Cornelia Dozier uses her gift of storytelling to change lives. As the founder of Coconut Grove Playhouse Children’s Theater, Dozier has worked tirelessly to inspire the next generation of actors, writers, and producers.
On April 25, Dozier will be honored by JM Family Enterprises, Southeast Toyota Distributors and JM Lexus at the 2018 African-American Achievers event in South Florida.
When did you discover that you were being honored as a 2018 African American Achiever?
The Day of the official announcement, having served the nonprofit minority and arts industries of the State of Florida as a Nonprofit Management Consultant, I have had many occasions to recognize the importance and success of the Community Commitment of the JM Family Enterprises, particularly as it has been demonstrated with Women In Distress of Broward County, and the numerous Theater/Arts Education, Programming, and Fine Arts Initiatives.
I am so honored and humbled to be recognized because I represent that population, as woman, African American, artist, nonprofit so often undervalued and underrepresented, not recognizing the broader scope of our work, the role played in shaping quality of life, saving lives, and the economic and cultural impact to South Florida. Thank you for giving us a seat at the table to be heard and to make a difference.
Why is it important for women of color to lead or work in leadership roles?
If your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more and become more, you are a leader. There is a new growing appreciation of the resourceful, creative natural abilities of women of color to lead not only businesses, but in their families and community, and give voice to issues that are important to our collective future. As an example, many black women are leaders in their households, churches, schools, and communities. Black women are also more likely to be the primary breadwinners in their families, which could help explain why they aim for high-paying positions.
If you could thank any woman history for her contributions to society, who would it be and why?
Maya Angelou was a woman who contributed to our society and helped shaped our world, and fought for what she believed in. This is a woman that, despite her trials and tribulations, her many hardships and struggles, was able to survive, thrive, persevere, and reinvent herself through the arts and culture demonstrating compassion and interconnection with humanity. She was oftentimes the voice of the voiceless. But a caged BIRD stands on the grave of dreams
His shadow shouts on a nightmare scream
His wings are clipped and his feet are tied
So he opens his throat to sing.
The caged bird sings with
A fearful trill of things unknown
But longed for still and his
Tune is heard on the distant hill
For the caged bird sings of freedom. –Maya Angelou
What thoughtful or encouraging piece of advice would you give to your younger self?
It has been said that silence is God’s language. Begin each day in silence. Listen to your inner(God) voice and inner truth, that is always the best for you. Have faith, and follow your women’s intuition.
Most importantly know, love, and always believe in yourself.
Why is it important for seasoned and experienced women to reach back and help younger women?
Historically, (particularly black women from matriarchal societies in Africa, through slavery, the great depression, and ghettoized experiences),women have excel at nurturing competencies such as developing others, inspiring and motivating others, relationship building, collaboration and teamwork.
Young women often talk about self-doubt that holds them back. Seeing a woman of wisdom and experience dispels those doubts and instills confidence. We must be committed to building women’s consciousness of their power and potential, of their right to self-realization, of their right and capacity to define and solve their own problems, and to do this by stressing recognition of their strengths and by offering education and skill-building in a manner that does not alienate them from themselves and their authentic roots
As a successful woman in business, what is your greatest and proudest achievement?
After a fire that destroyed my business of 20 years, I created a strategy to elevate the awareness of my work, and bypass racial bias, I raised $500K through a campaign sponsored by Kinney Shoes and the Corporation for Public Broadcasting to produce “Sneakers” starring Jon Secada with WPBT Television. It became a three-time Emmy Award winning success, and brought subsequent broad-based community support and three fully subsidized locations for theater operation of the Coconut Grove Children’s Theater.
If you had one super power to use in business or community work, what would it be?
Creativity-utilizing my creative leadership skills as my super power. I have helped reshape or redesign businesses and organizations from within so that they release creative potential.
