Meet AJ Cole

We had the good fortune of connecting with AJ Cole and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi AJ, what do you think makes you most happy? Why?
What makes me truly happy is watching my kids grow into their own and helping them become functioning individuals in an ever-changing world. As a parent, there is nothing more fulfilling than witnessing their personal growth, development, and achievements. It brings me immense joy to see them navigate life, learn new skills, and develop their unique personalities.

I am also driven by the desire to create a better world for my children and our community. As the newly elected Director of Communications for the League of Women Voters, I actively engage in initiatives that aim to make a positive impact on society. Through my role, I have the opportunity to contribute to meaningful change, advocate for important issues, and promote civic participation.

Participating in community events that align with my values and beliefs is another source of happiness for me. I feel like I am making a difference in the world, not only for my own children but for my community. It is incredibly fulfilling to work alongside individuals who share the same passion for creating a better world.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
Throughout my career, what sets me apart from others is my tenacity and unwavering passion for making a positive impact. I take pride in my work on Vision Zero efforts across Texas, particularly the experience of hosting Heroes Aim for Zero. It was an incredible opportunity to bring together influential government leaders, elected officials, and community leaders who were all dedicated to advocating for safer streets. Having the Mayor of Houston, District Attorney Kim Ogg, and other influential individuals join forces for this cause was truly inspiring and reinforced the importance of our mission.

My journey to where I am today professionally has been a challenging one, but I firmly believe that anything worth having requires hard work and perseverance. It hasn’t always been easy, and I have faced numerous obstacles along the way. However, I have embraced the mindset of seizing opportunities when they arise. I have taken risks and pursued opportunities others may have deemed beyond my reach. Through both failure and success, I have lived a life filled with meaningful experiences and personal growth.

To overcome challenges, I have adopted a mindset of adaptability and continuous learning. I have actively sought opportunities to expand my knowledge, stay ahead of industry trends, refine my skills, and learn new skills. By staying open to change and embracing challenges as opportunities for growth, I have overcome obstacles thrown my way.

Along the way, I have learned valuable lessons that have shaped both my career and personal growth. One of the most important lessons I have learned is the power of resilience. I have also come to appreciate the value of collaboration and teamwork. Building strong relationships and working collaboratively with others have been key factors in achieving success and making a meaningful impact.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
No doubt, my friend needs to have dinner at Town Hearth in Dallas. Not only will the ambiance and lighting have you looking gorgeous, but the food is a delight. As a Garland gal, I would take my friend for a taste around the newly renovated downtown square. We would start with some mouthwatering BBQ at Intrinsic, followed by indulging in delicious pizza at Fortunate Son. And of course, we can’t miss out on a refreshing cup of coffee at Rosalind Coffee.

Throughout the week, we would make sure to explore the vibrant events happening at the park in the downtown square. We could catch live music performances, urban markets, or even join in on a fitness class to get our energy up. The park offers a great atmosphere to relax, connect with the community, and have a good time. Highly recommend checking out downtown Garland!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I would like to give a special shoutout to the League of Women Voters of Dallas, an organization that has truly inspired me. The women with the League have tirelessly worked towards ensuring that every voice is heard and every vote counts, not just during the November elections, but in all local elections as well.

I urge all readers to recognize the importance of participating in our local elections too. They may not receive the same level of attention as national elections, but they have a profound impact on the issues that directly affect our daily lives. By voting in all local elections, we can shape the direction of our community and advocate for positive change. The League of Women Voters of Dallas has been at the forefront of these efforts, empowering citizens to exercise their democratic right and make informed choices in every election.

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ajtcole/