DREAMER PROFILES

Our Dreamers have overcome tremendous obstacles to achieve in school and beyond. Here are some of their stories:

Emily Matos

Graduate Student, New York University Center for Global Affairs
"I Have A Dream" - Chelsea-Elliott I Program, Class of 2003
New York, NY

As a member of the first public housing based "I Have A Dream" program, Emily started as a Dreamer in New York City before relocating to Florida. Always a Dreamer, she kept in touch with her Program Director and kept her focus on college.

Emily attended the Honors program at the University of Miami and graduated in spring 2007 with a bachelor's degree in business administration and a major in political science. She was recently accepted into the prestigious Sponsors for Education Opportunity (SEO) program, which helped to place her in an internship and an eventual full-time position with Hispanics in Philanthropy (HIP).

This fall, Emily will attend graduate school at New York University's Center for Global Affairs to earn a master's degree in Global Affairs, with a focus on Human Rights and Humanitarian Assistance. Her ultimate goal is to work in the non-profit sector or as a Foreign Service officer.

"'I Have A Dream' builds confidence, cultivates talent, and instills a sense of volunteerism - all essential for breaking through stereotypes and pursuing personal aspirations."

Anthony Ron

Account Manager, Syntonic Sytems; Founder, Evil Grin Entertainment
"I Have A Dream" - Chelsea-Elliott I Program, Class of 2004
New York, NY

Throughout his life, Anthony exemplified the meaning of hard work. Today, he balances full-time college coursework at John Jay College with a full-time job - all the while managing his own DJ/media production company.

Once he is more established in the music industry, Anthony plans to sponsor his own "I Have A Dream" program. "There are so many kids out there that need help in various communities. Before their story is written, I believe that they deserve that extra little push that I had, to help guarantee their success," says Anthony.

To new Dreamers, he advises, "Work hard, be the best students you can be, and trust me - it will pay off."

Niga Jacques

Student
"I Have A Dream" - Plainfield, Class of  2012
Plainfield, NJ

Niga is an eighth grade Dreamer at the "I Have A Dream" - Plainfield Project.  With the help of IHDF, Niga is a great student and frequently finds herself on the school honor roll. When she’s not in school she spends her time reading, playing on the computer, babysitting her god-sister Brianna, and practicing with the Hubbard Middle School softball team.  She hopes to play catcher for the school team.

Niga was selected to participate in the People-To-People World Leadership Forum last spring in Washington, DC.  There she spent a week with other middle school students from around the country to participate in workshops, take classes to earn high school credits, and tour the capital.  She was one of only two students in Plainfield to attend this prestigious event.

Niga hopes to one day become an attorney. She says that the major influences in life are her mom, her fifth grade teacher Mr. Smith, and her great grandmother.  If she keeps up her hard work and focus she’ll no doubt become a great lawyer and achieve her goal of running her own firm.

Juan D. Martinez, Esq.

Attorney
"I Have A Dream" - P.S. 121, Class of 1987
New York, NY

In 1981, Juan Martinez became a member of the first ever class of Dreamers and went on to make full use of this opportunity. He earned a bachelor's degree in philosophy from Swarthmore College and a JD from the University of Pennsylvania Law School, and gained admittance to the United States Supreme Court bar.

Juan has worked with some of New York's top law firms and has also worked hard to give back to his community. He has been an active "I Have A Dream" alumnus, helping to build the Dreamer alumni network and supporting the organization's fundraising and Sponsor recruitment efforts. He has also served in leadership roles with the American Cancer Society, Do Something, and Public Allies.

"Being involved with 'I Have A Dream' has allowed me to develop my leadership skills and be exposed to new, interesting people, places and things. I am delighted to contribute to this organization that has done so much and meant so much to me."

Natalia Sanchez

Student, New York City Technical College
"I Have A Dream" - Chelsea-Elliott I, Class of 2004
New York, NY

"My transition from high school to college was not difficult. Rather, it was different and very fast. All of a sudden, I had a lot of freedom and responsibility that I never had before and I had a hard time learning how to maintain focus and balance my time. I realized that I could not leave things until the last minute. Now, after three years, I have actually begun to look forward to facing new challenges. For me, the best part of college is meeting new people and experiencing new and exciting things. ­

"Throughout the years at "I Have A Dream", mentoring, tutoring, and peer groups helped me prepare for the pressures of college life. IHDF also motivated me to do the best I can in school and in life. I think it has also instilled in me that it doesn’t matter where I come from, or how much money I have, I can and I will succeed. I believe in myself.

"I would advise other Dreamers to try to keep their heads on straight and focus on what they are in college for. Also, I think I would tell Dreamers to follow the advice that IHDF gives you because, in the end, it really does help. IHDF helped me make sure everything for college, from financial aid, registering for classes, and even choosing a career, was done the right way. Though I have faced hard times along the way, I have a strong focus on my ultimate career goal: to become a radiologist."