Danika Foley Long

Danika Foley Long is a native of South Louisiana and a graduate of Loyola University at New Orleans. When it comes to fear, Danika's middle name could be fear. She's overcome fear many times in her life, and she has the stories of burnout to back it up. It's not just her testimony, it's a life lesson she shares with high school students making the transition into their next steps of life, young adults making the transition from college into the workforce and women experiencing midlife changes.

Danika recently won first place in the 2022 District 68 Toastmasters International Speech Contest. Toastmasters District 68 encompasses Louisiana, Beaumont, TX and Southwest MS. The district currently has over 500 members in 32 clubs.

She was also the recipient of the 2018 Role Model of the Year Award for her contributions to the public. Danika is an avid supporter of community-based activities, youth mentor and an advocate for the arts. In her spare time, she engages in public speaking events at high schools and mentors young women particularly in journalism, public speaking and how to overcome fear and burnout.

Danika is a graduate of Leadership St. Mary, a professional development program that requires a two-year commitment from its participants.

She is the owner of Keen Vision Consulting, LLC where she helps individuals and business leaders improve and get over their fears of public speaking as a speaking coach. Danika also provides a presentation to help individuals recover from burnout. In addition to professional speaking, Danika serves as the news director and talk show host of KWBJ TV 22's “The Voice of the Coast with Danika.

Danika Foley Long won first place in the Toastmasters District 68 International Speech Contest on Saturday, April 9, 2022. Danika has been a member of St. Mary Parish Toastmasters in Morgan City, Louisiana since 2018. During that time, she held three roles within the local Toastmasters club including Secretary, Vice President of Public Relations and VP of Education.

She joined Toastmasters to improve her presentation skills, curb her usage of “crutch words” and network with business professionals. She was quite surprised to learn that she also had a desire to be a professional speaker. In addition to family support, Toastmasters gave her the confidence to pursue that dream. But, her story to first place was nothing short of divine intervention. Initially, Danika placed third at the division level. However, due to an unforeseen circumstance, the second place winner withdrew thus allowing Danika to compete in the district contest. Her speech, entitled “Inner Mean Girl Face Your Fear” was a snapshot into her life beginning at the wee age of six years old. Danika chronicles three stages of her life when she came face to face with her archenemy, her inner voice she calls Miss Meanie. Danika says she chose this speech to convey to the audience of her peers that many find it challenging to overcome the debilitating effects of fear; “whether it’s a Miss Meanie or Mr. Meanie, many have and still struggle often with negative self talk, limiting beliefs, doubt or Imposter Syndrome. But, it is possible to beat it and live to fight another day.”

Danika resides in St. Mary Parish by way of Kenner, Louisiana following graduation from Loyola University at New Orleans. She lives with her husband and three stepdaughters. She is the News Director and a talk show host of KWBJ TV 22’s The Voice of the Coast. She also owns Keen Vision Consulting, a freelance company that helps individuals and business leaders improve their public speaking skills as a speaking coach.

Danika is an avid supporter of all things community. In 2018, she was selected St. Mary Parish Role Model of the Year by the Community Foundation of Acadiana. She is the founder of an online Facebook group called ibedamned-blog whose purpose is to empower, encourage and create space for like-minded women who seek balance in their personal and professional lives.

Danika is affiliated with a number of organizations including Hoodstock, Teche Theatre for the Performing Arts, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Board of Directors for St. Mary Chamber of Commerce, Claire House Treatment Center for Women, Keep St. Mary Beautiful, and she’s a graduate of St. Mary Leadership.