Dana Phillips brings over 10 years of experience in servant leadership, coaching, professional development, and community advocacy—always with the mindset of a guide, not a gatekeeper. She’s known for creating spaces where people feel safe to speak up, ask tough questions, and explore what’s possible. From coaching remote teams to helping individuals carve out their own paths, Dana meets people where they are and walks beside them as they build their roadmap—step by step.
As the Founder of Rural Internet Advocacy, Dana led a grassroots campaign that amplified the voices of rural residents and carried them up the mountain—to corporations and policymakers—raising awareness and driving change in internet equity. Her leadership is rooted in deep listening, steady action, and the belief that no trail is too rugged when people feel supported and seen. She’s worked with countless individuals and teams to navigate complex terrain, celebrate milestones, and keep moving forward—especially when the trail gets steep.
She’s also guided people through major educational and career shifts, drawing on her own experience as a nontraditional college student who earned both an undergraduate and master’s degree while raising young children.
Her self-published research-based book highlighted the stories of women working toward their degrees, inspiring others to pursue the goals they once thought were out of reach. Today, she helps others find their own direction—whether that’s exploring new career paths or choosing the college that aligns with who they are and where they want to go.
Known for her honesty, clear communication, and action-oriented mindset, Dana blends radical candor with deep care. Her work is less about theory and more about real-life strategy: helping others chart their course through uncertainty and build sustainable, purpose-driven momentum.
Time in the woods and on two wheels gave her something she hadn’t had in a while: space to pause, reflect, and reconnect with what had always been true. Through all the twists, climbs, and reroutes, one thing has remained constant—her commitment to helping people face the unknown and take the next step, even when the path ahead feels unclear.
- Hiked the entire Georgia section of the Appalachian Trail—northbound and southbound—with Adam (my forever partner in crime).
- Completed the Georgia 4K Challenge. Left a piece of our souls on High Cove Ridge. 10/10 do not recommend as an out-and-back (but we did it anyway).
- Learned how to ride a motorcycle with endless coaching and support from Adam and racking up serious miles on the twisty mountain roads of Georgia, North Carolina, and Tennessee together.
- Explored countless forest service roads, chasing hidden trails and discovering tucked-away treasures deep in the Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest.
- I believe small things matter. I try to show up with micro acts of kindness every day—a wave, a compliment, a check-in—and trust they ripple out in ways we may never see.
- I’ve always been a little defiant. Sometimes the right move means coloring outside the lines—and those bold steps often spark real, lasting change.
- I believe in the power of compromise and a shared table. Progress begins when everyone feels safe to show up, speak honestly, and be heard—even when we don’t agree.
- I’m here to help people face big, bold challenges. I believe everyone deserves a shot at the goals that feel impossible but won’t leave them alone—the ones that matter most.