Her Story
About Renita
Renita Allen Dawson is the Vice President for Workforce Continuing Education and Community Engagement at Wayne Community College, where she leads the college's workforce development, continuing education, adult education, and community engagement initiatives. In this executive role, she oversees all short-term, non-degree workforce training programs designed to strengthen the regional workforce, support local employers, and expand educational opportunities for individuals seeking career advancement or new employment pathways. With more than 30 years of experience in workforce development and the North Carolina Community College System, she is widely recognized for building collaborative partnerships among business, industry, government, and community organizations to promote economic development and lifelong learning. In addition to her leadership at Wayne Community College, Dawson serves as Chief Consultant for Dawson Training & Consulting, providing professional development in leadership, workforce readiness, customer service, soft skills, business etiquette, and organizational development. Throughout her career, Dawson has been a passionate advocate for workforce inclusion and community empowerment. One of the initiatives she values most is the Wayne County Reentry Council, which helps individuals successfully transition back into their communities following incarceration by connecting them with education, employment, and support services. Since expanding the college's reentry efforts in 2021, she has helped strengthen programs that provide second-chance opportunities while building upon longstanding community outreach initiatives, including adult literacy and high school equivalency education. Prior to joining Wayne Community College, Dawson spent many years at James Sprunt Community College, where she held leadership roles in adult education, workforce training, and human resources development. She earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with a concentration in Marketing Management from East Carolina University and is a graduate of Leadership North Carolina. Her leadership philosophy has been profoundly influenced by her mother, an educator and teacher assistant who instilled the value of education and perseverance, ensuring her daughters attended college despite limited financial resources. Dawson frequently credits her mother's example of resilience, service, and lifelong learning as the foundation of her own professional success. Beyond her executive responsibilities, Dawson remains deeply engaged in civic leadership and community service. She serves as president of her sorority foundation, which provides scholarships and educational opportunities for young women, and actively supports organizations including the Wayne County Literacy Council and Community Supporting Schools. She is also involved in numerous professional and nonprofit organizations dedicated to education, workforce development, and community advancement. A firm believer in mentorship and servant leadership, Dawson encourages young women entering the workforce and education sectors to cultivate strong professional networks, embrace opportunities outside their comfort zones, and consistently present themselves with confidence, professionalism, and preparedness. Her commitment to expanding access to education, promoting economic mobility, and creating pathways to success continues to make a lasting impact on individuals, families, and communities throughout North Carolina.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Renita
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute much of my success to my mother, whose strength, resilience, and unwavering commitment to education shaped the foundation of my personal and professional life. As an educator and teacher assistant raising our family as a single parent, she made even the most difficult circumstances appear manageable while ensuring that education remained our highest priority. Despite the limited resources available during the 1970s and 1980s, she was determined that her daughters would attend college and pursue opportunities that would create a brighter future. Her example instilled in me the values of perseverance, discipline, service, and lifelong learning. Even today, at 80 years old, she continues to support our work, reflecting the same dedication, work ethic, and servant leadership that have inspired me throughout my career.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
As I was being promoted to the division where I currently serve, a well-respected business leader shared a flyer he made for me to take to my new office with the letters YCGBSBYD on it. He shared that these letters stood for, "You can get by sitting behind your desk." This was great advice as it is a reminder to get out of the office and spend time with my people. Getting out among your colleagues is where you see what is really going on day to day and one way to build relationships. I still have this flyer where I can see it daily.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to young women entering this field is to prioritize building meaningful professional relationships and never underestimate the power of networking. Be willing to step into spaces that may feel unfamiliar or uncomfortable, because those environments often provide the greatest opportunities for growth and visibility. Always present yourself with confidence, professionalism, and authenticity, while continuing to invest in your education and personal development. Stay prepared in your appearance, knowledge, and skills so that when opportunities arise, you are ready to seize them without hesitation. Success often comes to those who consistently show up, remain committed to excellence, and are prepared before opportunity knocks.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
Funding is a challenge in some areas. As we look at the national landscape and changes to the Department of Education, there is a great deal of uncertainty in post-secondary education. One of the greatest opportunities lies with the focus on short-term training which is the area I am responsible for. Organizations and businesses are realizing that a degree is not necessary for every field and narrowing down ways to get talent into the workforce pipleline sooner. It lessens costs for students and gets them on their way to a career. It is an exciting time for workforce programs.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
I value integrity, honesty, and fairness in all areas of my life. I try to operate by these things and I believe these values have helped me to be where I am today. I treat people like I want to be treated and encourage others to do the same. At the end of the day I can rest well knowing have been true to myself and others around me.
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