About Me

So, who am I?

I’m Daniela Draugelis, the founder of Cultural Pathways. I work with people and organizations navigating the complexities of global transitions and cultural diversity. My focus is on two areas: supporting globally mobile leaders and families, and helping AI teams design culturally-aware tools that are respectful, relevant, and trusted.

My Story

My own journey has been deeply global. I’ve lived and worked across continents, and I know firsthand what it feels like to adapt, belong, and sometimes struggle in unfamiliar environments. Those experiences shaped my belief that cultural intelligence (CQ) isn’t just a professional skill . It’s a life skill that changes the way we lead, connect, and thrive.

Before founding Cultural Pathways, I spent years in international marketing and leadership roles with global corporations, non-profits, and startups. Over time, I shifted toward intercultural training and coaching, earning certifications from the Cultural Intelligence Center and iPec Coaching.

More recently, I’ve expanded my work into the intersection of culture and technology. I partner with AI developers and product designers to translate cultural theory into practical design prompts, data models, and evaluation frameworks. This allows teams to reduce bias and create tools that truly work for diverse audiences.

How I Work

I see myself as a partner, not a prescriber. My approach is collaborative, empathetic, and practical. I bring structured methods like CQ assessments and cultural audit frameworks, but I always adapt them to the unique needs of each client. My role is to guide, co-create, and empower you to find solutions that fit your context.

My Vision

Through Cultural Pathways, I want to help people and organizations thrive globally by bridging cultural divides, supporting smooth global mobility transitions and building AI systems that honor human diversity.

Let’s Connect

If you’re preparing for a global move, leading across cultures, or designing the next generation of AI, I’d love to explore how we can work together.