Palmer Trinity School

the founder of Zumba Fitness. The Diaz Leyva Group now includes all facets of the real estate industry and even took on the representation of national clients. In addition to commercial work, Danny's team handles residential real estate closings, which have grown due to the influx of new Florida residents. Danny loves supporting his clients and helping them prosper in their business. "Seeing my clients succeed makes me proud and it's always an honor to be a part of their story," says Danny. "And they are part of my story. They not only strengthen the backbone of my business, but give me the drive to continue growing it." However, his success didn't come without some challenges. In 2014, Danny ran for public office. He received extensive support from friends while pouring his heart and soul into the campaign. It was a rewarding experience, but he sacrificed a lot of time away from his family during the effort. Danny lost the election by a slim margin. It was a painful and stinging defeat, but Danny now realizes it was God's way of redirecting his path. At the time, Danny's son was experiencing some medical challenges and losing the election allowed Danny to be present and support him. "This painful loss helped me refocus my time and energy towards my family and my practice and eventually build a successful business," he remembers. "As I reflect today, six years later, that loss was the best thing that happened to me. Those years steeled me to adversity and discomfort and helped me reset my priorities. I am happier today than I have ever been." As a man of faith, Danny believes Luke 12:48, which reads, "To whom much is given, much is expected." He is a true servant leader, dedicating countless hours of service throughout our community. While in law school, Danny began volunteering at CHARLEE Homes for Children, the largest foster care agency in Miami-Dade County. With his mentor and friend, Danny helped raise awareness and funds to support the effort and eventually served on its Board of Directors. Since then, he has volunteered and served on various boards in support of our community, including initiatives for mental health, substance abuse, diplomacy and international relations in our hemisphere and education. More recently, he was appointed by the governor to serve on the Board of Trustees of Miami Dade College, and was also invited to sit on the Alumni Board at Palmer Trinity School. During his free time, Danny likes being outdoors and traveling with his wife, Cristy, and their two children, Danny Jr. and Adriana. As a Miami native, he loves the water, but also enjoys hiking, skiing and horseback riding through the mountains of Colorado, his home away from home. Danny is a true role model in our community. His determination and perseverance have brought him much success and he's managed to stay focused on his priorities: his family, his business and serving others. Danny knows how Palmer Trinity School helped pave the way for his success, too. "My time at Palmer Trinity School was truly defining," he says. "I have no doubt that the friendships I made in the classroom and on the field, the discipline that was instilled in me by my teachers and coaches and my exposure to diverse studies in the classroom helped shape me as a young student and set the tone for my future." Clockwise from top left – Danny and his family in their Miami home, Danny on one of his visits to Miami Dade College, Danny with his family in the Colorado mountains, Danny speaking to students at Miami Dade College. S U MME R 2 0 2 1 53

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