Her Story
About Trenice
Trenice Cooper is the Deputy Director for Operations at Whitney Plantation, a nonprofit museum located in Wallace, Louisiana, dedicated to educating visitors about the history and experiences of enslaved Africans on the German Coast while restoring their identities through historical interpretation, storytelling, and community engagement. Since joining Whitney Plantation in 2022, Trenice has played an integral role in advancing the organization’s mission through operational leadership, program development, staff engagement, and strategic initiatives. She has helped establish standard operating procedures, strengthen internal processes, foster a collaborative workplace culture, and contribute to a significant transformation in employee morale and organizational effectiveness.
With a background in nonprofit operations, community partnerships, education, and leadership development, Trenice brings a passion for creating meaningful experiences that connect history, culture, and community. She has led and supported impactful initiatives, including Whitney Plantation’s Juneteenth Freedom Festival: Let Freedom Reign, where she coordinated strategic planning, stakeholder partnerships, event execution, and community programming. She also organized a powerful Juneteenth panel discussion featuring civil rights leader Dr. Leona Tate and other influential voices, an event captured through the storytelling and media work of St. Augustine High School students. Through her leadership, Trenice continues to create opportunities for dialogue, education, and reflection while honoring the legacy of those who came before.
Trenice’s commitment to her work is deeply connected to the self-awareness and purpose she developed through her experiences at Whitney Plantation. She credits the stories of her ancestors’ strength, resilience, and perseverance as a source of inspiration that transformed her professional motivation from personal achievement to preserving and honoring a greater legacy. Guided by principles of truth, grace, adaptability, and service, she encourages others to embrace continuous growth and purpose-driven leadership. Drawing from the advice of a mentor who reminded her that “tired is for the weak and the weary” and that comfort can signal the end of pursuing the next chapter, Trenice remains committed to lifelong learning, meaningful impact, and building stronger communities through intentional leadership.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Trenice
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to a deeper sense of purpose and connection to my heritage. Earlier in my career, my motivation was primarily focused on financial achievement, but my experience at Whitney Plantation has transformed my perspective. Through my work in history and preservation, I have developed a greater awareness and appreciation for the strength, resilience, and perseverance of my ancestors and the sacrifices they endured. Their stories have become a source of inspiration and have strengthened my commitment to meaningful work that honors their legacy. Today, my drive comes from a desire to continue building, serving, and creating impact in a way that reflects the courage and determination of those who came before me.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
One of the best pieces of career advice I have ever received came from a mentor who reminded me, “Tired is for the weak and the weary.” Her message was not about avoiding hard work, but about maintaining the drive, resilience, and determination to keep growing. She also taught me the importance of never becoming too comfortable, because comfort can prevent us from pursuing new opportunities and reaching the next chapter of our journey. That advice has stayed with me throughout my career, and I share the same message with my team, especially the women I mentor: continue challenging yourself, embrace growth, and never stop striving toward your next level of purpose and success.
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