Stephen “Steve” Danzansky was a hero to us at Tzedek DC and to so many across the District of Columbia. We are mourning his loss and also celebrating his extraordinary legacy. He was one of our greatest champions, an incredible mensch.
Steve led a remarkable life marked by the love of family, professional excellence, and service. He made an indelible imprint on the District of Columbia and the nation through decades of public service and philanthropy. As noted in the Washington Post, Steve was a beloved husband, father, and grandfather who served in senior roles in two Presidents’ administrations. He dedicated his considerable talents to roles that included Special Assistant to the President and Senior Director for International Affairs on the National Security Council, and he also held a senior leadership role at the U.S. Department of Education.
Inspired by his father, who had been instrumental in co-leading the creation of DC’s Home Rule Act and a leader on civil rights in the DC business community, Steve served on the DC Board of Elections and, more recently, brought his considerable passion, ideas, creativity, and philanthropic spirit to our work at Tzedek DC, where he was a Founding Member of our Advisory Council in 2017. As one of our most generous and enthusiastic supporters, he helped conceive of, build, and grow our young adult financial empowerment program.
On May 6, 2025, almost exactly one month to the day before his passing, Steve wrote a remarkable letter, addressed to young people in DC in the future. He said:
For most of the 125,000 children living in our city, the ladder of financial freedom is hidden. Or else it's too often climbed through stifling debt, heartless collection agencies, and a financial system that appears unapproachable and out of our control. In Hebrew, the words “Tzedek b'almida” means justice in learning. Tzedek DC's Young Adult Financial Empowerment Program, in partnership with the Danzansky Family Financial Freedom Fund, were established to level the playing field for every young person who lives in DC. To give every kid a sturdy rod to fish the waters of wealth and opportunity.
Steve was a true friend and partner to Tzedek DC. While we mourn his loss, we also honor his legacy—one that lives on in the thousands of lives that will be touched by the community education work he helped make possible and that his legacy will continue to inspire. May his memory be a blessing, and may his example inspire future generations to continue to advocate for justice.