Dominique’s Giroux’s ’18 advice to students is simple: “Learn from your mentors, share your knowledge and advocate for what you believe in!” And she’s living by her own advice.
This March, Dominique will exemplify her advice as a member of the The University of Olivet Alumnae Panel at the third annual Cultivating Women Leaders (CWL) event March 22. Under the theme Together We Rise, the event will inspire and equip young women to embrace their inner strength and realize their potential as responsible leaders.
From the Beginning
Dominique originally came to The University of Olivet as an international student from Windsor, Ontario to study psychology and English. As a student, she took advantage of numerous opportunities to learn and grow, including serving as captain of the women’s soccer team, Psi Chi president and a resident adviser, and as a member of the Global Citizen Honors Society, President’s Leadership Institute and the OC ATHENA International Leadership Program. The result: Dominique knew she had the tools, skills and confidence to be a leader. After graduating, Dominique even had the assurance to move to County Kildare, Ireland, volunteering at a Camphill Community to provide direct care for adults living with special needs.
Dominique’s involvement with Cultivating Women Leaders stems from its inception. In fact, Dominique even served on the planning committee for the inaugural event before joining the first ATHENA International Women’s Leadership Institute cohort as well.
“I am honored to be able to see the growth of CWL — our first meeting in the Pyne Pavilion of August 2016 still runs in my head,” Dominique explained. “To be a speaker at our third event is humbling because I am still learning more about myself as a person. At the event, my hope is to help young girls and women navigate their next step in life, while also having fun realizing their potential and all of the things they can accomplish. I am excited to reflect on what I will learn and take away from this year’s event, too.”
Proud to be a Mentor
Dominique credits her own passion and self-confidence to having strong role models during her time developing as a leader.
“I am passionate about women’s leadership and the advancement of women because I have been gifted with amazing role models growing up,” Dominique emphasized. “I believe that I need to be my best self in order to now help those younger than me and continue learning from those who have taught me so much. By learning and sharing, we can stand together to accomplish small or large goals in any setting in this world.”
As Dominique understands the strong influence she can have on developing leaders, she is charged to give back. In County Kildare, Dominique also volunteers as a youth soccer coach. While the team welcomes both girls and boys to participate, Dominique notices the girls often feel out of place.
“I’ve noticed that there are only two or three girls who show up to play regularly with the boys. I try to focus on developing their confidence and leadership on the field,” Dominique said. “I’ve also been able to exercise almost every ATHENA principle learned from WLI when working with my adult residents. I live with four women and have had many opportunities to promote confidence, advocacy and courage. Without knowledge of the ATHENA model, I would be navigating this adventure blindly.”
Save the Date: March 22
As CWL approaches, Dominique is preparing for her transition from attendee to presenter, joining the set of role models she looks up to. She already has a message to share.
“I wish young women knew that it is okay not to be like the others,” Dominique said. “At a very young age, I remember my mom telling me that sometimes it is better to stand alone than with others. I wish young women knew that being ‘too loud’ or ‘too quiet’ is a good thing. I also wish young women knew that you can learn from everyone, in the bad situations and the good, as there is so much to learn from every experience we encounter.”
Dominique is looking forward to sharing more of her inspiration and motivation with developing female leaders during her Alumnae Panel Presentation at the third annual Cultivating Women Leaders Event March 22. Registration is open now — reserve your spot!