Dominique Drakeford
Meet Dominique Drakeford @dominiquedrakeford. Mother & Cultural Sustainability Vanguard.
Dominique Drakeford is a mother, a non-traditional environmental justice educator, writer, independent researcher and creative storyteller. Who has been a leader in reimagining sustainability for the past 15+ years. Her traditional education tenure includes a BA in Business Environmental Management and an MA from NYU in Sustainable Entrepreneurship & Fashion.
As an impact influencer, Dominique Drakeford has spoken at over 30 domestic/international events and conferences. Collaborated with over 50 global brands to inspire others to unapologetically create new dimensions and definitions for sustainable living! From 2016-2022, she was the chief curator of MelaninASS (Melanin And Sustainable Style). The first internationally recognized online platform to disrupt the white washing of mainstream sustainability. By amplifying the voices of Black & brown vanguards across sustainable fashion, beauty and wellness.
In continuing to challenge sustainability discourse – Dominique Drakeford collaborated with one of the top ethical fashion podcast’s (Conscious Chatter) in 2020. Co-producing The ROOT: DECOLONIZING THE SUSTAINABLE FASHION AGENDA. A special edition 5-part podcast with 100% Black and POC guests across the fashion supply chain. Additionally, Dominique is the co-founder of SUSTAINABLE BROOKLYN working to bridge the gap between the mainstream sustainability space and targeted communities.
IRK: Dominique, what are you most passionate about with respect to taking care of people and the planet?
Dominique: As a soon-to-be mother of 2 – motherhood has shaped a new found passion in me as it relates to the ideology of care. Taking care of people and planet has become so much more tribal and circular. Heavily defined by understanding how we as humans are tethered to each other and our local and global environments. I’m deeply passionate about the safety of Blackness (as we exist in an anti-Black sphere), joy, well-being, healing and preservation of culture and biosphere.
IRK: What are some conscious actions you implement in your daily life?
Dominique: Being a Mother. Non-traditional environmental justice education and content creation. Sustainable fashion / Secondhand curation. Gardening/ Growing Food & Composting. Upcycling.
IRK: What’s Dominique Drakeford’s hope for the future of the planet?
Dominique: DeColonization & Eco-Reparations for Descendants of African Enslaves folks. Black and Brown Indigenous / Afro Indigenous leadership across local and global strategic development avenues of power and leadership.
IRK: What Sustainable Development Goal do you align with the most? (https://sdgs.un.org/goals)
Dominique: Goal 16: Peace, Justice & Strong Institutions.
