From Barista to Justice Advocate: Danni’s Journey
For several years, like many students, Danni Love balanced her time between academia and the hustle of hospitality, working as a barista in Wellington’s cafes.
By the time she had completed a Bachelor of Criminology and Sociology, followed up by a Masters in Indigenous studies, she needed a break from the grind. But life soon called her back into action, and after a short period on the Jobseeker benefit, an opportunity caught her eye: an employment training course with Capital Training.
Danni recalls, “I was in that spot in my life where I was applying for jobs and not getting anything, so I was feeling a bit stuck. I saw this opportunity come up at Capital Training, and I thought it would be awesome to do something different and get out of my comfort zone a little bit.”
Despite her introverted nature, Danni was prepared to embrace the unknown and take on a new challenge, “Even at uni I didn’t really put myself out there, so anything in a group setting was a little bit daunting for me…But I saw the opportunity that was there.”
With support from her Case Manager at Work & Income, she enrolled on the four-week Contact Centre training course, delivered free to Work & Income clients at Capital Training’s central Wellington campus.
“I remember on the first day being quite nervous just to speak in front of people but that went away really quickly, and I made some great friends being there.”
“It was great. It was not what I expected, and it was cool to meet new people and learn new skills.”
Approaching the course with an open mind, Danni put aside what she already knew about applying for jobs, creating CVs and writing cover letters. “I actually gained so many skills from going over those things fully, and getting a different perspective from what I already knew.”
“I learned so many new things, even just how to approach different questions in interviews, and understanding different people.”
Danni describes people skills as having been a “massive” benefit to the training. “Going to the course made me realise that there is a lot of power in socialising with different people and understanding different people.”
The contact centre course opened new doors, and Danni landed a full-time job at Ministry of Justice, as a National Registry Officer.
“Now I’m in a role where I’m always talking to people and constantly engaging with people which is great because it has made me realise that I do actually enjoy being social and talking to people very day.”
In her new role, she thrives in the Ministry of Justice contact centre, where every call brings something different. From court dates to divorce proceedings, domestic violence cases and protection orders, Danni handles a wide range of enquiries, using her training to guide her interactions. “It’s a challenge, but it’s extremely rewarding,” she says. Her passion for justice, especially for rangitahi Māori youth in the criminal justice system, motivates her. Though she’s just beginning, Danni sees this role as the perfect starting point.
Her experience at Capital Training has brought about significant personal growth. “Since doing the training I feel like my mindset has switched. I have become a more positive and resilient person just from the talks and the skills that were shared throughout the course.”
“Putting perseverance and resilience into my everyday life changed how I viewed how my life was going. It built up my confidence for sure and made me realise that I’ve got the potential to do whatever it is I put my mind to.”
Danni encourages others to keep an open mind going into the course. “Take everything on board, ask questions, ask for help, and just know that everyone is at different spots at their lives and we’re all on a different path. It’s about being resilient and keeping a positive mind frame, and good things will come out of it.”
“I would definitely recommend the course to other people. I think it’s a great place to share perspectives and understand that we’re all learning and we’re all growing. It’s a good sense of unity and you can build friendships from there. And the actual learning and the modules and talks were extremely positive. The tutors really do understand that everyone is at a different point with different skills, which is great.”
Though her journey in the justice system is just beginning, Danni has her sights set on a future that incorporates her passion for working with Māori youth in the criminal justice system. She dreams of developing programmes that help rangitahi understand their whakapapa and promote Māori wellbeing. In the meantime, she’s embracing her current role, grateful for the growth and opportunity it provides.
“I’m just really stoked that I got to where I am now,” she says. “It’s a great starting point.”