American gymnastics great Dominique Dawes is one of four new limited partners to the Atlanta Falcons ownership group, team majority owner Arthur Blank.
Dawes, former Walgreens CEO Rosalind Brewer, film and television producer Will Packer, and venture capitalist Rashaun Williams were all approved by the NFL’s full ownership at the league meetings in Nashville, Tennessee, and will join the Falcons’ ownership group, pending the final closing of their agreements.
“Making an impact on others has always been my driving force.”
As a member of the 1996 Atlanta Olympics gymnastics team, Dawes became the first African American woman to win Olympic gold in the sport. In addition to achieving the impressive feat, Dawes has always made sure to give back to her community to inspire and leave a lasting positive mark. The Silver Spring native currently operates Dominique Dawes Gymnastics Academy & Ninja at two locations in Montgomery County. Dawes plans to open another gymnastics academy in Columbia.
“Throughout the course of my life, making an impact on others has always been my driving force. What I accomplished in 1996, winning America’s first Team Gold Medal in gymnastics and as the first African-American to win Gold, in the city of Atlanta, has given me, to this day, the greatest platform to continually inspire others.”
She continued, “The unique opportunity Mr. Blank has provided enables me to further my positive impact on those in the Atlanta community, a place I hold near and dear to my heart.”
Will Packer, renowned for producing films that celebrate diversity and inclusion, brings a fresh perspective to the Falcons’ ownership. His career in entertainment has consistently highlighted the importance of seeing yourself reflected in positions of power.
“The power of representation is undeniable,” Packer stated. “As someone who’s dedicated to creating diverse stories, I deeply appreciate Mr. Blank’s commitment to opening doors that were once closed. This is both a personal dream come true and a chance to show young people of color that they too can excel at the highest levels of NFL ownership.”