Meet Stella Rose Dugue | Youth Organizer, Published Author, and Clothing Designer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Stella Rose Dugue and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Stella Rose, how do you think about risk?
Risk-taking is essential in getting to the next level. I look at risk-taking the same way I think about hitting lofty goals; if it were easy, everyone would do it. I would consider risk-taking to be a skill that everyone doesn’t have naturally. Some people go for the gusto by nature. It’s how they are wired. Because of that, risk-takers have the capacity to win big if they bet on themselves. I haven’t heard one story of a self-made millionaire who didn’t have to take a big risk to make it where they are. They have nerves of steel. They believe in themselves and what they have to offer, even if no one else sees their vision.

I took a big risk leaving the world of education with no real plan. I felt a pull that was greater than what I was currently doing and I knew that I couldn’t figure that out while in the rat race. There was no time to make things happen. When I left my job and was offered another position in a school that seemed like a great fit, I had to turn it down. It was one of the hardest things I ever done. A guaranteed $85,000 was all I wanted at one point in my life, but deep down inside I knew I was worth more. I took the risk and bet on myself. I have zero regrets.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I currently work at the Center for Children’s Advocacy as a Youth Organizer. CCA is a law firm that represents children in the areas of immigration, education, homelessness, and other areas of child advocacy. I am the coordinator for their Speak Up program. I have the pleasure of working with teens on advocacy. Our main focus is juvenile justice but we advocate in areas of education and for the overall betterment of our community. We work alongside legislators and bring the youth voice to areas where youth are not normally seen. We feel like laws are made without the input of those who are most impacted and we seek to elevate youth voices in these spaces.

Getting to where I am was not easy at all. I worked in some difficult spaces with difficult people doing difficult things. At times I thought I wouldn’t survive, but I did and it made me sharp. I had no choice but to learn how to be efficient, while still delivering excellence to my students. When I left the world of education and applied to work at a law firm, I had all the skills necessary to be successful in an industry that I was not familiar with. My current boss is a legend in my state so the expectations are high. It feels great to know I can find success wherever I go because of my past work experiences. I feel like if I could survive there, I can thrive anywhere.

I also run a non-profit, Athletes R Us with my husband. We work with athletes and families to maximize their potential both on and off the fields and courts. Our greatest mission is to open up doors of opportunities for athletes to have access to prep schools through scholarships so they can compete not just in sports, but also in life.

What sets me apart from others is my commitment to excellence and my character and integrity. Many times people have some of those traits but not all. Integrity in all things is my motto. I don’t believe in shortcuts in any way shape or form. I believe that’s like building a house on sand. It might go up quickly, but give it some time. It will sink.

All of my work excites me. I am called to inspire young people and help families reach their goals. There is no greater feeling than helping others fulfill dreams.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
CT is not known for its excitment lol but you can always have a good time when you are with the right people. Whenever we have family from out of town we eat at one of the many Jamaican restaurants in the capital city. Hartford has a high West Indian population so the jerk chicken, roti, and curry chicken is always on deck. My family usually goes to Dunn’s River or Benjies as our go-to’s. A great night spot to get Jamaican food with good atmosphere is the Russell downtown.

CT has beautiful wineries and it’s an absolute must in the summertime. Summertime vibes are always great in Hartford. There are many events downtown at the Riverfront from the Jerk Festival to the Puerto Rican Parades and the Dragonboat races. Summertime is my favorite time in CT.

I’m a UConn Husky, so visiting campus for a basketball or football game is always a good time, and they have the BEST icecream. People travel from all over the state to get some.

New Haven CT is not our capital city but the nightlife there is amazing because of YALE and the other college campuses in the area. I’m a fan of the food spots too. It’s about 45 min outside of New York City, so you get the flavor there, in food, shopping, and people.

One of the best things about CT is that it’s two hours from Boston and Manhattan. You’re never too far from anything and if you’re willing to take that drive, the world is at your fingertips!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
My first shoutout is to my LORD and Savior Jesus Christ. I would be able to do nothing without His grace, power, and mercy. I read my bible daily and it gives me the wisdom to stay on the right path.

I also have to shoutout my husband. He has encouraged me to shoot for my dreams. He supports my goals in every way possible and did not blink an eye when I told him I was ready to leave my job.

I’ve had many mentors along the way who played the part I needed during that particular season of my life. Dr. Robert Colbert was a former professor who saw something special in me and invested in my growth. He connected me with Dr. Erik Hines to do research that was eventually published in a Education Journal. That was a moment that planted the seed for me to write my own book.

I also want to thank Dominque Edmonds, CEO of EmpoWord Publishing Worldwide and my book coach Clay Morris. They saw my vision and helped me to see it through.

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