Member Profile: Dominique Petersen, Food For Thought

Meet Dominique Petersen, Events and Stewardship Manager at Food For Thought!

What would you like other members to know about you, both personally and professionally?
I’m passionate about the nonprofit sector. Professionally, I’m a fundraiser who plans events for Sonoma County nonprofit Food For Thought. I love that the events I organize help to feed people who are seriously ill in our community. Personally, I spend time volunteering for several other local nonprofits and my church.

What do you enjoy most about YPN? If you are new and haven’t experienced what YPN has to offer - what are you hoping to accomplish within this community?
YPN brings so many great people together every month. I often see former colleagues and get a chance to reconnect. I also enjoy meeting folks from great local businesses and building my network. Plus, each month’s BASH is held in a different location which brings the YPN members to awesome local wineries, restaurants, and businesses throughout the county.

Right now, what are you most excited about?
I have to say that I’m most excited for the event I am planning, Dining Out For Life. We have 75 local restaurants participating, nearly a hundred volunteers supporting the event and expect thousands of community members to dine out on December 5th. Its just an incredible day full of generosity and is so heartwarming. So if you are reading this I hope you will Dine Out on December 5th! Website here: https://www.fftfoodbank.org/dining-out-for-life

How long have you been in Sonoma County? If a short period where are you from originally?
I grew up in the small town of Hollister, California, just a few hours south of here. In 2011, I moved to Sonoma County and began the Masters of Public Administration program at Sonoma State. I’m glad that pursuing my education brought me to this beautiful county, which I now call home.

Whether it is “Hakuna Matata” “Carpe Diem” or “Just Do IT” - Do you have a motto in life?
I’d say my life motto is “Do Your Best.” Every day wake up and do your best at work. Be focused and tackle what needs to be done. For those around you, do your best. Notice other people. Ask them how they are doing and about their lives. Be Kind. Volunteer, help those in your community. Do your best in every aspect of your life. If some days you miss the mark, try to do better tomorrow.