2023 Cohort
This year’s Dream Experience fellows are in for a journey of transformation! Our program offers an unmatched experience with virtual workshops and shadowing opportunities that will help push their boundaries to the next level. We are eager to help our participants step out, explore, and see every possibility come alive. They are about to embark on a dream adventure well beyond their imagination!
*Local fellows will be announced in March. Stay tuned.
ALEIDA
Aleida, a sophomore studying Applied Engineering at Michigan State University, faced tremendous obstacles in achieving her professional goals—one of them she overcame when her mother was deported to Mexico. Despite these challenges, she hopes to find strength and guidance by attending the Dream Experience, where she can connect with like-minded peers and successful business professionals who have insight into how best to achieve success. Aleida’s ultimate ambition is one day to become a hotel owner—something that would be an incredible accomplishment given her background.
BRENTON
Brenton is going on an extraordinary journey to Los Angeles, looking for invaluable resources and knowledge to help him follow his dreams. Battling against tremendous obstacles, including LGBT hate, the separation of parents, bullying, and loss in the family, has not dulled Brenton’s ambition – he hopes to one day create his own nonprofit organization and investment in varied real estate portfolios with music management thrown in. With Go For Yours’ support, Brenton can make it all happen!
CHRISTIAN
Christian, a vibrant high school senior and aspiring serial entrepreneur, is fired up to jump into the Dream Experience and turn his ideas into reality! Whether it’s creating masterpieces with a needle or weaving magic in front of computer game screens – Christian loves exploring new realms. One of his most admired role models is Kevin Hart. As he embarks on this exhilarating journey, we are excited to help him during this critical time in his life.
DANIEL
Chicago native Daniel Animashaun has already served as a Youth Leader, Volunteer, Environmental Justice Activist, and Pharmacy Technician. Daniel is dedicated to honing his potential and making the most of every opportunity. He believes the Dream Experience is an incredible way to make memories, broaden relationships, and – above all else – gain knowledge about different lifestyles and career paths that he may have never been exposed to before!
He believes leadership demonstrates resilience and courage to take the initiative, even when your environment may not favor it. Daniel has taken this commitment forward by advocating for a Forest Preserve Referendum amidst an ambiance that lacked environmental justice resources or recycling options. He is a member of the Project Visible Man – where he shares perspectives on varied topics concerning young Black men.
EBONI
Having overcome many hurdles, including self-doubt, grief, and pessimism, Eboni is now a confident go-getter ready to realize her dream of using entertainment to inspire others. Ready to embark on the Dream Experience from St Louis, she will travel across the country for the first time. Eboni is a St. Louis Community College graduate and hopes the Dream Experience will help her discover new opportunities. Her role models include J Cole, T D Jakes, and Masego. She considers these trailblazers to have shaped parts of who she is today. She looks forward to the leadership development, entrepreneurship, and mental health workshops during the Dream Experience.
JAYME
A small-town girl with big aspirations, Jayme hails from DeKalb, Illinois, and is set to embark on an exciting journey at Clark Atlanta University in the Fall. Jayme hopes this opportunity will help her overcome her shyness and improve her social skills. She is most excited about the mental health workshops at the Dream Experience as she aspires to be a psych ward evaluator or a correctional psychologist. This should be no challenge for Jayme as she looks to her mom as her biggest role model.
LANIYA
At only 18 years old, Dallas native Laniya is primed and ready to embark on a Dream Experience that will equip her with essential business principles and time management skills. As a teen entrepreneur, she’s stepped up to take risks by facing challenges outside her comfort zone – leaning ever more into dependence upon God (Elohim) for guidance. For inspiration in this journey forward, she looks to recording artist Jekalyn Carr as her role model!
SIKIRAT
Sikirat, a first-generation low-income student from Queens, New York, is blazing her own path and making history as the first Dream Experience participant to hail from New York. Raised by a single mother in gritty Jamaica Queens, Sikirat has achieved remarkable success – having earned admission into Columbia University, where she majors in Statistics, Political Science & Business Administration. Motivated to give back due to being on the receiving end growing up, Sirikat wants to use this opportunity to realize even greater dreams while supporting others with similar backgrounds, such as hers, so that they may do the same!
DREAM LEADERS
Our esteemed Dream Leaders are trailblazers – they have already navigated the program and now serve as Peer Mentors to our new participants. Seasoned veterans of our workshops and activities, these role models create a positive environment akin to camp counselors and are essential in fostering unforgettable experiences with lasting impact.
You can donate to the Dream Experience campaign to support our Dream Leaders.
KAIANNA “DJ KAI”
Kaianna, the unstoppable DJ Kai, is returning to the Dream Experience as a leader! After starting her journey with us in high school and wrapping up college year one, she can confidently credit our program for helping her break out of shyness while unleashing her inner entrepreneur as a DJ. Hailing from Los Angeles, DJ Kai is passionate about giving back to the local fellows this year – we couldn’t be more excited to welcome Kaianna back on board!
STANLEY
VANESSA
Vanessa is a proud Spring 2022 graduate of Florida A&M University with a communications major. A significant accomplishment for her as she is a first-generation student. Her strong leadership abilities have led her to success, enabling Vanessa to return to The Dream Experience for the second time! With dreams of working at a nonprofit organization someday in sight, she joins eagerly with hopes that this experience brings even more opportunities for professional growth. Furthermore, she also looks forward to helping guide the new fellows through goal-building exercises during their journey.
ZAHKEE
Zahkee is a determined and inspiring young leader on the rise. A junior at Delaware State University majoring in Sports Management, he has his sights set high on becoming an accomplished sports facility manager. He accredits the Dream Experience for sharpening his leadership, management, and verbal skills. Zahkee now returns to The Dream Experience with eagerness to spread this knowledge among fellow students while setting himself apart as an exemplary role model amongst peers!
