Our team reflects the rich variety of the American experience. We are united by the conviction that incredible things happen when you give students the resources they need to thrive. Our staff knows the impact of our program firsthand, with a number of former Scholars, parents, and board members among our ranks — including our Executive Director.
Karen is a dedicated public servant and experienced advocate for the immigrant community. After witnessing the 2010 collapse of the federal DREAM Act, she was one of the founding members of the Dream Project. She earned her Juris Doctorate from the Washington and Lee School of Law and possesses a Bachelor of Business Administration and a Bachelor of Arts in History from Southwestern Adventist University. Her expertise spans from nonprofit leadership, governance, and legal and policy research.
Michele brings more than two decades of diverse nonprofit leadership and development experience to her work advocating for students. She has independently raised more than $35 million in revenue, with an additional $100 million collaboratively for small, community-based nonprofits and large national organizations. Michele unites strong people skills, development acumen, and a well-developed network, giving the Dream Project the grounding it needs to fund students’ dreams.
Cecilia ensures the work of the Dream Project is undertaken with the highest professional standards. Cecilia studied law and accounting in her native Bolivia and now provides administrative support and bookkeeping for all our programs. The mother of two Dreamers, Cecilia is personally invested in making sure all students have access to education.
Iman crafts our thoughtful and conscious messaging of the Dream Project's robust programs. Before the Dream Project, she worked at the U.S. Department of State, the Virginia House of Delegates, and local community-driven nonprofits, merging her love for all things comms with international affairs. She understands the power of mentorship and community support and is inspired by her first-generation Ethiopian American identity to support and advocate for immigrants and other underserved communities.
Katherine is passionate about advocating for immigrant rights and expanding educational opportunities for underrepresented communities. Previously, she worked in policy and communications with a nonprofit dedicated to advancing Latino workers' rights, where she helped amplify the voices of marginalized communities and advance labor protections. A first-generation college graduate with Bolivian and Paraguayan roots, Katherine holds a BA in Government from the College of William & Mary, with a minor in Innovation and Entrepreneurship. Her personal experiences fuel her dedication to supporting immigrant students and advocating for policies that foster equity and opportunity.
Patricia tirelessly advocates for excellence and equity in education. Patricia promotes, plans, and implements career and college activities for Dream Project Scholars, with a keen eye to student needs and emerging opportunities. She holds more than twenty-five years of counseling experience working with culturally diverse populations and serves as the principal of Escuela Argentina, a weekly language instruction program for more than four hundred bicultural students from Pre-K to twelfth grade.
Belinda is a guide who enables Dream Project Scholars and their families to navigate a rich network of community resources. She has served in the educational field as a leader, social justice advocate, program director, and consultant. Belinda is also the Co-Founder and Associate Executive Director of Hermanas SOL, which seeks to empower women of color to achieve personal, professional, and spiritual growth through educational achievement, financial literacy, and leadership development within a culturally relevant framework.
Paola brings a unique blend of expertise and enthusiasm to her role as Bookkeeper. Originally from Cochabamba, Bolivia, she holds a degree in Biomedical Engineering from Univalle University. Her diverse background includes participating in an International Leadership Training program at Georgetown University in 2013 and completing an internship in Marketing and Sales at the Bolivian Private University. Passionate about numbers from a young age, Paola applies her analytical skills with dedication.
Originally from Peru, Monica is a passionate advocate for community empowerment. She brings a global perspective to her work, having collaborated with various organizations over her 15 years of experience in marketing and community engagement to uplift diverse communities, particularly Latinos facing challenges. At the Dream Project, she leverages her unique cultural insights and strategic skills to empower students and families to lead fulfilling lives.
Milky is a first-generation student at George Mason University, studying Criminology, Law, and Society. For the Dream Project, Milky works as a tech support intern who handles smooth operations for weekly virtual mentoring sessions, managing breakout rooms, and keeping the online archive. Her work as a Mason Ambassador and her academic focus on criminal justice and women's advocacy expose her dedication to serving her community. Fluent in Amharic, Milky is inspired by her Ethiopian heritage. She enjoys spending time with her family, cooking, and sharing cultural traditions. She aspires to pursue international law and make a global impact.
Tim brings a wealth of experience and a deep commitment to serving immigrants. He joined the Dream Project as a mentor in November 2021, following a 44-year career in information technology and finance. Tim held senior executive roles at the Federal Aviation Administration and served as Managing Director at Grant Thornton, specializing in financial management consulting. Beyond his professional achievements, Tim is dedicated to community service. His leadership and passion for helping others make him a valuable asset to our board.
Established community professionals partner with us to share their insights and expertise. Learn about our current panel of advisors below:
