Welcome to Behind The Byline, a new digital series highlighting the editors and journalists we all know and love. Join us as we chat with influential storytellers about their origin stories, what their day-to-day looks like, and what they hope for the future of journalism!
We’ve long been fans of Dominique’s work and we’re so excited to get to chat about her career journey and learn more about her unique lens as a journalist. Dominique is an innovative content strategist at Glassdoor that specializes in impactful programming for high profiled brands.
Through her work in social media strategy and content development, Dominique has successfully amplified the online presence of the following brands: Glassdoor, Adobe, eBay, Union Bank, Charles Schwab, Cricket Wireless, AT&T, TIDAL, Air New Zealand, Microsoft Pulse, Israel Ministry of Tourism, Taylor Morrison, Senseo, WeWork, and more.
I’m incredibly passionate about telling stories of other dynamic millennial women and helping brands explore the interconnectivity of culture and communication through creating intentional content to garner awareness and to make a sizable impact.
In 2018, she embarked on her writing journey with ForbesWomen and ESSENCE Magazine. Within 11 months, Dominique strategized to bring 30 stories to life centering on millennial-based entrepreneurship, specifically highlighting women of color, ultimately allowing her to be elevated to Senior Contributor at ForbesWomen. She was invited to speak on the “Standing Out From The Pack” panel at Forbes HQ, highlighting her articles and decision to profile millennial women of color entrepreneurs in business and the arts.
Check out our chat below to learn more about the work that Dominque does to heighten the stories of dynamic millennial women while helping brands explore the interconnectivity of culture and communication!
How did you get started in Journalism?
DOMINIQUE: Ever since I can remember, I’ve always loved to write. However, starting my blog, Werque, by Dominique Brielle in 2016, allowed me to write for fun while exploring Q&A/career profiles of millennial women within my network. My blog brought me visibility and creative freedom, ultimately leading me to a ForbesWomen networking event where I met my previous editor. I emailed her some of my blog posts, and she challenged me to think of several different topics for pieces of writing. Although it took me about five months to convince her to bring me on as a contributor, I kept being consistent and was offered a contract to sign on January 1st, 2018. I’m incredibly passionate about telling stories of other dynamic millennial women and helping brands explore the interconnectivity of culture and communication through creating intentional content to garner awareness and to make a sizable impact.
What is the best piece of "real talk" advice you've received?
DOMINIQUE: “Anyone can replace you. What do you bring to the table?”
What's your beat? What do you usually write about?
DOMINIQUE: I cover women of color entrepreneurship and their dynamic career journeys as well as career advancement strategies.
What about your profession do you wish people knew?
DOMINIQUE: It’s not easy! Journalists and writers spend a lot of time strategizing content, stories, and striving to keep up with breaking news. To be a writer, you must be dedicated, have tough skin, and love and learn the craft.
You've written about some pretty outstanding individuals and brands in your previous articles, do you have a favorite piece you've written?
DOMINIQUE: I don’t have a favorite piece per se but have some favorite conversations. The conversations that I had with Issa Rae, Serena Williams, and Taraji P. Henson have been entirely memorable.
What would you say is the biggest challenge facing journalists right now?
DOMINIQUE: The biggest challenge is keeping up with the ever-changing media landscape. Currently, many journalists and writers are in the throes of COVID-19. We continuously have to be nimble and pivot depending on important news, no matter what vertical.
You must receive so many pitches from brands + publicists, what type of pitches stick out to you?
DOMINIQUE: I receive so many! I love to get pitches that have a clear point of view, story angle, and aren’t too wordy. Publicists or entrepreneurs, need to keep in mind that journalists will leverage their pitch to formulate a compelling piece, so the pitches should not only be organized but also should highlight WHY we should cover their client and business. I prefer to receive pitches that provide a solution to a need in society and an inspiring story of overcoming a challenge. I also LOVE when publicists spell my name correctly. ;)
Where do you think the world of Journalism is heading?
DOMINIQUE: I believe journalism will morphe into being solely digital, growing out of print magazines and mastheads.
How can people stay connected to you and read your articles?
DOMINIQUE: They can follow my ForbesWomen column and keep up with my daily musings on Instagram (@werque_dominique).
