Dedicated alumna teaches Rising Scholars students financial literacy
Danielle Gleaton, ’06 international business and management science, and two of her colleagues from Equifax recently led a session for the Darla Moore School’s Rising Scholars about credit education and overall financial wellness.
The Rising Scholars program connects first-generation, low-income and South Carolina-resident Moore School students with scholarships, peer and faculty mentors, and a community focused on shared success.
Traveling from her Atlanta office, Gleaton said she coached the undergraduate students about how vital financial literacy is for future success. This is especially true for populations like the Rising Scholars, who may not have awareness about credit and how to manage finances.
As a senior director for Equifax, a multinational consumer credit reporting agency, Gleaton blends her operations management, business analytics and technology skills to lead a team of software engineers specializing in legal and back-office operations technology solutions.
Along with teaching financial literacy, Gleaton has engaged with the Moore School in multiple ways since she graduated close to decades ago. She has served as chair and a member of the Young Alumni Board, as one of the founding members of the Moore School's Black Alumni Alliance, as a student mentor and in other roles. Currently, she is the chair of the fundraising committee for the Black Alumni Alliance.
Read on to learn more about the discussion Gleaton had with the Rising Scholars and why she’s such an involved Moore School alumna:
Why did you come to speak with the Moore School’s Rising Scholars about financial
wellness and credit education? Why are those important areas for undergraduate students,
especially those who are first-generation or low-income students?
I spoke with the Rising Scholars to help them officially launch their journey toward
financial excellence. For all undergraduates, especially those who are first-generation
or low-income students, strong credit education is an essential tool for equity and
long-term security. It's not just about buying a home or car; credit awareness impacts
future job opportunities and protects students, who are often targeted by scams. We
have a social responsibility to ensure every student has the knowledge to secure their
financial future and become a successful leader.
What were the biggest tips you shared with the Rising Scholars?
The single biggest tip was to make frequent credit report checks from all three nationwide
credit bureaus a habit. Your credit report is your financial "report card." Checking
it often ensures data accuracy and gives you the self-awareness needed to proactively
manage and improve your financial profile from day one.
What do you wish someone had told you about financial wellness and credit education
when you were an undergraduate student?
Always pay more than the minimum balance on a credit card and never carry a credit
card balance exceeding 30 percent of your credit limit — your utilization ratio. These
habits are foundational for building an excellent credit score, which pays dividends
for decades.
Why do you think programs like the Rising Scholars are so valuable?
Programs like Rising Scholars are incredibly valuable because they champion access
and opportunity, helping participants fully realize their potential. By providing
tailored student resources, services and opportunities, they create a strong foundation
and a vital community for success.
Why are you such an engaged alumna of USC and the Moore School? What has been your
ROI on your undergraduate degree?
I am an engaged alumna because I believe it takes a village to develop successful
students. It is my chosen social responsibility to be present and support today's
students, just as the community did for me. My ROI on my USC degree extends far beyond
the education itself — it has been the lifelong connections and network I continue
to build as a proud Gamecock and Moore School alumna.