Danial Petrie was born and raised in Rockford, Illinois. He was in and out of foster care from the age of 3 until he started high school in 1999 when Dan was adopted by his former foster parents and that is where his life began to change.

Danial was the first in his family to graduate high school in 2003, and went on to attend Rockford University where he graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in Physical Education with minors in Health and Psychology.

For the past 12 years, Danial has been actively involved in numerous organizations, ministries and outreach programs created to inspire, equip and love young people into the identity and standard to which God has called them. From working with the YMCA and Youth Build to creating his own organizations, ALIVE, Adopt-A-Block Rockford and recently The Fatherhood and Motherhood Encouragement Projects. Danial has a great record of putting his passion and faith into action. 

Danial was awarded the Epiphany Award for Community Action and was also nominated for and awarded the Soar Radio Award Community Organization of the year as well as winning the Civic & Community Leader of the Year Award. Danial has also been recognized by the Rockford Register Star as a Person to Watch in 2018 for his stellar work with fathers and families throughout the country. 

Danial also released his first book titled “The Power of YOU Are” which was launched in February of 2016. The book quickly skyrocketed up the charts on Amazon peaking at #12 which led to his book tour with Barnes & Noble. 

While Danial has had growing success in his professional life after graduating college, Danial’s passion became being a great father and supporting other fathers in our community. He finds his most important work being the active, loving father to Brayden Petrie and soon to be baby Petrie as well as the committed husband to his beautiful wife, Sarah Petrie.