Dominique D. Lee, the founder and CEO of Building Resilient Intelligent Creative Kids (BRICK) Education Network, is a trailblazer in the world of education. His commitment to breaking down systems of oppression and providing equitable education opportunities for all children has been recognized as an example for educators across the country.

BRICK was born out of his experiences as a Teach For America Corps member and a deep motivation to create more academic opportunities for the predominantly Black and brown student population in the South Ward of Newark. He knew it was time for teachers to create change for youth. Under his leadership, BRICK Education Network has opened Achieve Charter School campuses in Newark, New Jersey, and has expanded to Buffalo, New York, and secured two competitive Promise Neighborhood Grants, helping to expand programming and opportunities in the South Ward Promise Neighborhood.

Dominique’s innovative approach to education has garnered national recognition, including front-page coverage in The New York Times, a feature in the New York Times Best-Selling book “The Prize” by Dale Rusakoff, and in 2011, a spot on The Grio's 100: History Makers in the Making list. His work has also earned him numerous awards, including the Leaders and Legends Award, the 2015 Russell Berrie Foundation Making a Difference Award, and the 2015 Young Changemakers Award from The Community Foundation of New Jersey. Dominique was named a distinguished Pahara NextGen Fellow in 2014, and an Aspen Pahara Fellow in 2020.

Holding a B.A. in Political Science from the University of Michigan and an M.A. in Education Leadership from New York University, Dominique is poised to make a lasting impact in education. He currently resides in Jersey City, New Jersey with his partner.