Meet Dujuan Thomas

We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Dujuan Thomas a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Dujuan, we’re thrilled to have you on our platform and we think there is so much folks can learn from you and your story. Something that matters deeply to us is living a life and leading a career filled with purpose and so let’s start by chatting about how you found your purpose.

When I began my political journey, a friend advised me to “find my purpose.” At just 22, I wasn’t entirely sure what that purpose was. I’d always known that serving God was a guiding principle for me, something I felt deeply through my involvement in church. However, it wasn’t until I fully committed to running for office that I realized I could honor God through serving others.

Going door-to-door, attending events, and connecting with people from all walks of life gave me perspective. Listening to their stories, hearing how they felt overlooked or disconnected from their city, sparked a deeper drive in me. I knew I wanted to be a voice and a bridge for those who felt unheard.

Some of the most powerful moments were when people would tell me, sometimes years later, that a simple conversation made them feel recognized. Those connections helped me understand that my purpose was in engagement and unwavering commitment to serving others. Through that realization, I found a path that I believe honors both my faith and my community.

I believe finding that purpose is why I was elected to serve my community. Becoming the youngest City Commissioner in Kentucky’s history.

Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?

I’m Dujuan Thomas, and I wear a few hats, but they’re all grounded in one mission: to empower, engage, and uplift the community of Paducah. As a recent City Commissioner-elect, I’ve taken a significant step in my political journey, aiming to represent those who often feel unheard or left behind. My passion for public service is rooted in my family’s legacy, as I follow in the footsteps of my great-grandfather, who broke barriers as the first Black city councilman in Clinton, Kentucky.

Outside of politics, I’ve built Dujuan Thomas Productions, a business specializing in marketing, design, and media production for local businesses and ministries. Through this platform, I help brands tell their stories in a way that resonates with audiences. My talk show, Dujuan Thomas Live, has also grown into a space for dialogue and community building, featuring a mix of local voices and celebrities.

What excites me most about my work is the ability to make a tangible difference, whether it’s through policy, creative projects, or helping others find their own voice. As for what’s new, I’m committed to expanding my outreach in Paducah, working on initiatives that bring resources to the homeless community, advocating for affordable housing, and creating programs that give youth more opportunities to succeed. I want my story to be one of perseverance, community, and hope – one that inspires others to step up and make their voices heard.

There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?

Looking back, three qualities stand out as most impactful in my journey: resilience, effective communication, and a genuine commitment to serving others.

1. Resilience
Politics and business both come with their share of setbacks. Learning to persevere, even when challenges arise, has been critical. Resilience is built through experience, but for those starting out, I’d recommend setting small goals that challenge you. Each goal, whether achieved or not, strengthens your ability to adapt and keep moving forward. Embrace setbacks as learning opportunities—they’re often where the most growth happens.

2. Effective Communication
Being able to listen, connect, and communicate my ideas effectively has been invaluable, especially in understanding and advocating for my community’s needs. To improve in this area, focus on listening first. Communication is as much about understanding others as it is about expressing yourself. Practice by seeking feedback and engaging with diverse groups. Public speaking, journaling, and even just open dialogue with people from all backgrounds can help refine these skills.

3. Commitment to Service
My commitment to service has grounded me and given my work true purpose. Service isn’t just about volunteering; it’s a mindset of always looking for ways to uplift others. For those early in their journey, I’d advise finding a cause or issue that resonates deeply with you. Volunteer or get involved in any way you can. Over time, that commitment will develop into a true passion, providing direction and fulfillment along your journey.

Each of these qualities—resilience, communication, and service—builds upon itself, guiding you toward meaningful impact in whatever path you choose.

Looking back over the past 12 months or so, what do you think has been your biggest area of improvement or growth?

In the past 12 months, my biggest area of growth has been in understanding the importance of building strong community connections and truly listening to the needs of others. While I’ve always valued engagement, running for City Commission and working directly with residents on issues has deepened my perspective. I’ve learned that being an effective leader isn’t just about having solutions but also about fostering a sense of trust and understanding with those you serve.

Through this process, I’ve become more grounded in my purpose, realizing how crucial it is to keep people at the heart of everything I do. The connections I’ve made have pushed me to grow not only as a leader but as a person, continuously reinforcing my commitment to serving in ways that make a lasting impact.

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