Alumni Spotlight:
Dawn McCoy '96
A Conversation with Dawn McCoy '96
April 30, 2026
Last week, we were honored to welcome back many of our alumni for Alumni Weekend 2026. A major highlight of the weekend was the Alumni Discussion Panel on Friday, April 24, where Dawn McCoy ’96 spoke to our current juniors and seniors.
As the CEO of Dawn McCoy Media and a frequent host on NBC segments across the country, Dawn has built a career in the spotlight. However, it is her work as a humanitarian and child advocate that truly defines her.
A Purpose Found in the Unimaginable
Dawn defines purpose as the gifts you are given to share with others, noting that the greatest gifts rarely arrive "tied in a pretty bow." After her newborn son, Waylon, became a survivor of Abusive Head Trauma, Dawn’s life was divided into "the before" and "the after."
"Out of our unimaginable pain, I found my greatest purpose," Dawn shared. "It took going through something that I would have never thought I could survive... to truly show me how to live."
This journey led her to found the Loving Way Foundation, a nonprofit dedicated to child abuse prevention, advocacy, and responsible media production for victims of crime. Her work has earned her the Gurus Magazine Humanitarian Leadership Award and a role as a keynote speaker for the Children’s Hospital Orange County Child Abuse & Maltreatment Conference.
The ESD: The "Home Base" and the Mantra
For Dawn, ESD was more than just a school; it was her "safe space and home base" for eight years. She credits her teachers for showing her the dependability and wisdom of adults during a time when her world didn't always feel safe.
Even today, decades after graduation, Dawn carries a piece of ESD with her into every high-stakes professional appearance.
"When I’m headed into an uncharted experience or a professional appearance I’m a bit nervous about, I wear my Class of ’96 gold ring so I can look down at it and say to myself—almost as a mantra—'I come from ESD. I can handle this.'"
Career & Humanitarian Impact
- Undergraduate: University of Texas at Austin; B.A. in Psychology & Government
- Current Role: CEO, Dawn McCoy Media; TV Host (NBC Segments)
- Advocacy: Founder of the Loving Way Foundation; No Kid Hungry Ambassador since 2012
- Recognition: Humanitarian Leadership Award: Child Advocacy Champion; Keynote Speaker at CHOC
Highlights: Fine Arts, Mentorship, and Metaphors
Dawn’s memories of ESD are a vibrant tapestry of cheerleading, fine arts festivals, and the "knowing sarcasm" of Joe Snyder at the piano, who pushed her to sharpen her natural singing talents. She recalls the profound impact of Mrs. Mrozek, who truly "saw" her love for the written word and helped her refine her voice.
Her favorite tradition, Pass It On, serves as her favorite metaphor for life. "The song always, always makes me cry when I hear it," she admits, reflecting on the beauty of watching juniors step into the shoes of the seniors they once looked up to.
Advice for the Next Generation
Dawn’s message to our students is one of radical resilience and the celebration of individuality:
"If the worst can happen, certainly the best can, too. Don't let the worst define your confidence, but let it help you find your true purpose. Also, the very thing that makes you different is the thing that will make you succeed. Don’t just embrace your differences—cling to them and hug them close to you."
Every day, our alumni are fulfilling ESD’s mission by making an incredible impact on the world. From innovative entrepreneurs to community leaders to creative trailblazers, their stories are a testament to the power of our community and the values we share. This series is dedicated to showcasing the diverse paths our alumni have taken and the meaningful work they are doing. We believe their journeys will inspire you and highlight the many ways our alumni are living lives of purpose.
Are you an alum with a story to share? We want to hear from you!
Each month, we feature a new Alumni Spotlight, and we're looking for alumni stories to highlight your success, purpose, and impact. Whether you've launched a new business, led a community initiative, achieved a personal goal, or made a difference in your field, we want to celebrate your accomplishments. Ready to be featured? Submit your updates and achievements through the form below for a chance to be our next alumni spotlight.
