...growing stronger with every experience... bring 'em on! Dara Monifa(h) Cooper was born and raised on St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands. A Charlotte Amalie High School graduate (1997) she was admitted early to the University of the Virgin Islands (UVI) with a full scholarship as the only early admission student during her senior year of 1996-1997. Her B.A. in Communication focused on multi-media, writing and photo-journalism, but specializing in Layout and Publication Design with concentrations in both Music and Art. A multi-talented artist and educator, she collaborates largely with others on various volunteer organizations either as an organizer, facilitator, graphic artist, photographer or media relations. Her experiences with youth generally include education in the areas of music, media, arts and crafts, technology, culture and history as well as various forms of expressive or performance arts. Cooper also volunteers as a freelance Graphic Designer/Community Organizer with a number of non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and regional organizations, including The Rock Collective, Per Ankh, Inc., has served on the Department of Human Services Consumer Advisory Committee, Project Safe Neighborhoods VI, VI Anti-Gang Committee, and as a Family Resource Center V.I. Victim Advocate among other things. She also serves on various organizational committees within UVI as well as the Adviser to the UVI Student Government Association