Meet Dayra Dee” Dominguez | Registered Nurse ADN”

We had the good fortune of connecting with Dayra “Dee” Dominguez and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Dayra “Dee”, maybe we can start at the very start – the idea – how did you come up with the idea for your business?
As a teen parent at the age of 15, I was told I would never amount to anything. I was told that I had ruined my entire life. I let those words affect me and I became complacent with the fact that society labeled me because of one decision in my youth. It wasn’t until I became a Registered Nurse and I saw first hand that I beat the odds! The idea for Against All Odds has always been a dream for me because I had no one when I needed help, advise, guidance and financial help. As a nurse in the Mom/Baby department I kept seeing my patients younger and younger having babies and I saw myself in their eyes. I knew I was meant to become a mentor for the teen parents in my community. To be that person I wish I had growing up as a teen mother.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
Due to the fact that I was a teen mother my options for school were very limited. I would say almost non-existent. We did not have the opportunities that others our age had. We needed to provide for our children and work sometimes two jobs and a side hustle. I did not go to school until I was 38 years old. I waited until my youngest was in high school so that I could be a present mother. Nursing school was very difficult for me since I did not attend traditional high school. I got my GED at the age of 17 and here I am at 38 starting all over again. I take pride in the fact that even though it was very difficult I was able to finish and pass the state NCLEX exam on my first attempt. In my role as an RN in the Mom/Baby department I get told very often “I wish I can take you home with me”. I take pride in my job because I get to be the first resource for mothers and their new babies. The one constant motivator in my life (besides being an example to my kids and 8 grandchildren) is God. My religious belief and personal relationship with God has helped me overcome all obstacles.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Here is SWFL we have a lot of fun things to do. I am a self proclaimed “Foodie”! I love the diversity we have when it comes to restaurants. As well as our rich history. I will probably start with a tour of the Edison and Ford Winter Estates tour, followed by lunch on any of the amazing restaurants in Downtown Fort Myers! I have a weak spot for Mason’s Famous Lobster Rolls since I am originally from Boston Mass but you can’t go wrong with any of the restaurants here. I would take my best friend to Barefoot Beach for a day in the sun. Downtown Cape Coral also has an amazing selection of restaurants and bars. I would take her miniature golfing. We also have to get some physical activities as well so I would take her on a hike at the Four Mile Cove Ecological Preserve. For a bit of a “Nightlife” I would take her to the Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center were they play an array of different music on any given day. From Caribbean to Jazz to R&B. SWFL is growing and becoming more metropolitan city than it ever was.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
My story would not be a “story” without my husband Mario Dominguez. We were only children ourselves when we embarked in the journey of parenting and husband and wife. He has been my rock and inspiration this entire 29 years of marriage.

Website: https://againstalloddsinternational.org/contact/

Instagram: againstalloddsinternational , dariestella

Facebook: Dee Dominguez

Facebook for Nonprofit: Against All Odds International

Image Credits
ADM PHOTO & VIDEO