Meet Lanique Dunn
Lanique Dunn is a devoted wife and mother. She is a member of an all-Black women's group called Black Girls Social Club, where they come together to foster sisterhood. She enjoys spending time with her family, creating memories with her 6-year-old son, traveling, and reading in her free time. Additionally, she coaches soccer for her son's team.
Professionally, Lanique has been an Admission and Intake Manager for Hospice of San Joaquin for 2.5 years. She also owns her own business called Dunn Travels, where she works as a full-service travel agent. Her expertise lies in planning, booking, and coordinating vacations of all types and sizes, from family reunions to weddings and solo trips. Lanique's goal is to alleviate the stress of the planning process and ensure her clients can fully enjoy their vacations.
Personal Milestones
Lanique pictured with her husband and son.
Where are you from?
Stockton, CA
What was your first job?
McDonald's when I was 16 over the summer of my sophomore/junior year. I quit because they wouldn't approve my PTO.
One thing most people don't know about you:
I have my Bachelor's in psychology (CSUN Alumni) and my Masters's in Health Administration (University of Phoenix Alumni).
What is your favorite book or podcast?
My favorite book that I've read this year has been Atomic Habits.
What motivates you to pursue current and new passions?
My son. I want to leave a legacy behind for him. I want him to be able to do anything and everything he wants to in life. I want to set the pace and be the example that anything you put your mind to can be done.
What is your biggest accomplishment at this point in your life?
It's really hard to choose. I would say my biggest accomplishment thus far is raising my child. Raising a black male in this world is not easy. We have a long road ahead of us, with him only being 6, but I am proud of the child my husband and I are raising. He is smart, funny, athletic, helpful, and a protector; the list can go on and on. With the compliments we constantly receive about his behavior from teachers, coaches, and family members, we know we are doing something right.
What is one thing you know now that you wish you knew at 18 years old?
Being financially stable and secure isn't just having a well-paying job; it's being wise with finances overall (budgets, credit, debt, investments, etc). Save your money, do not overspend, & be resourceful. I think back on many situations I've encountered and how I could have maximized the situation had I known what I know now. Seek out a financial advisor or family member who is financially stable and ask for tips.
Professional Milestones
Is what you do now what you always wanted to do as a child?
Oh no. I wanted to be a teacher and a fashion designer. I can't draw worth a penny, but I didn't let that stop my dream.
What inspired you to go into your industry?
Honestly, I was inspired by my mom. She worked in hospice, and I learned a lot from her about the services and help they provide to families. I knew I wanted to be in healthcare, but I never thought this would be the direction. I wanted to do something to help others. I wanted to be able to provide a change in a field that is so misunderstood and underused.
Regarding my business, travel, and planning are literally in my nature. It's something I've always enjoyed to do. I've always been the planner of the group.
Describe in one word what it's like to be a woman of color in your industry.
Essential
Was there ever a time you faced challenges in your professional life? How did you overcome them?
Oh absolutely. Remembering why I am doing what I am doing always grounds me. This is where I want to be and what I want to do to reach my next steps/goals, refocus, regroup, and reassess the situation.
What's next for you in your career?
A long-term goal, but I want to be a director of a healthcare facility.
What advice would you give a young woman of color trying to enter or advance in your industry?
Find a mentor and ask questions. Do not be afraid to ask questions, make suggestions, and look for additional resources. You have to put yourself out there, advocate for yourself & know your worth for anyone else to see it, you have to see and believe it.
Who/what do you attribute your success to?
My family. My husband has always supported every venture I do. He's always helped me weigh the pros and cons. My siblings have always been a listening ear, offering guidance and providing feedback when needed. My parents instilled my work ethic in me.
Are you involved in any organizations, associations, clubs, or groups?
