Her Story
About Dorothy
Dorothy Brannigan, Ed.S., is an accomplished educator, counselor, educational leader, and children’s author with more than 25 years of experience in public education. She currently serves as Administrative Dean at Orange Technical College South Campus within Orange County Public Schools, where she has spent the past decade supporting students, educators, and the broader school community. Her career began in criminal justice as a juvenile probation officer and correctional officer before transitioning into education and counseling.
Dorothy holds a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice from Florida A&M University, a Master of Science in Counseling Psychology from Troy University, and an Educational Specialist degree in Educational Leadership and Administration from Nova Southeastern University. She is certified in Educational Leadership K–12 and Guidance Counseling K–12, with a specialization in exceptional education. Her professional expertise includes leadership, mentoring, counseling, educational administration, and supporting exceptional learners.
Beyond her professional career, Dorothy is passionate about writing, travel, reading, and spending time with family. She is the creator of The Zoe Collection and author of Zoe & Ace: The Magic in Being Me, a children’s book celebrating identity, self-acceptance, and emotional well-being. She has also created The Zoe Parenting Companion, an eight-module parenting resource focused on connection, resilience, and growth, reflecting her commitment to helping children and families feel seen, valued, and empowered.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Dorothy
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to my family’s strong legacy of education, service, and advocacy. I grew up surrounded by educators and community leaders, including my mother, who was the first Black principal in Seminole County, and my father, a retired Army lieutenant colonel. My grandparents also dedicated their lives to serving others as a dentist and nurse. Their commitment to education, service, and activism shaped my values and continues to inspire me.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I’ve received is to be coachable. Education and experience are important, but transformational leaders remain open to learning, feedback, and different perspectives. I remind myself that I don’t know everything, so staying humble, receptive, and willing to grow has been essential to my success.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to young women is to never stop learning and growing. Pursue education, certifications, and professional development, and don’t be afraid to take opportunities when they arise. Seek out strong mentors and transformational leaders who will challenge, support, and guide you. Most importantly, stay open to growth and have the confidence to step into new opportunities.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest challenges in vocational education is navigating a traditionally male-dominated field. As a woman and a Black professional, I’ve sometimes been the only woman or minority in the room, which can come with stereotypes and unique challenges. However, I see these experiences as opportunities to help create greater representation and encourage more women and diverse voices to succeed in the field.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values that matter most to me are faith, integrity, hard work, and dedication. I believe in staying true to myself, treating others with respect, and consistently giving my best in both my professional and personal life.
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