Dominique Dawes: Olympic Champion

Dominique Dawes is an Olympic icon, entrepreneur, and youth-development advocate whose leadership and legacy inspire healthier cultures, stronger communities, and a new generation of empowered athletes.

Highlights:
  • Olympic gold medalist and three-time Olympian
  • Owner of Dominique Dawes Gymnastics & Ninja Academies
  • Minority owner of the NWSL’s Washington Spirit
  • Co-chair of the President’s Council for Fitness, Sports and Nutrition

Formats:

Keynote speaker, Olympic champion, entrepreneur, and youth-development advocate.


Audience:

Corporate teams, youth organizations, sports associations, educational institutions, leadership events, and audiences focused on resilience, culture building, and empowerment.


Outcomes:
  1. A deeper understanding of building healthy, high-performing cultures
  2. Practical insights on resilience, character, and leading with integrity
  3. Inspiration to support youth, strengthen communities, and pursue purpose-driven excellence
Reading time: 2 min
Reviews: (5 reviews)
Rated 5 out of 5
  • Travels from: Clarksburg, MD
  • **Fee range: $20,001 - $35,000

Keynote Topics

Dominique Dawes won Olympic gold. But for her, success is so much more than medals and accolades: it’s something she worked hard to achieve everyday en route to Olympic glory.

Her journey in the sport of gymnastics lasted 18 years and in those years she stood strong on numerous podiums, leaving lasting impressions in the hearts of fans.

The podium was the destination, but the long-term goal? It’s the moments in between—what she calls the “journey”—that helped her realize the success that she was always striving for.

Overcoming the inevitable obstacles, challenges, and doubts are the moments in the journey that build the champion in Dawes.

Surrounding herself with the right team, developing the mindset to persevere and turning negative situations into life lessons is how Dawes realized Success Is a Journey, NOT a Destination

Dominique Dawes has worked with the American Heart Association as the spokesperson for the Choose to Move program for years, advancing their goal of informing everyone on how to combat cardiovascular disease.

In this keynote presentation, she focuses on the benefits of smart nutrition, everyday exercise, and commonsense core habits that each of us can implement to avoid the number one killer of women: cardiovascular disease.

Building a solid foundation was one of the keys to Dawes’ success. Her emphasis on a solid foundation touches on multiple areas: from healthy lifestyle choices to developing positive self-esteem where she addresses issues such as peer pressures, productive attitudes, and values.

The audience will walk away empowered, motivated, and, more importantly, clear on what it takes to build a strong foundation worthy of your dreams.

ENVISION is an acronym for the 8 principles that helped Dawes become successful in and out of the athletic arena.

She crafts this speech specifically to motivate and empower the audience to envision greatness in their own lives. The core focuses are passion, plan, and perseverance.

Determination, Dedication, Desire D-3 became Dawes’ personal motto when she was an Olympic athlete in the making. Fatigue, frustration, and loss of focus was common is such a perfectionist sport.

D-3 kept Dawes focused on what was going to allow her to stay on the path to success. She paints a vivid picture of moments in the gymnastics arena where D-3 inspired her to persevere through setbacks and struggles, sacrifices and insecurities, en route to Olympic Gold.

D-3 has become a staple in Dawes’ athletic and professional accomplishments. She inspires audiences to develop their own personal motto that will help define and direct them in life too!

Talent Short Bio

Dominique Dawes is a three-time Olympian, Olympic gold medalist, and one of the most influential figures in the history of American gymnastics. Known for her groundbreaking achievements as the first African American woman to win an individual Olympic medal in artistic gymnastics, she became a household name as part of the legendary “Magnificent Seven,” the 1996 U.S. women’s team that captured America’s first gold in the team event.

Beyond competition, Dominique has become a champion for athlete well-being, healthy training environments, and long-term youth development. As the owner of the Dominique Dawes Gymnastics & Ninja Academies, she is redefining what supportive, compassionate coaching looks like. Her academies were built to shift the culture of gymnastics toward safety, joy, confidence, and whole-person growth.

Dominique’s impact extends into sports leadership and public service. She served as co-chair of the President’s Council for Fitness, Sports and Nutrition under the Obama administration, is a minority owner of the Washington Spirit of the National Women’s Soccer League, and recently executive-produced the Emmy-nominated Peacock docu-series Golden, chronicling elite U.S. gymnasts preparing for Tokyo.

Owner of the Dominique Dawes Gymnastics & Ninja Academies, Dominique opened the gyms to continue her commitment to developing a healthy and compassionate culture in the sport of gymnastics.

Her first academy opened in the midst of a global pandemic, July 2020 and her second location is slated to open in early 2023. Dawes also holds minority ownership of the Washington Spirit of the National Women’s Soccer League, and served as the co-chair of the President’s Council for Fitness, Sports and Nutrition under the Obama administration alongside Drew Brees.

Alongside LeBron James and Maverick Carter, she recently served as Executive Producer of the Peacock docu-series “Golden”, the journey of USA’s elite gymnasts on the road to the Tokyo Olympics, which has been nominated for a Sports Emmy.

Dawes holds her degree from the University of Maryland and was inducted into UMD’s prestigious Hall of Fame in 2022. In 2023, 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.

As a wife, mother of four, Olympian and business owner, Dominique Dawes has transcended the world of sports, politics, entertainment and culture.

Dominique Dawes is a remarkable individual whose journey from a young gymnastics prodigy to an iconic Olympic athlete and beyond serves as an inspiring example of determination, perseverance, and excellence. Throughout her career, she shattered stereotypes, broke barriers, and demonstrated that with hard work and dedication, anyone can achieve greatness.

Beyond her achievements in gymnastics, Dominique Dawes has become an advocate for health, fitness, and youth empowerment. Her commitment to encouraging the next generation to dream big, work hard, and believe in themselves is a testament to her character and enduring influence.

As we reflect on Dominique Dawes’ legacy, we are reminded of the power of resilience, the importance of diversity and inclusion in sports, and the ability of individuals to make a positive impact on the lives of others. Dominique Dawes continues to inspire countless people to reach for the stars and to never give up on their dreams.

Her story is not only one of athletic triumph but also of the indomitable spirit that resides within each of us, waiting to break free and achieve greatness.

Contact us at Speakers Inc and follow us on  LinkedIn

Videos

Interest to Book? Send us your enquiry

Speaker Contact Form

Enquiry Form

Talent FAQ's

Speaker fees can vary depending on factors such as expertise, demand, and event specifics. While some speakers may charge a flat fee for their services, others may have hourly rates. It’s best to discuss fee structures directly with the speaker or their representative to understand the pricing model.

Keynote speeches typically range from 30 to 90 minutes, with the duration determined by the speaker’s expertise, the event’s agenda, and audience preferences. Keynote speeches often include a combination of inspirational stories, practical insights, and actionable advice tailored to the event’s theme or objectives.

The scale of the event and audience size can indeed impact a speaker’s fee. Larger events with a broader reach or higher attendance may command higher fees due to increased exposure and demand. Conversely, smaller events or niche audiences may offer opportunities for more flexible pricing arrangements.

Travel expenses such as transportation, accommodation, and meals are typically negotiated separately from the speaker’s fee. These costs vary depending on the speaker’s location, travel distance, and event duration. It’s important to clarify travel arrangements and expenses during the booking process to avoid misunderstandings.

Many speakers require a deposit to secure a booking, with the remaining balance due closer to the event date. Deposits are often non-refundable and serve as a commitment from both parties. It’s advisable to discuss deposit requirements and payment terms with the speaker or their representative when finalizing the booking.

  • Virtual speaking appearances are a cost-effective alternative to high speaking fees, often 10-50% cheaper than in-person rates.
  • There is typically no difference in fee for a 15-minute speech versus a 60-minute speech.
  • Some motivational speakers are open to discounting their fee if hired for more than one event by the same organization.
  • When browsing speakers, consider their location to keep travel costs down.
  • Personal connections to your organization or event location can increase your chances of securing a renowned speaker.
  • Be upfront about your needs and expectations to ensure a successful partnership.
  • Speaker bureaus like Speakers Inc help guide you through the booking process to negotiate the best deal with favorable terms.

Ready to find the perfect speaker for your event? Use our advanced search feature or contact us to get started today!

Talent Resources

Talent resources available for download

In order to view the below you must be logged in.

  • Powerpoint Slide – For meeting and event planners
  • Gallery Images
  • High Resolution Images
  • PDF Files
  • Books and Magazine Links
  • Music List
  • Podcast Shows
  • Courses
  • + more
Was this profile helpful?

View further speakers

  • (35)
Janet-Palmore-2

Janet Palmore is a powerhouse in security, integrity, and leadership. As the founder of WISE Risk Advisers LLC and a retired Special Agent of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Janet brings a riveting blend of real-world experience, expert knowledge, and transformative leadership to the stage. Her message resonates with corporate audiences, law enforcement professionals, […]

  • Travels from: San Francisco, CA
  • Negotiation Speakers
  • (14)
Bjørn Heyerdahl

Bjørn Heyerdahl is more than just an explorer or environmentalist. He embodies the legacy of his lineage, stretching back to the iconic Viking era, and channels it into a modern narrative of sustainability, adventure, and humanitarianism. As an internationally recognized speaker and consultant, Bjørn Heyerdahl brings a unique blend of ancestral wisdom, personal grit, and […]

  • Travels from: Toronto, ON
  • Motivational Speakers
  • (12)
Cam Marston | What's Working

Cam Marston is an author, advisor, radio talk show host, and top-rated keynote speaker on the trends shaping the workplace and marketplace. His presentations are informative, engaging, humorous, and full of concrete research that is tailored to his audience. Cam enlivens the data with anecdotes, tales from the real business world, attention-grabbing visuals, and quips […]

  • Travels from: Mobile, AL
  • Business Speakers
  • (38)
Mario Lopez

Mario Lopez, an acclaimed television host, actor, and bestselling author, is widely recognized for his captivating presence and charismatic personality. From his breakthrough role as A.C. Slater on the hit TV series Saved by the Bell to becoming the face of various high-profile entertainment programs, Mario has built a formidable reputation as a seasoned professional […]

  • Travels from: Los Angeles, CA
  • Celebrity Emcees
  • (25)
Rachel Tucker

Rachel Tucker is a multifaceted individual whose life’s purpose revolves around empowering women and mothers to embrace their full potential. As a mother of four and a devoted wife, she understands the intricacies of balancing family responsibilities while pursuing personal and professional goals. Rachel’s journey as a passionate coach and advocate for holistic well-being has […]

  • Travels from: Troy, OH
  • Religious Speakers
  • (95)
Richard Fowler

Richard Fowler is the nationally syndicated radio host of The Richard Fowler Show, a Fox News Channel contributor and democratic messaging and millennial engagement expert. Positioned at the intersection of news, politics and the cultural issues facing everyday Americans, Richard’s fresh style and non-traditional spin on populism have taken audiences by storm. He pushes all […]

  • Travels from: Washington, DC
  • Journalism Speakers
  • (8)
Deirdre Van Nest

Deirdre Van Nest is the undisputed, go-to expert in the insurance and financial services industry on the topic of speaking! She is the creator of the Crazy Good Talks™ Blueprint, a system that teaches financial professionals how to build their brands and bring in business through the power of speaking. She is the host of […]

  • Travels from: Edina, MN
  • Finance Speakers
  • (30)
Theron Schaub

Theron Schaub is not just a magician; he is a master of creating unforgettable experiences that leave audiences both astonished and inspired. With a career spanning over two decades, Theron has honed his craft to become one of the most sought-after magicians and mind readers in the world. His performances blend the art of illusion […]

  • Travels from: San Jose, CA
  • Magicians
Disclaimer
The profiles and images embedded on these pages are from various conference entertainers and other talent.

These remain the property of its owner and are not affiliated with or endorsed by Speakers Inc.

Fee ranges where listed on this website are intended to serve as a guideline only.

All talent fees exclude VAT, travel and accommodation where required.

Subscribe to our Newsletter and get connected:

Your subscription could not be saved. Please try again.
Your subscription has been successful.

Newsletter

Subscribe to our newsletter and stay updated.

We use Brevo as our marketing platform. By submitting this form you agree that the personal data you provided will be transferred to Brevo for processing in accordance with Brevo's Privacy Policy.

Our Mission:

We are your partner creating memorable and engaging experiences that go beyond the event itself.

© All rights reserved 2025.  Designed using Voxel

Speakers Inc Logo 2024
Privacy Overview

This website uses cookies so that we can provide you with the best user experience possible. Cookie information is stored in your browser and performs functions such as recognising you when you return to our website and helping our team to understand which sections of the website you find most interesting and useful.