Donor Spotlight: Danny Conway
Tech entrepreneur and philanthropist Danny Conway joined the Tiger Woods Foundation’s board in 2014 and brought with him unlimited insights and guidance. With an impressive run at some of Silicon Valley’s most successful startups, including Facebook, Airtime and Snocap, Conway currently manages TechFellow Fund, an investment program to honor those who make great innovation happen. His passion for nurturing the innovators of tomorrow extends to our very own Earl Woods Scholars, as he sets out to begin his new role as a mentor. In a Q&A with TWF, Conway offers a snapshot into his world and the people and experiences that have shaped him.
How did you get involved with the Tiger Woods Foundation?
I got involved with TWF through my dad, Ron Conway, who was a board member for many years. After learning more about the foundation and the learning center, I’ve become increasingly involved with the organization because I believe every student should have the same opportunities I did.
What’s the best advice you’ve received and given?
The best advice I’ve received has been from my dad and friends. All of them came from modest beginnings, and through relentless hard work they’ve all achieved success. I’ve learned from them that determination and hard work will lead to success.
Tell us about someone or something that has inspired you greatly.
Two very influential forces in my life are Tiger and my dad. Like Tiger, my dad has worked, and still works, very hard for everything he has and never takes anything for granted. Any success I have achieved is because of the things my dad has taught me.
Describe yourself in 10 words or less.
Golfer, friend, mentor, lover of music and movies, traveler, philanthropist, computer geek.
There are several common traits our staff and scholars possess — traits we believe lead to success. Which trait do you identify with and why?
Unrelenting and unwavering are the two traits the staff of TWF and scholars possess that speak to me the most. In order to be successful, one must be unrelenting. It has never been as competitive to be accepted into great schools nor obtain jobs as it is today. Being unrelenting is key to getting into the school of one’s dreams and landing the ideal job. Coincidentally, one must also be unwavering because life tends to pull people in many different directions and drag them off course. The ability to remain unwavering keeps people on track to succeed.
Why did you choose your profession?
I landed in tech because of an early introduction to computers from my uncle, and I quickly found myself fascinated with the concept of building my first computer from scratch. I love constructing finished products from the ground up. On the partnerships team at Facebook, working with developers and providing them with the resources they needed to build their apps was extremely rewarding. Currently, I’m creating my own application from square one. It has proven to be both very challenging and fulfilling. I can’t imagine doing anything else.
Champions of the unexpected for 20 years.
