Democratic Party Chair | Nikwonn Robinson-Cooke

On March 8th, 2025, history was made when Nikwonn Robinson-Cooke was elected as chair of the Democratic Party in Chattanooga, TN—the first Black woman ever to hold this esteemed position. A proud queer woman of color, Nikwonn has made a significant impact both in the corporate world, where she excelled in management for learning and development, and in education as a dedicated teacher in the school system. Beyond her professional accomplishments, she is a devoted mother with a loving partner. We wanted to give her an opportunity to share about herself and her experiences, allowing us to gain insight into her journey and vision for the future.

Can you tell us about your journey into politics?  What inspired you to step into this leadership role?

Politics has been a part of my life for as long as I can remember. As a little girl, I walked alongside my grandmother as she fought for civil rights and local policies, witnessing firsthand the power of grassroots organizing. Those early experiences instilled in me a deep sense of responsibility to show up, to serve, and to fight for what’s right.

As I grew older, I made civic engagement a non-negotiable part of my life, always volunteering and staying involved. But in recent years, something shifted. I watched  leaders like Michelle Obama, Stacey Abrams, and Elizabeth Warren, and I saw not just inspiration, but a call to action. I knew I had more to give. (Huge head nod to Shirley Chisholm)

I started local in the trenches working as a field organizer, director, campaign manager, volunteer coordinator, and event planner. Every role taught me something valuable, but most importantly, they reaffirmed my passion for strategic planning and community organizing.

About a year ago, I took the next step. I began shadowing and learning from county chairs, diving deep into the infrastructure of a county party and understanding what works and where change was needed. It was a natural evolution of my journey, and now, here I am ready to lead, ready to build, and ready to make a difference.

As the first queer Black woman to hold this position, what does this achievement mean to you personally?

Being the first queer Black woman to hold this position is more than just a personal achievement, it’s a testament to what’s possible when we refuse to accept limits on who belongs in leadership.

I think about the young people who are watching, searching for proof that they, too, can step into spaces where they’ve been historically excluded. I think about the countless voices that have gone unheard for too long. And I know this isn’t just about me, it’s about all of us.

The most inspiring part of this journey has been seeing others feel empowered to step up, speak out, and get involved because they finally see themselves reflected in leadership. That is the true power of representation, not just being seen, but creating a movement where others know they belong, too.

What are some of the biggest challenges facing Chattanooga right now and how do you think the democratic party can address them?

Chattanooga is a city full of potential, but like so many communities, we face challenges that demand bold leadership and commitment. Economic inequality, access to affordable housing, the fight for public education (especially against vouchers), and winning the majority in upcoming political races, these are just a few of the urgent battles ahead. But I’m excited because we have a strong officer team and executive committee ready to leverage our strengths and take on these challenges head-on.

The Democratic Party has a responsibility to take action. We will ensure our candidates, and their teams are fully prepared to win. Because real change happens when we elect leaders who will stand with working families and stand up for what is right.  When we fight for policies that ensure every person has a safe, affordable place to call home. When we protect personal rights from relentless attacks. When we invest in our public schools, uplift teachers, and ensure every child has a path to success. And above all, when we defend and expand voting rights so that every voice is heard, especially those who have been silenced for too long.  Increasing voter turn out will be huge.

Real change happens when we come together as organizers, as advocates, as neighbors. The Democratic Party must make sure we are building coalitions, empowering communities, and making sure that no one is left behind.

In what ways do you hope to leave a lasting impact on local politics?

I want my impact on local politics to be more than just a moment, I want it to be a movement. My goal is to build lasting infrastructure, energize new leaders, and create a political culture where engagement isn’t just for election season but a way of life.

I hope to leave behind a stronger, more organized Democratic Party, one that is deeply connected to the community, responsive to its needs, and unafraid to take bold action. That means developing robust candidate pipelines so we’re not just reacting to elections but preparing for them years in advance. It means fostering a grassroots movement where everyday people feel empowered to step up, run for office, organize their neighborhoods, and demand accountability from those in power.

But above all, I want to inspire the next generation to believe in their own power. Representation matters, action matters, and persistence matters. If I can help create a political landscape where more people, especially those who have been historically marginalized see themselves as leaders and change-makers, then I will know my impact has truly made a difference.

As our conversation with Nikwonn Robinson-Cooke comes to a close, the underlying message is unmistakable: the future of politics relies on the courage to break barriers, the strength of grassroots movements, and the commitment to make every voice heard. This interview not only highlighted the remarkable journey of a trailblazing leader but also served as a call to action for all who aspire to create change. With a renewed focus on community empowerment and representation, her story reminds us that when diverse voices come together, the impact is transformative. Her leadership is a beacon for those who believe that real, lasting change is possible—one community, one election, and one movement at a time.