Flyers for Life

Dani Ruffolo ’19 sees the individual elements of UD’s unofficial motto, “Learn. Lead. Serve.” as powerful on their own, and she knows that the three elements together — led by faith — create a wonderful recipe for her to follow in attempting to be a Christ-like disciple and role model.

Life can be overwhelming at times, but Ruffolo finds peace when she simplifies her life and finds that learning, leading and serving others are great ways to shed light on what is truly important.  

“From a personal perspective, I am the oldest of five kids. So, I had the wonderful honor of helping to lead and teach my younger siblings growing up,” said Ruffolo. “As they grew, they became more and more independent.”

It made her proud to watch them grow, and she sees her role changing from being the big sister/leader to one of listening, learning and just being there for them.

“I believe that it is important for a leader to be able to adapt and serve their team in the way that they need you to show up for them,” she said, and she has implemented this passion into her Handy Hats business. 

“Feedback is a gift, so when customers are willing to share their comments, or if I ask them their opinions on things, I challenge myself to incorporate their feedback into my brand. I try to take to heart what my customers are saying.”

And she speaks up to help others, too. Ruffolo is honored to be a local female small business leader and has dedicated time to share what she’s learned at events in hopes of inspiring others with the understanding that they can start their own business or achieve whatever they set their mind to.

“I have mentored several UD students over the years, and most recently teamed up with a current UD senior to promote her business,” said Ruffolo. “And, in addition to speaking engagements, I strive to use my voice on my personal and Handy Hats social media platforms to encourage others and be a positive example — while still being a relatable young 20-something.”

In 2020, she was named to Dayton Business Journal's 40 under 40. And most recently, she had the opportunity at Kao Brands to lead a partnership with a Cincinnati nonprofit that supports small businesses, Main Street Ventures.

“In addition to leading the strategic partnership from Kao's side, I was selected to be a judge for Main Street Ventures’ inaugural student business pitch competition in November,” said Ruffolo. “It was surreal to be a judge, as I was the one pitching in my college pitch competition only a few years ago, but it was so wonderful to be able to encourage the students, ask questions and give them confidence to keep going!”

Through all of her work, she tries to use her voice to serve her community and has donated to causes and nonprofits through the sale of special Handy Hats. Some of her favorites include pink hats to support breast cancer education and awareness through UD's Zeta Tau Alpha chapter; Dayton Strong hats to support the community after the Oregon District mass shooting tragedy; and kangaroo hats to support the Australian Red Cross during the Australian brush fires.

“My newest give-back program is a national collaboration with Aldi grocery stores for my annual Handy Hats Week of Giving,” she said. “For every hat sold on my website, I donate a winter hat and an Aldi USA gift card to students served by the Kettering Backpack Program,” a local nonprofit that provides bags of food to students with limited resources at home.

During her time at UD, Ruffolo collected a host of incredible memories, and she counts some of her favorites as her senior night for UD soccer on Baujan Field, singing in the Marycrest Chapel choir, living in the student neighborhood, winning the Flyer Pitch Competition, and serving as president of the UD Student-Athlete Advisory Committee. Overall, she just loved being on campus.

“I felt such peace and happiness walking around campus and seeing so many people I knew, looking at the beautiful buildings, watching the sunsets and seeing the Chapel dome poking out behind buildings. It was incredible to have my entire world (outside of my family) in walking distance in the magical place called UD.”