The Atlanta Falcons have partnered with Truist for a weekly series designed to help fans get to know the limited partners of the franchise.
Over the next 11 weeks, AtlantaFalcons.com will publish a Q&A with one of the 11 limited partners of the Atlanta Falcons. In these discussions, the limited partners share advice for navigating the world of business, their favorite Atlanta Falcons memories and so much more.
This week, Dominique Dawes shares her answers.
Dominique Dawes
Dawes is a three-time Olympic gymnast (Barcelona '92, Atlanta '96, Sydney '00), Olympic Gold Medalist and Owner and CEO of the Dominique Dawes Gymnastics & Ninja Academies.
Dawes' passion has always been to educate and empower families, women and young girls on issues related to physical and mental health. She has been a national ambassador for a number of non-profits and corporations. Dawes served as the co-chair of the President's Council for Fitness, Sports and Nutrition from 2010-16.
She is a newly elected member of the Maryland State Athletic Hall of Fame, Fall 2023. Dawes holds her degree from the University of Maryland/College Park and was inducted into UMD's prestigious Hall of Fame in 2022.
In 2024, her hometown of Montgomery County, Maryland will honor her career and legacy with a life size statue to continue inspiring the next generation to follow in her footsteps.
Why did you want to become a limited partner in the Atlanta Falcons organization?
After winning gold at the 1996 Summer Olympics, Atlanta has always felt like a second home to me and when the opportunity to be an LP with the Falcons organization presented itself, I could not pass up this opportunity. Having a chance to re-connect with the city of Atlanta and to join an ownership group that strives to win on and off the field is something that I am passionate about.
What is your favorite Atlanta Falcons related memory?
I have so many memories of the Atlanta Falcons throughout the years, but the most recent three comeback wins, vs. Philadelphia, New Orleans and Tampa Bay were incredible. I love the grit and perseverance that our team showed on the field. For me, the best part is creating these new memories every game day with my four kids cheering alongside me.
When you look back at your career, what is something that makes you the most proud?
Many would say that being a trailblazer, or a gold medalist or a three-time olympian, but I would say what makes me most proud, is that after my fall in the 1996 Olympic games in Atlanta on the floor exercise, I gained grit, resiliency and perseverance. I learned that if I get knocked down in life, I will get up even stronger than before.
What makes the city of Atlanta special?
For me it's the people, the culture, the energy and diversity. Also, having thousands of people come up and tell me where they were when I won gold in 1996 at the Olympic Games in Atlanta, is also very powerful because of the impact I had on so many people's lives. Having a few bricks with my name etched in them in Centennial Olympic Park is really cool, as well.
Who have been your biggest personal and professional influences?
My biggest personal influence is my Catholic faith. The sacraments of my faith have provided me with direction, peace and strength during life's storms. It sustained me through a tough childhood home life and a toxic gymnastics environment, which was riddled with harsh coaches and abuse. It was lonely being at the top as a child in my sport of gymnastics, but I knew I was never alone, as God carried me during the toughest times.
I have had numerous professional influences throughout my years. I spend a great of time observing and listening to others, and I've learned what to do or what not to do from those influences around me. Years ago, as I was flying to a speaking engagement, I picked up a business article on Mr. Blank, and I was so inspired by his story of when one door unexpectedly closed on him in 1978, he then pursued his dream and started The Home Depot. Before I even met Mr. Blank, or became an LP with the Falcons ownership group, I would incorporate his story of resiliency and the importance of a healthy culture into my speeches. His story taught me that even though we will experience setbacks and rejection in life, it doesn't have to stop us from pursuing our dreams.
Who is your favorite player (Falcons or otherwise) of all time?
As a native of the D.C. area, in my early 20s I got to know and respect Darrell Green and his family from the former Washington Redskins. He is someone that was not only an exceptional athlete on the field but a true inspiration off the field. He taught me that faith and family should always be one's priority if you are striving to be happy and fulfilled.
