands-on experience planning weddings, social events, and large-scale catered experiences in San Diego and Western Michigan. From coordinating elegant galas and intimate donor dinners to managing every detail of a client’s special day, Morgan excels at turning ideas into seamless, memorable experiences.

Over the years, she has cultivated relationships with individual donors, corporate sponsors, foundations, and community partners, always finding ways to align organizational goals with authentic engagement. Colleagues know her as a reliable, creative collaborator who brings energy, clear communication, and a solutions-oriented approach to every project.

Based in Michigan, Morgan lives with her husband, daughter, and son. Outside of work, she loves cheering on her kids at their activities and volunteering at their school. When she has a little time to herself, you’ll find her reading, hunting for great finds at HomeGoods, or planning her next trip. She also enjoys laughing with friends and serving as commissioner of her fantasy football league, the Real Housewives of Fantasy Football.

Whether at work or at play, Morgan loves creating connections, celebrating moments, and making a little fun along the way.

Heather Ruiz is a relationship-centered program professional who believes that thoughtful coordination and genuine connection are at the heart of meaningful impact. She joins Ms. JD as the Program Coordinator, where she supports the development, coordination, and delivery of signature programs and learning experiences.

Heather brings extensive experience managing programs and partnerships across nonprofit, higher education, and corporate settings, with a focus on advancing mission-driven initiatives that bring people together around shared goals. She's known for her ability to balance strategic thinking with careful attention to detail, ensuring that programs run smoothly while keeping the people they serve at the center of every decision.

Based in Massachusetts, Heather holds a Bachelor of Science from Wentworth Institute of Technology. Outside of work, she enjoys baking elaborate pastries, exploring local farms, and slow early mornings with a good cup of coffee.

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