Dominique’s Story

Dominique Oakley is a mother and wife, a teacher, and a small business owner. Born at UT Hospital into 4 generations of both educators and small business owners, she has proudly followed in her family’s footsteps. She began teaching in the Atlanta area, serving as an English and Social Studies classroom teacher before becoming a Special Needs middle school teacher. After having twins, Dominique built a successful business that she relocated to her hometown of Knoxville so her boys could have the same opportunities that helped her succeed. She eventually returned to her passion, special needs education, working with both public and private school students from all over Knox County while also helping develop small business opportunities for Knoxville artists and makers. She served on the Knoxville Business Advisory Council from 2015-2017, allowing her to work closely with many organizations and local non-profits. Dominique is a Lifetime member of the Girl Scouts, proud graduate of Maryville College, and the 2013 Recipient of the AFLAC Small Business Innovator of the Year Award. She brings decades of both education and business experience to the service of the District 7 community.