We recently connected with Domonique Cooper and have shared our conversation below.

Domonique, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. So, let’s start with a hypothetical – what would you change about the educational system?

The trajectory of life after high school is not a singular, predetermined track. Yet, for many students, the education system often feels like a narrow tunnel leading solely to the four walls of a university. This essay argues that a more intentional focus on diverse post-secondary options, starting as early as high school, is crucial for cultivating better outcomes and ensuring all students find their niche and successful placement after graduation.

The current reality paints a different picture. Guidance counselors, while invaluable, are often overburdened with social-emotional challenges, paperwork, and daily duties, leaving little time for in-depth career exploration and pathway guidance. This is where a dedicated career and college readiness staff member becomes a game-changer. Acting as a bridge between students and their future, these professionals can provide personalized guidance, explore diverse post-secondary options, and help students navigate the complexities of career planning.

Think of it as diversifying the educational map. Instead of a single, well-worn path to college, imagine a network of roads leading to apprenticeships, trade schools, community colleges, and even entrepreneurship. A career and college readiness staff member can equip students with the knowledge and skills to navigate this map, mapping their interests, aptitudes, and financial realities to the right destination.

For students who lack familial guidance, this role becomes even more critical. A dedicated staff member can become a trusted mentor, offering support and encouragement as students explore their options. Imagine a student with a passion for mechanics, unsure of their path. A career and college readiness staff member can connect them to local trade schools, internships, and even mentors in the field, opening doors they might not have known existed.

The benefits of such early intervention are multifaceted. Students gain a deeper understanding of their strengths and interests, leading to increased motivation and engagement in their studies. They develop crucial decision-making skills, learning to weigh factors like cost, career outlook, and personal fulfillment. And most importantly, they graduate with a clear vision for their future, empowered to pursue the path that best suits them.

Of course, this shift requires a paradigm change in our education system. It requires investing in additional personnel, creating dedicated resources for career exploration, and fostering a culture that values diverse pathways to success. But the potential rewards are immense. By providing students with the tools and guidance they need to navigate their post-high school options, we can ensure that every student finds their niche, contributing meaningfully to society and leading fulfilling lives.

I believe the time has come to move beyond the one-size-fits-all approach to post-secondary planning. By intentionally integrating diverse pathways into the educational landscape and providing dedicated career and college readiness support, we can empower students to chart their own course toward a successful and fulfilling future. Let us pave the way for a generation that is not limited by a singular path, but equipped to explore the vast network of possibilities that lies ahead.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

My life has been a tapestry woven from diverse experiences, each thread strengthening my resolve to serve Gwinnett County’s children. As a seasoned educational strategist, I’ve championed school culture, tackled achievement gaps, and advocated for sound policies. My background as a public servant, entrepreneur, and author has honed my leadership, communication, and community-building skills.

Through Peace Gwinnett Inc., my non-profit, and DDC Consulting, I’ve connected people, promoted parental engagement, and fueled positive change. My 16+ years on various boards, from education to business, reflect my unwavering commitment to building bridges. I’m not just a voice, I’m an initiator and executor, fueled by a passion for action and a deep belief in the power of collaboration.

My candidacy for the District 3 Board of Education is a culmination of these experiences, a chance to use my unique blend of skills to cultivate a thriving educational system for every child.

But qualifications alone don’t define me. I’m a connector and a community builder, believing in the power of fostering meaningful connections. My relatability allows me to understand and address the concerns of parents, educators, and students alike. I’m an initiator and an executor, translating ideas into action and driving positive change.

My strength lies in connecting people – individuals, groups, and organizations – to create a cohesive school culture where everyone thrives

How do you keep your team’s morale high?

Leading a team isn’t about a one-size-fits-all formula. It’s a dynamic dance between diverse personalities, organizational cultures, and ever-evolving challenges. But there’s one constant that unlocks high morale: humanity. To truly lead, you must shed the rigid manager persona and embrace compassion, empathy, and understanding. Listen attentively, not just with your ears, but with your heart. Be flexible, adapting your approach to individual needs and styles. Foster inclusion, creating a safe space where everyone feels valued, respected, and heard. Remember, your team isn’t just a collection of cogs in a machine; they’re individuals with hopes, dreams, and frustrations. Lead with humanity, and your team will reward you with unwavering loyalty and skyrocketing morale.

Any stories or insights that might help us understand how you’ve built such a strong reputation?

For me building reputation within my community and market has been centered consistency and keeping my word. When I am invited I show up. When I am apart I add value. When I volunteer I bring my whole self. When I actively engage I do so with everything in. I bring solutions to problems and initiate positive new ideas and ventures. I come ready to work and see things through. I communicate effectively and respond very quickly. I engage with a diverse group and I keep things very business and organization focused not to blur the lines between personal and professional relationships. Respect has been my main objective within my market not necessarily likeability but respect.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.vote4domonique.org/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vote4domonique?igsh=MnJnYXF2YzFncjlp
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100092713013152&mibextid=vk8aRt
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/domoniquecooper?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=android_app
• Twitter: https://x.com/vote4domonique?t=ufYsWN8RRSB5boKjBFRYUw&s=09
• Youtube: https://youtube.com/@Vote4Domonique?si=InqGhRmPmNuYqDu3

Image Credits
Kashaun Cooper Cooper Photography