Danielle DeKalb

I grew up in the retail industry, with my journey beginning in the 1980s when my parents started a business crafting and selling fabric photo albums—think taffeta and eyelet lace. As trends evolved, so did the business, transforming into an art and home décor store at the Mall of America. I spent much of my childhood in the mall, stocking shelves late into the night to prepare for Black Friday, designing seasonal window displays, with the occasional Cinnabon thrown in the mix. I’ve always loved the energy and excitement that retail brings whether it be creating beautiful products or connecting with consumers selecting items that will go in their homes.

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From a young age, I knew I wanted to be part of this industry, so I pursued a degree in Retail Merchandising at the University of Minnesota. After graduating, I set my sights on Target’s corporate offices and secured a position where I’ve stayed for the past 18 years. During this time, I’ve developed deep expertise in product development and sourcing, a role that has taken me around the world, spending extensive time in the regions where our products are manufactured, especially across Asia.

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My interest in the MASD program emerged from a desire to leverage the design and manufacturing knowledge I’ve built over the past two decades while focusing on reducing our environmental impact. Having visited manufacturing areas around the world, I saw firsthand the effects of U.S. consumerism—like dye houses in India improperly disposing of wastewater into local communities or plastic factories in China exposing workers to harmful chemicals. These experiences have strengthened my commitment to creating a more sustainable and responsible approach to retail.