Who to Watch: Dawn C. Collins

Dawn C. Collins is an East Baton Rouge Parish School Board member and community advocate. The Lee High School graduate and Baton Rouge native, is a governor’s appointee to the East Baton Rouge Parish Board of Elections Supervisors. She began her professional career at Louisiana Department of Health where she was responsible for program-related data management. A grassroots organizer, Collins, who is 42, gives data-driven strategic consultation to campaigns and handles government affairs and training programs for non-profit organizations.
Moves made from 2015 to 2017: Was elected to public service on the East Baton Rouge School Board, District 4, on March 6,2016.
What to expect in 2018 from you: I will be fighting for teacher and support staff pay raises in order to retain and attract the best educators for our children. Several community-wide events are on the horizon that will not only galvanize support for schools but help develop a sense of togetherness on this side of North Baton Rouge. We have tremendous community assets, and we should celebrate them.
Personal resolution: Seize the Day.
Life/business motto: Integrity. PERIOD.
Business resolution: Uplift community.
What is your #1 priority right now? Getting re-elected to School Board so that I can keep fighting for progress in our schools.
Best advice you’ve ever received? Breathe
Role Models: My humble mother, Yolanda Castle Chanet; State Representative Patricia Haynes Smith; and political guru, Ben Jeffers
What has been a deciding moment or an experience that pushed you forward? A very bad experience when my children were in elementary school compelled me to be an education advocate.
What music are you listening/dancing to? “Best of Me” by Anthony Hamilton and “Really Love” by De’Angelo
What are you reading? “The Originals” by Adam Grant
What’s entertaining you? “Queen Sugar” – The depth of each character is amazing, plus I absolutely love Violet and Hollywood›s relationship. Also, Netflix’s “Black Mirror” – It’s so on point in so many ways.
Website: DawnChanetCollins.com
Social media: facebook.com/littleorganizerthatcould
@DDCollins76 on both Twitter and Instagram ℜ