Spotlight On Dreamer Alumni: Anthony Ron!

This month, we speak with Anthony Ron, aka DJ Dubbz, for our Spotlight On Dreamer Alumni series. Thank you Anthony for sharing your story with us!

Dreamer Alum Anthony Ron, aka DJ Dubbz

Name: Anthony Ron

Dreamer Cohort: Chelsea 1

Year joined program/Which grade were you in?:
1993 - 2nd Grade

What did you think about “I Have A Dream” – New York when you were in school?
There was a time when I didn't want to go to the "I Have a Dream" Program because I felt it was another extension of school. I did not yet know the value of the commitment that my Sponsor, Jeff Gural, had made with me as a second grader. In the earlier years I cringed at the fact that I was going to an after school program where I had supervised homework help. During that time in my life, I had developed chronic asthma, and was in and out of the hospital. I would miss school for weeks, and struggle to complete my assignments at home. My biggest support systems were my family, and “I Have A Dream” – New York. My counselor Hannah Wise who would soon become the Project Coordinator was more than just a counselor, she doubled as a big sister in some regards. Hannah would help me with my math and writing homework on a weekly basis. It was the first time in my life that someone who was a total stranger was actually rooting for me to win. I don't know if she treated everyone the same way, she could have made us all feel like this. But, coming from a Housing Project from the inner city, naturally you are conditioned to not trust people. Especially the kindness of a stranger. Hannah was probably the reason why I stuck with the program to this day. She has since moved into the healthcare field as a Registered Nurse and continues to be a great support system in my life.

What High School did you attend, and what year did you graduate?
La Salle Academy - 2004

Did you go to college/secondary school? If so, where and what did you study?
[I graduated from] John Jay College [in] New York City, I studied Public Administration.

What are you doing now?
Currently I am a new business owner. I opened up my doors in January 2013. This company has enabled me to have many different kinds of clients from all walks of the entertainment industry. I started out as a DJ when I was 12 years old, and I have carved my niche in the market and am currently diversifying my services to reach a new client base.

How would you explain the “I Have A Dream” program to someone who had never heard of it?
It is an organization that enables kids to make their own choices. They can choose to sit and learn more, and become a more stable human being, or they can choose to simply not. It is an organization that mentors children, helps with tutoring, and ultimately pays your college tuition, in the event that financial aid through government funding is not possible. This promise is a guarantee, it can be cashed out to the bank, it all depends on the Dreamer if they choose that path.

How did being a Dreamer affect you?
It affected me a greatly because it exposed me to a world that I had no idea existed. Coming from the inner city in Manhattan, there were many distractions and obstacles that we faced in our environment. IHDF-NY showed us that there were positive people out in the world that actually were betting on us to win. That was an amazing idea for me, to meet people that cared for me unconditionally.

What were some of your favorite memories about being a Dreamer?
I remember us all packing into a bus and heading to our Sponsor Jeff's house. He would break out a cotton candy machine, a popcorn maker, and we would enjoy his huge estate in upstate New York. The Dreamers would bring their parents along for the trip and it was a really great bonding experience between parents, dreamers, and staff.

Would you be where you are today without “I Have A Dream” – New York? Why or why not?
I don't believe that I will be in the place I am career wise without the "I Have a Dream" Foundation. They nourished my goals before I even set them. They kept me focused on my studies throughout high school and college. So many of my peers did not have the I Have a Dream in their lives, and it's sad to say that most of them are nowhere near where they want to be in life. I think a huge part of my confidence and business sense comes from my upbringing. IHDF-NY played a huge part in that, I truly don't know where my place would be in this world if they were not a part of my life.

What does your family think of “I Have A Dream” – New York?
They were always very supportive of me being involved in IHDF-NY. There was never a time when there was any type of friction between my parents and the IHDF-NY staff. My family believes that because of their help, I was equipped with the social skills necessary to land certain deals that came my way over the years.

Are you still involved with “I Have A Dream” – New York? How?
I am still involved with the I Have A Dream Foundation. I am on the IHDF-NY Junior [Dreamer] Alumni Board. I also have a possible "Green" venture that could be a great thing for the foundation as well. This is one of my newest ventures, I will give details on it when things do materialize.

If you are a Dreamer alum who would like to share your story for the blog, please contact Allison Curran at acurran@ihaveadreamny.org. 

Dreams of Professional Opportunities: Dreamer Career Days

May through June brought many new and exciting career experiences to “I Have A Dream” – NY!  Dreamers had an opportunity to explore a number of different careers from criminal lawyer to physical therapist to welder.  Dreamers asked many questions about career training, college experiences, internships and work-life balance.  Thank you to all of the “I Have A Dream” – NY friends who gave their time and energy to share their office and profession with these future professionals!

Pine River Capital: Dreamers were introduced to the world of investment banking.  They learned from a wide range of employees about the many types of occupations that it takes to run a successful firm.  From human resources to software development to client management, Dreamers had many questions about how employees found their way to investment banking, what their college experiences were like, and where they interned during college.  With personal discussions over pizza and a tour of the trading floor, this was a memorable experience!

FDNY: A big thank you to the New York City Fire Department for taking an afternoon to talk with Dreamers about a career in firefighting.  Officers shared their personal stories that brought them to the FDNY and offered encouraging advice about how to follow in their footsteps.  Dreamers were curious about their work-life balance and their scariest experience.  Dreamers learned about the many skills needed for the job – spatial memory, reading comprehension, and communication, along with the physical requirements.  After trying on some of the heavy equipment, Dreamers toured the local firehouse where they were introduced to the complex fire trucks, training facilities, and kitchen space. 

Professional Panel: A group of professionals met the Dreamers at Korn Ferry in Midtown Manhattan to share their experiences, schooling and life advice.  Dreamers heard from a Criminal Justice Lawyer, Physical Therapist, Radiologist, Department of Youth and Community Development Employee, and Consultant at Korn Ferry.  They offered valuable advice about how to take advantage of college, find internships, and pursue their dreams.   Dreamers were encouraged to work hard, find activities in which they are interested, and become leaders in their peer groups. 

National Elevator Cab and Door Corporation: Dreamers were introduced to elevator production from start to finish.  They saw elevators for the World Trade Center and Empire State Building being built from metal cutting to welding to polishing.  Dreamers were introduced to the wide range of professions that are involved with production of such a necessary, daily tool.  Dreamers were impressed with the degree of collaboration and cooperation that goes into elevator design and production. 

Condé Nast Publications: A magazine will never look the same!  Dreamers were taken through the steps of magazine publication from paper selection to color editing to printing to advertisements.  Learning about each step that goes into producing a beautiful, glossy magazine also exemplified the necessary collaboration so often found in the professional world.  Dreamers were treated to a tour of Teen Vogue where they were able to meet various writers and editors who shared their day to day duties and professional trajectory.  A highlight was the closet where all of the clothes and accessories were stored and catalogued.  Who knew so much went into the outfits seen on the magazine pages?  Dreamers were also treated to a working lunch where they received valuable, real-life advice on interviewing, resumes, job conduct and the skills needed to help you stand out as a rising-star professional.  

Kohl’s Design Team for Simply Vera:  Dreamers were taken through the process of designing a shirt for the Simply Vera fashion line at Kohl’s.  From fabric design to fitting to sales, Dreamers discovered the many steps that make clothes production possible.  Employees also shared a glimpse into fashion design school by sharing their portfolios and advice on how to make yourself known as a young designer.  A tour of the office also revealed the many other occupations that are involved in producing the clothes we all wear.  It was fascinating to see how runway styles make it into our own closets!

THANK YOU to all of the professionals that made these days so special! Dreamers and IHDF-NY Staff learned a lot about the many different jobs that help us all in our daily lives to be clothed, safe, healthy and informed. Dreamers’ horizons were expanded and their visits continue to influence new questions and dreams for the future!

Food Fest 2014!

Think getting Dreamers to eat their veggies is like pulling teeth? Think again!

Thanks to a generous grant from CVS Caremark, nearly 100 of our high school Dreamers participated in a series of Food Fests, designed to teach them how to prepare and enjoy healthy meals.

Food Fests took place between March and June 2014, with Dreamers at all three of our high school cohorts participating. Dreamers helped IHDF-NY staff shop for healthy food and kitchen equipment, including a blender and a Magic Bullet food processor, and each cohort hosted a regular series of workshops and cooking activities. During each Food Fest, staff and Dreamers discussed different types of fruits and vegetables, the vitamins and health benefits in each, and how to better incorporate them into their diets. Dreamers also discussed their personal food and flavor preferences and searched online for healthy recipes to prepare.

After buying the materials and discussing why fruits and veggies are important to a balanced diet, Dreamers donned their aprons and got to work in the kitchen! All Dreamers learned kitchen safety, proper knife handling, chopping skills, and how to avoid food cross-contamination. Dreamers followed their recipes and also learned how different preparations of the same vegetable – roasted, sautéed, boiled, raw, and canned – can make each meal taste very differently! Popular dishes included green beans with pesto, spinach sautéed with garlic, chicken stir-fry, pasta with chicken sausage and vegetables, and a make-your-own salad bar with a range of toppings, fruits, nuts, and proteins. Dreamers also enjoyed making fruit smoothies in a variety of flavors.

Staff and Dreamers alike had a great time and continue to talk about nutrition, healthy eating, and making good food choices on a regular basis. Everyone hopes to continue Food Fests during the upcoming school year, possibly expanding activities to include parents and families as well. In the meantime, Dreamers are enjoying the summer and continuing to eat healthy!

Spirit of the Dream Spring Gala

“I HAVE A DREAM” FOUNDATION’S 2014 SPRING GALA HONORS FRANKLIN & MARSHALL COLLEGE PRESIDENT, DR. DANIEL PORTERFIELD, WITH THE EUGENE M. LANG LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD AND KENDALL FARLEY WITH THE SPIRIT OF THE DREAM ALUMNI AWARD

Hosted by Bruce Beck, NBC Lead Sports Anchor

NEW YORK, NY (June 11, 2014) - More than 400 friends of the National "I Have A Dream" Foundation and the “I Have A Dream” Foundation – New York attended the annual "Spirit of the Dream" Spring Gala on Tuesday, June 10th at 583 Park Avenue. Organized by the National “I Have A Dream” Foundation, this event celebrated the tremendous efforts and outstanding achievements of Dr. Daniel Porterfield, President of Franklin & Marshall College. The program was hosted by Bruce Beck, lead sports anchor for NBC 4 New York.

Support raised from this event will directly benefit the organization's "Dreamers," enabling these worthy students to realize their higher education aspirations through long-term wrap around services and guaranteed tuition assistance.

East Harlem Dreamers with their Program Director, Nancy Restrepo-Wilson

The Spring Gala is the "I Have A Dream" Foundation's preeminent event of the year and brings together hundreds of national educators, business leaders, champions, and "I Have A Dream" students and alumni from across the country to raise funds for the organization and engage new champions. The "I Have A Dream" Foundation empowers children in under resourced communities to achieve their full leadership potential by equipping them with life skills, knowledge and foundational habits for success.

Dreamers from the “I Have A Dream” Foundation – New York (IHDF-NY) shared their talents with the guests. Four Dreamers from IHDF-NY’s East Harlem cohort read selections of their original stories, which included tales of best friends, haunted houses, and science experiments. These stories, along with several others from these Dreamers’ classmates, were featured in “Tales From East Harlem,” a printed book and offered as the centerpieces of each table. Three high school Dreamers provided original artwork to be featured during the silent auction, and two Dreamers performed an original poem about being a Dreamer that brought the evening to a rousing conclusion.

“We are thrilled to have honored Dr. Daniel Porterfield at this year’s Spirit of the Dream Spring Gala," said Ron Terwilliger, Chairman of the Board, "I Have A Dream" Foundation. "Dan’s determination to provide children with the opportunities, support, and resources needed to get to and through college, captures the essence of the “I Have A Dream” Foundation’s vision. We are proud to salute Dan’s tremendous efforts in implementing a ‘talent strategy’ that attracts and retains highly motivated students from every background to F&M.”

2014 “Spirit of the Dream” Gala Honoree, Dr. Daniel R. Porterfield

"The 'I Have A Dream’ Foundation and Franklin & Marshall College share a core commitment to ensure that students of all backgrounds have the opportunity to pursue a college education that empowers them for lives of leadership," said Dr. Daniel Porterfield. "I am proud that the Foundation has chosen to highlight F&M's work to expand college access and underwrite educational access for talented, deserving young people. I am honored to have received the Eugene M. Lang Lifetime Achievement Award in recognition of our efforts."

Additionally, the National "I Have A Dream" Foundation proudly introduced its incoming National President & CEO, Donna Lawrence, at the Gala. Donna has extensive experience in advocacy and policy development in support of disadvantaged children and families. She brings with her a wealth of experience in the foundation, government and not-for-profit sectors; strong organizational and managerial skills, and a commitment to work for social justice and equality for all people. IHDF-NY greatly anticipates working with her and the National organization to better provide services to Dreamers in New York City and nationwide.

Guests of the "I Have A Dream" Foundation at 583 Park