Dominique Irvin

SR. Research & Innovation Consultant

Dominique

Curious Communicator. Bibliophile. Tea Lover. Queen of Getting Things Done.

What do you do?

Why do people do the things they do? Say the things they say? Feel the way they do? I’ve always been intrigued by the uniqueness of people and what makes them tick. I love a good story and everyone has one. And I’ve enjoyed shaping stories for people and brands for over a decade. I meet needs and solve problems by uncovering the deeper human insights that drive behavior.

What's your background?

All things communications, marketing, and project management. Born and raised in New Orleans, I stayed local-ish and went to Northwestern State University in northern Louisiana where I earned a bachelor’s in journalism/public relations. After a brief stint in public relations, I discovered negative temperatures in Illinois while attending Northwestern University where I lived on little sleep and Red Bull to finish a master’s in integrated marketing communications. As a RIVA-trained moderator (who occasionally dabbles in quant) I’ve conducted research in various aspects of health care, entertainment, robotics, shipping, retail, and fitness.

Favorite book, quote or song?

Quotes:
“I have been in Sorrow’s kitchen and licked out all the pots. Then I have stood on the peaky mountain wrapped in rainbows, with a harp and sword in my hands.” 
& 
“If you are silent about your pain, they’ll kill you and say you enjoyed it.”
-Zora Neale Hurston

Books: 
Paradise - Toni Morrison 
Devil in the White City - Erik Larson
Anything by Steve Berry

Songs:
No Ordinary Love - Sade
Whenever, Wherever, Whatever - Maxwell 
Daydreaming - Aretha Franklin
In Your Eyes - Peter Gabriel 

Something you’ve written or found inspiring?

Me: 
The sky is gray and the way is long 
And is filled with heartache and fear 
The road is concealed with remnants of wrongs 
But I can see happiness from here  

Inspiring: 
The unexpected kindness of strangers. The determination of a toddler who’s been told “no.” Random quotes and stories from Maya Angelou’s Facebook page. The overall resilience of people to overcome adversity.