Dominique got started in gymnastics at the age of 6 and began competing at the age of 10. She burst into the international spotlight in the 1992 Olympics in Barcelona, Spain. Dominique was the first African American gymnast to ever qualify and compete in an Olympic Games. At these Games she and her teammates captured a bronze medal. Since then Dominique has won more National Championship medals than any other athlete, male or female, as well as four World Championship medals. One of Dominique’s greatest accomplishments came when she swept all four events and won the All Around title at the 1994 National Championships.

At the 1996 Olympic Games Dominique and the United States Gymnastics Team stole the hearts of Americans with their team gold medal. At those same Games, “Awesome Dawesome” (as she is known by her coach and teammates) became the first African-American to win an individual gymnastics medal with her bronze on the floor. Following her triumphs at the Olympics, Dominique appeared on the Wheaties cereal box, performed in a music video by Prince (Betcha by Golly Wow), and acted on a number of television shows. Dominique has also appeared on Broadway in the hit musical Grease, where she played the part of Patty Simcox.

As a result of her determination and ability, Dominique has received several awards including the 1995 Henry P. Iba Citizen Award, presented annually to two outstanding athletes who have demonstrated good citizenship, the winner of the 1997 Essence Award, one of four nominees for the 1997/1998 Nickelodeon Kid Choice award, and more recently the recipient of the 2004 AAUW “Women of Distinction” award.

Dominique is a graduate of the University of Maryland, College Park. While she was a full-time student she remained focused and committed to her multiple career opportunities. Due to her drive and dedication Dominique is becoming a renowned public speaker, focusing on multiple issues including, but not limited to, health issues, sports participation, equality (African American/Women’s rights), and self-esteem.

Dominique enjoys being a spokesperson for many organizations and campaigns. Dominique often focuses appearances on youth and women's’ health issues and women’s participation in sports for organizations such as the Boys & Girls Clubs of America and other projects run by corporations. She has spoken at presidential inaugural events, Women’s National Sports Day, school graduations, military functions, corporate events, Women’s Sports Foundation engagements, local political events, Girls Scouts of America functions, and gymnastics meets. Based upon her extremely wide range of experiences, Dominique clearly has the ability to appeal to many diverse audiences on multiple topics of interest.

For 6 years Dominique was the National spokesperson for the Girl Power campaign run by the Clinton administration. This campaign was designed to motivate and educate young girls about their potential in society. Many aspects to this program focused on self-esteem issues, peer pressure, and helping girls live a positive and healthy lifestyle. Faced with this responsibility Dominique communicated with many experts in the field of medicine, psychology and education. Dominique's Girl Power poster was distributed to many youth organizations and public schools nationally. She also ran television commercials, radio ads, and web site promotions. Adding to her relationship with the Clinton administration, Dominique and former President Bill Clinton teamed up to speak out on the dangers of drugs to the youth of America. Dominique and the former First Lady, now Senator Clinton spoke at an event in New York City that encouraged young girls to realize their full potential. Billie Jean King was among the other speakers at the event.

Continuing her commitment to helping today’s girls realize their full potential, Dominique has teamed up with Girl Scouts of the USA and Unilever to launch UNIQUELY ME! THE GIRL SCOUT/ UNILEVER SELF-ESTEEM PROGRAM. The goal of this national initiative is to address the effects of low self-esteem among girls ages 8-to-14, with a specific focus on those in under-represented communities. Dominique will share her unique experiences as a top athlete, distinguished citizen, and a positive television personality to inspire and empower girls to feel good about themselves and fulfill their dreams.

In DC’s pursuit of the Olympics, Dawes was an executive board member of the Washington/Baltimore Regional Committee 2012, and one of three chairwomen for the 2003 Visa American Cup, an international gymnastics event. Dominique is also a consultant for Under Armour's women's line. The president and CEO of Under Armour approached Dominique in 2001 to obtain her services in developing Under Armour’s women’s line of athlete gear. Currently, Dominique continues to consult and promote the women’s line, which launched the summer of 2002. In everything that she does Dominique advocates the importance of sports participation and a healthy lifestyle. She regularly appears in numerous television, print, radio and web ads in the Metropolitan area (DC, Maryland and Virginia), promoting her passions.

As of 2003, Dominique has ventured out in the world of coaching. Through her company, Dominique Dawes, LLC, she is now offering private lessons to young athletes at Hill’s gymnastics, the gym that she started at. The private lessons range from strength training, flexibility, gymnastics, to mental toughness training. During the lessons Dominique offers valuable advice to her pupils, not limited to sports achievement, but advice in believing in themselves and realizing their full potential.

Dawes continues her pursuit in inspiring others through involvement with the Women’s Sports Foundation based in New York. She is currently the president-elect of the Women’s Sports Foundation and is eager to make an impact with young girls and women. Her mission is to educate those on the importance of physical fitness, specifically speaking about the physical, psychological, and physiological benefits of being active.

Currently one of Dominique's Olympic leotards and a piece of gymnastics equipment are among the notable sports memorabilia at the Smithsonian Museum in Washington, DC.

Dominique, a native of Silver Spring, MD, is a middle child with one older sister and a younger brother with autism. Her grandmother, Lillian Dawes, was full Native American (part of the Pascatawa tribe).