Dani Bowman is an entrepreneur, autism advocate, and animation professional. Growing up in California, she developed a passion for animation and the arts early on. After being diagnosed with autism and being nonverbal for a few years, Dani started creating books in elementary school, which led to her future career. At 11, she founded DaniMation Entertainment, an animation studio that has grown over the years. By 14, she began her professional animation career, showcasing her first animated short films at San Diego Comic-Con. Her work has received many awards and recognition at film festivals. Dani graduated magna cum laude from Woodbury University in 2018 with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Animation, earning scholarships for Civic Engagement and Leadership, as well as an Entrepreneurship Award. She is currently pursuing a Master’s of Business Administration at the same school. Dani has taught animation to over 1,500 youth with autism in the US and UK, serving as a mentor and role model. As a self-advocate for autism, Dani uses her platform to empower others on the spectrum, sharing her experiences to show that they can achieve great things with determination and support. She has spoken at various special needs and business conferences, including keynotes at the Ohio Center for Autism & Low Incidence Nationwide Conference. Dani was also part of the Autistic Global Initiative Young Leaders Division, working with peers to lead in the autism community. Her mission is to change perceptions of autism, showing that autistic individuals can live independently and thrive. Through her company, she aims to create a mainstream animation studio that primarily employs people with autism and special needs. Dani’s journey exemplifies determination and the belief that with the right support, anything is possible.
