Today we’d like to introduce you to Dominique Pierre-Toussaint.
Hi Dominique, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I grew up in a family of accomplished Haitian immigrants. I attended elementary public school in New York City, and then high school in Columbia Maryland before enrolling at Dickinson State University (ND) where I studied Art Education and Community Development. I attended Dickinson State University on an athletic scholarship, which taught me the value of turning your area of passion into opportunity. This lesson is one that I carried with me as I worked to serve youth and families in the community for 20 years as an educator and Community Consultant.
ICA Community Relations Manager works collaboratively with Hennepin County, Met Council, City of Hopkins, ResourceWest and Hopkins Public Schools to develop annual outreach and engagement plans which identify new and continued partnerships and relationship development goals to ensure that programs, activities and services are relevant to our communities members in need.
Dominique Podcast interview: https://www.audacy.com/wccoradio/podcasts/sports-to-the-max-with-mike-max-161/dominique-tousiant-on-working-for-the-ica-food-shelf-1361420312
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey has been a fairly smooth road?
There’s no such thing as a smooth road, you must first locate the path and then begin laying the foundation with the proper resources to complete a road period. I have experienced so many highs and lows being a male of color trying to create platforms without the color of my skin being the determining factor. Unfortunately, I can not turn my head to the fact that my race has played a part in receiving support financially in my efforts serving individuals who are in need of guidance or resources to be successful on their journey called life. While staff turnovers and relationships that have grown apart through various reasons unknown, have also created obstacles/challenges that have presented unintended silos. The silos created invisible barriers that have made me adjust my way of communicating and strengthening my relationships through listening first to their needs and then identifying the common grounds to work collaboratively.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
As a part of my commitment to enriching the experience of each child, family and community stakeholders I have divided my efforts into three main cores – Arts, Athletics and Academics. Through incorporating a community-first approach I strive to affect the mind, the body, and the imagination of our new generation and stakeholders in our communities. I hope to provide a full experience of inspiration and support to each individual I serve.
Accomplishments:
Hopkins Public Schools COVID-19 Community Outreach Task Force Coordinator. Team leader for the essential needs of nutrition, technology and transportation for families of the district.
Hopkins Business & Civics Association “2019 Person Of The Year”
Board Member of the Community Action Partnership – Hennepin County (CAP-HC) representative for Hennepin County Commissioner Chris LaTondresse
Board Member of the Hopkins Education Foundation
If you had to, what characteristic of yours would you give the most credit to?
Creating and maintaining relationships with individuals and organizations that share the desire to serve HUMANITY!
Contact Info:
- Instagram: s0c1eTy_1o1
- Facebook: s0c1eTy_1o1
- Twitter: @MNYC13
Image Credits:
Imani Kerre-Mongi
Simon White
Randy Roseth
Morgan Holmes
Alex Quintero
Lee Aubrey Hutton
Blake Guerin
Kennedy Pierre-Toussaint
Jen Westmoreland Bouchard
Jim Clark
Dominique Pierre-Toussaint
HPKN (Help Prepare Kids Now!)
Society 101
