Today, I embark on a magical adventure. If you’re familiar with my blog, you know whenever I mention “magical” that typically means Disney!
For the first time, I’ve been invited to cover and attend the Disney Dreamers Academy at the Walt Disney Resort in Orlando, FL March 3 – 6. As someone who’s been to Disney five times in the last six years, it’s safe to say that my family and I enjoy the House of Mouse. So, you know I jumped at this amazing opportunity.
While my crew won’t be coming with me, I’m still ecstatic to cover and partake in the festivities solo. Honestly, it’s perfect so I can stay focused on the mission at hand — meeting the Disney Dreamers and their families. Unfamiliar with the program? Let me get you up to speed!
2020 Disney Dreamers Academy
Disney Dreamers Academy is a life-changing four-day educational mentorship program created and hosted by Walt Disney World Resort. It was created 15 years ago to broaden career awareness by creating exclusive opportunities for Black students and teens from underrepresented communities across America. Each year, 100 high school students between the ages of 13-19 are selected to attend out of thousands of applicants.
This year, the impactful program will continue to foster the dreams of young leaders beyond imagination by offering a variety of workshops, networking sessions, mentorship connections, and introductions to future professional opportunities at The Walt Disney Company and beyond. What’s more, the fun-filled event will undoubtedly be pixie dusted with unimaginable magic!
Plus, to mark Disney Dreamers Academy’s 15th anniversary, the program is launching a new
initiative, in partnership with ESPN’s The Undefeated and GRAMMY-nominated rap artist Cordae, that will award college scholarships to 11 students from underrepresented communities attending Historically Black Colleges and Universities.
Oh, and if things couldn’t get better, Grammy-award winning singer and actress Kelly Rowland will serve as this year’s celebrity ambassador.
“Mentorship is an experience I treasure, and the opportunity to invest my time into these students is incredible,” Rowland said in a release. “I’m excited to work with them and watch how they grow throughout the program.”
Rowland will share personal insights with the students, drawing from her own unique experience as a pre-teen performer then as a teenager in one of the best-selling female groups of all time, Destiny’s Child.
As a proponent of diversity, equity and inclusion, I’m thrilled to be a part of what I’m sure will be an unforgettable four days. The best part? The Disney Dreamer Academy coincides with the 15th anniversary of my blog. Being invited to cover this esteemed event as a blogger/influencer/journalist, is not lost on me. It pays to dream big — I’m a living proof!
What’s the biggest dream you’ve dreamed for yourself? Also, be sure to follow along this week for exclusive DDA coverage!
WOW! What an awesome opportunity for those children and for you! Disney is a place everyone should visit at least once. I’m sure they will make this experience outstanding for all involved!! I look forward to what you will share! As for me, I’ve never had big dreams. My dreams are for the well being of my children!
Thank you so much for your comment! Dreaming big for your kids is the best dream you can dream! I’m sure your children are all STARS and living out your big dreams for them!
For many years I have been a fan of your column. You introduce me to unique products and places to vacation with my kids.
I am very impressed that Disney offers this program.
Thank you for writing about it in your column; Congratulation to you and kudos to Disney.
This sounds like a wonderful program! It’s heartwarming and refreshing to hear that Disney partakes in these types of mentorship programs. And what an absolutely rewarding program to cover as media – it sounds like it’s the perfect fit for you and your blog! Looking forward to following along and learning all about it!