Meet Dawn Clopton.

Dawn Clopton is Vice President, Community Development at Premier Bank. She has over 20 years of experience in the banking industry and is currently pursuing a Master of Public Affairs degree through the O’Neill School Master’s Program at Indiana University. She is an active member of her community, serving as treasurer for the Fort Wayne Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. and Board Chair and annual campaign chair for the YMCA Child Care Services branch. She volunteers her time at Big Brothers Big Sisters (BBBS) as a “Big” and serves as a volunteer committee member for the BBBS Women’s Champagne Brunch and serves as Board Intern for BounceBack of Indiana, Inc. She is a member of the Leadership Fort Wayne Class of 2021. She enjoys dedicating her time as the head cheerleading coach for FWCS South Side High School, and she serves faithfully as administrator and member of New Covenant Worship Center.

YWCA Asks:  What does an “empowering woman” mean to you?

Dawn: An “empowering woman” means someone who actively encourages others to take control over their destiny. They give others the confidence to go after their dreams and enable them to overcome obstacles that may be standing in their way. An empowering woman is willing to share knowledge freely and is always looking to see how she can use her influence to elevate others. An empowering woman is never jealous or envious and is always the first to celebrate and amplify the success of others.

YWCA Asks: In what ways do you feel you empower other women?

Dawn: I use my platform of financial literacy and homebuyer education to help the community realize their potential in achieving the American Dream. I educate others on how they can become self-sufficient and take the first step in gaining wealth. As an active leader in ministry, I help others realize the life of abundance that God has planned for them and share how to unlock the destiny God intended for their lives. I have served as the head cheerleading coach for South Side High School for the last ten years. This role is important to me because I get to have a direct impact on shaping the lives of so many young women. I see this as a way to give back to future generations and help empower them to have the confidence they will need as they progress through life.

YWCA Asks: Would you share a tidbit of information or experience that may be helpful to other women?

Dawn: Imagine the life you want to have for yourself, then take every opportunity that presents itself to make it a reality. Even if it seems that you are going at it alone, go. You will soon come to realize that there are others on the same path, taking the same journey with you.