Meet Carlos

Carlos Kulas‑Dominguez is a relationship‑driven nonprofit and education leader with nearly two decades of experience serving youth, families, educators, and community partners across Kent County. His work is grounded in a deep commitment to equity, belonging, and expanding access to meaningful opportunities for young people. Known for his servant‑hearted leadership, Carlos brings a blend of big‑picture vision and people‑first collaboration to every space he serves.

Carlos’s professional journey spans education, youth development, nonprofit governance, fundraising, and community engagement. He has served as an educator, site coordinator, board president, consultant, and advocate-roles that have given him a clear understanding of how systems shape the daily experiences of scholars, families, educators, and the broader community. His work with Grand Rapids Public Schools, Camp Fire USA, Camp Blodgett, Cherry Health Foundation, and Michigan CASA reflects a consistent dedication to strengthening environments where children feel supported, educators feel valued, and families feel seen.

Across his leadership roles, Carlos has cultivated trust‑based relationships, mobilized community networks, and built social capital that strengthens organizational impact. He is known for listening deeply, acting thoughtfully, and creating spaces where stakeholders feel respected, empowered, and connected to shared purpose. His governance experience includes serving as Board President at Camp Blodgett, Trustee for Cherry Health Foundation, Chair of OUTpro at the Grand Rapids Chamber, Past President of GIFT (Gays in Faith Together), MindShare Planning Committee Member, Co‑Chair of John Ball Zoo’s RendeZoo, and Committee Member for WGVU’s Golden Jubilee - has equipped him with a strong foundation in strategic planning, transparent stewardship, and collaborative decision‑making.

Carlos’s lived experience growing up in a neighborhood marked by high gang activity, drugs, the challenges of a low‑income upbringing, and navigating Detroit Public Schools continues to fuel his commitment to ensuring opportunity is never determined by circumstance. As a gay‑biracial man and long‑time advocate for inclusion, he has spent decades elevating marginalized voices, championing belonging, and creating environments where every person feels valued. His leadership is grounded in empathy, authenticity, and a steadfast belief in the potential of every child.

At the heart of Carlos’s work is a simple but powerful conviction: strong communities are built through relationships, shared purpose, and systems that honor the dignity of every scholar, educator, and family. He brings this commitment to every role he serves, inviting the community to join him in building brighter futures through collaboration, equity, and community‑centered leadership.

★ THRIVING SCHOLARS ★