Staff Snapshots | Domonique Clemons.

Domonique Clemons

Hometown: Flint, Mich.

Role: Director of diversity and staff development, Democratic Caucus, Michigan House of Representatives

Years of legislative service: 10, including time as a legislative intern and staffer

Skill or talent he's proudest of: "My relationship-building capacity, specifically the trust and leadership I have built. In my role, I advocate for our staff, and I'm honored that my colleagues put their faith in me to help make our workplace a little bit better, and turn to me for support and guidance."

Why did you choose to work at the legislature?

I absolutely love the institution of our state Legislature. From the people who make government work to the policies and procedures. I started working in the Legislature as an intern and fell in love with every aspect of the work. It was my first glimpse of government and the true impact we can have on citizens' daily lives. I believe state government is a place where a real and significant impact can be made. I have served in several roles within the halls of our Capitol and have ventured out multiple times to non-legislative positions, but I always end up right back in the Michigan Legislature.

What's the best advice you were ever given?

The best advice I have been given came recently from one of our state representatives. It was to simply remember to stop from time to time and take it all in. Working in a fast-paced environment like the Legislature, there are always a million things happening. It's easy to get caught up in the frustrations of work or to just take things for granted. Working in the state Legislature is an amazing opportunity, and every day that I go to work I try to stop and physically take a moment to look around me. We have a beautiful Capitol, and sometimes we can miss the history, the architecture and the power of the institution when we don't take the time.

Who or what inspires you?

Every day, I am inspired by the legislative staff who are on the front lines. Specifically, our constituent-relations staff who answer phone calls and emails and interface directly with the community. They truly have the hardest job out there, and I don't envy them...