
Drisana McDaniel
Bio
Drisana McDaniel is a visionary educator, facilitator, and doctoral candidate whose work bridges the realms of womanist thought, psychospiritual practices, and community engagement. Rooted in a deep commitment to healing and liberation, Drisana developed the Alchemy of Now (AON) framework—an innovative ethos designed to help individuals and collectives navigate the challenges of our era with clarity and resilience. Inspired by Black Feminist Womanist Sacred Wisdom, ecological thought, and contemplative spirituality, AON encourages a transformative approach to living, emphasizing presence, agency, and collective care. As a scholar-activist, Drisana draws on her lived experiences as a mother, worker, and thinker. She speaks at conferences, collaborates with organizations, and consults with diverse learning communities. Her ongoing inquiry into the psychospiritual path, particularly through the lens of Black feminist womanist philosophies, shapes her holistic perspective on well-being, leadership, and community transformation. Drisana is a core member of the Transformative Teaching Collective, where she collaborates with co-op co-members to develop liberatory teaching practices and integrate social justice principles into diverse learning environments. Additionally, she works with the Acosta Institute, an organization committed to integrating transformative, healing-centered practices that cultivate resilience, foster growth, and promote collective well-being across education, business, and the nonprofit sector.