Her Story
About Domonique
Domonique Cooper is a nonprofit and community leader serving as Chief Executive Officer of Atlanta CASA, Inc., where she leads efforts to advocate for children in foster care and strengthen outcomes for children and families across Fulton County. With more than a decade of nonprofit experience and nearly two years as CEO, Cooper focuses on strategic organizational growth, community collaboration, partnership development, volunteer engagement, funding diversification, and expanding awareness of Atlanta CASA's mission. Her leadership is grounded in a people-centered and empathetic approach, with an emphasis on building sustainable systems, strengthening relationships, and creating meaningful opportunities for communities to engage in child advocacy.
Cooper's educational background includes a Bachelor's Degree in Criminology and Social Deviance with a minor in Forensic Psychology from Notre Dame of Maryland University, a Master's Degree in Human Services with a concentration in Social and Community Services from Capella University, and an Educational Leadership Certificate from Harvard Graduate School of Education. Her professional and community involvement extends beyond her executive role. She is the founder of PEACE Gwinnett, serves as Chairwoman of the DBHDD Region 3 Advisory Council, and is a board member of FortSafety, Inc. She has also served as an emeritus trustee with the National Multiple Sclerosis Society's Georgia chapter and has been actively involved with organizations including Kiwanis International, Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated, the Junior League of Atlanta, National PTA, Georgia PTA, and NAFSCE.
A passionate advocate, community connector, and author, Cooper is committed to creating opportunities for children, families, and communities to thrive. She has authored multiple books, including My Animal Alphabet Appetite and Community Connector: 8 Strategies for Effective Engagement and Collaboration, and has received recognition for her service and leadership, including the President's Volunteer Service Award — Gold Level, recognition as a 2026 Gwinnett Chamber Moxie Awards finalist, and selection as a 2027 Woman of Valor honoree. She attributes much of her success to the strength and persistence instilled by the women in her family and approaches leadership with a commitment to hard work, accountability, authenticity, and challenging the status quo. Through her work at Atlanta CASA and across the community, she continues to build partnerships, empower others, and create stronger systems of advocacy and support for children and families.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Domonique
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to the strong women in my family and the values they instilled in me from an early age. I grew up surrounded by women who encouraged me to do more, challenge the status quo, and remain persistent regardless of the circumstances. Coming from Baltimore, Maryland, also shaped my perspective and contributed to the grit, determination, and resilience that I bring to everything I do. My upbringing, family structure, environment, and commitment to perseverance have all played an important role in shaping the leader I am today.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I have received is to not tiptoe around others simply to make them comfortable. That advice has encouraged me to lead authentically, speak with confidence, and remain true to my values even when doing so requires challenging conventional thinking. I believe effective leadership requires the courage to be honest, intentional, and willing to have difficult conversations when they are necessary to move people and organizations forward.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to young women entering the industry is to exceed their own expectations and make themselves their own competition. Every day presents a new opportunity to grow, learn, improve, and accomplish more than they did the day before. I encourage the next generation to remain committed to their goals, keep their foot on the gas, and never limit themselves based on what others believe is possible. Focus on becoming a stronger version of yourself rather than competing with everyone around you.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest challenges in the nonprofit sector is finding diversified and sustainable ways to fund organizations, particularly within the current funding environment. At the same time, there are tremendous opportunities to increase visibility, build stronger partnerships, and connect with more individuals and organizations that can support the mission. One of the greatest opportunities is being able to bring the organization's mission and vision into more spaces and introduce our work to people who may not yet understand how they can contribute. The challenge is that there are never enough hours in the day to reach every person, organization, and potential partner who could become part of the work.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
One of the values that is most important to me is keeping my word. I have tremendous respect for people who are dependable and follow through on their commitments. Hard work is also extremely important to me, and I value people who are diligent, dedicated, and willing to put in the effort necessary to accomplish their goals. Finally, I deeply appreciate people who do not make excuses for their circumstances. I believe accountability, perseverance, reliability, and a strong work ethic are essential both professionally and personally.
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