We were lucky to catch up with Dominick Adams recently and have shared our conversation below.
Dominick, thank you so much for joining us. You are such a positive person and it’s something we really admire and so we wanted to start by asking you where you think your optimism comes from?
My optimism comes from gratitude. I believe God gifted me with an energy that’s contagious, an ability to uplift people, build teams, and inspire youth. I’ve always focused on controlling what I can control. I wasn’t the biggest, the strongest, or the best, but I knew if I worked hard enough, I could close that gap. What I could always control was my attitude.
Gratitude became a cornerstone for me in my early 20s, during a time when I was working a career that didn’t fulfill me. On paper, I had it all, a good salary and a beautiful family, but I was waking up angry and bitter every day. I knew I needed a change because I realized how incredible my life actually was.
That’s when I became obsessed with focusing on the good things. I started writing in a gratitude journal every day, and I kept it up for five years. It wasn’t about being perfect or writing every single day; it was about rewiring my mindset to embrace gratitude more deeply. If I missed a day, I’d go back and make it up, not because I had to, but because the goal was to truly become more grateful.
My ultimate optimism comes from being content with my life. Waking up every day is a gift, and I’ve learned to see it as an opportunity. Now, I’ve dedicated my life to helping young people with their mental health and to serving others, using that same gratitude and optimism to make a difference.
Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
From an early age, I’ve been passionate about being part of a team and building meaningful connections. That passion has evolved into my professional journey, where I left everything behind to start The Hiped Foundation. Our mission is to empower teens to thrive by nurturing emotional intelligence, fueling positivity, and inspiring growth.
At The Hiped Foundation, we focus on three core pillars: curriculum-based learning, community building, and fatherhood development.
Gratitude Growth is our 12-week program designed to instill the importance of gratitude in schools, community centers, and churches. This program helps youth build resilience and develop a mindset that transforms adversity into growth. Gratitude and resilience are crucial tools that enable young people to navigate life’s challenges with strength and optimism.
Hiped Huddles are weekly gatherings that foster a sense of community among teenagers. These sessions build leadership skills, confidence, and lasting support systems. Once a month, we take it a step further by inviting guest speakers or diving into focused topics to empower teens on a deeper level.
The Fatherhood Project is a program dedicated to equipping dads with the tools to become better fathers. By strengthening fathers, we help them lead their children toward fulfilling lives, creating a ripple effect of positive change within families.
Currently, we’re making an impact with Gratitude Growth in schools across Las Vegas and Long Island, and we’re excited to expand into Tampa Bay and Arkansas. Our fatherhood programs are thriving in the Las Vegas area, engaging multiple groups of dads who are committed to personal growth and family leadership.
Meanwhile, Hiped Huddles continue to meet weekly, creating consistent opportunities for teens to connect, learn, and grow together. These gatherings are the heartbeat of our community work, and our monthly deep-dive sessions with guest speakers add a dynamic and inspiring element to the experience.
The Hiped Foundation is about so much more than programs, it’s about creating a movement of gratitude, connection, and growth. Every day, we’re working to inspire teens and families to build better lives and stronger communities.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
The three most impactful qualities in my journey have been gratitude, hard work, and a strong support system. For anyone early in their journey, my biggest piece of advice is to understand that adversity is part of the process. Embrace it. There will be ups and downs, but those challenges shape you and your path.
In those moments, it’s essential to remember your purpose and why you’re doing what you do. One principle I live by is, “Knowledge is the understanding of a subject; wisdom is the application of that knowledge.” It’s not just about learning; it’s about using what you’ve learned to grow and move forward.
Surround yourself with people who elevate you, who will stand by you during the hard times, and who encourage you to be your best. Building a strong support system is crucial for long-term success.
Finally, keep showing up every single day. Approach each day as an opportunity to work, grow, and make a difference. The chance to be alive is a once-in-a-lifetime gift, treat it like one.
Alright so to wrap up, who deserves credit for helping you overcome challenges or build some of the essential skills you’ve needed?
The most helpful influence in my life has been my relationship with my faith and Jesus. The truths in the Bible have been my consistent rock, something I can always lean on through life’s everyday battles. My faith is the foundation of everything I do, it grounds me, guides me, and gives me strength. Every day, I give thanks to God for the blessings in my life and the opportunities to grow.
The next person who has been instrumental in my journey is my wife. She is the strongest person I know and my greatest source of support. She challenges me to be better, lifts me up when I’m down, and stands by me no matter what. Without her, this journey would not be possible. Together, we are a team, and I truly believe there’s nothing we can’t face or accomplish when we’re united.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://thehipedfoundation.org/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hipedfoundation/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dominick-adams-55593410a/
- Twitter: https://x.com/HipedFoundation
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@livehiped
- Other: https://livehiped.substack.com/
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.