🌟 ABOUT THE FOUNDER

Dominique Bryant, Founder & Executive Director is a humanitarian, youth advocate, and proud Bellwood native who has dedicated more than 20 years to serving youth, families, and communities with intention, compassion, and purpose. Her life’s mission is rooted in her belief that it truly takes a village to uplift and empower the next generation.

Inspired by her younger sister and her 15 nieces and nephews, Dominique lives out her calling every day through love, service, leadership, and community-building.

In 2018, Dominique founded the Dream Academy Foundation—a 501(c)(3) youth development organization serving ages 10–24. Under her leadership, the organization has:

  • Impacted over 10,000 families
  • Doubled its partnerships
  • Increased donor support by 50%
  • Developed a transformative Internship & Workforce Development Program, preparing 110+ young adults for college, careers, and leadership roles
  • Launched more than 50 programs and community events

Established two flagship initiatives:

  • Holiday Party & Dream Store Toy Giveaway
  • Community Block Party

Through innovative programming, cultural enrichment, mentorship, leadership development, and workforce pathways, Dominique is creating spaces where young people can dream, grow, and achieve.

Corporate Leadership

Alongside her nonprofit leadership, Dominique serves in the Accounting Department at HCSC. In her role, she supports projects, automations, and offshore vendor processes—bringing valuable experience in operations, systems, and cross-functional collaboration.

Dominique is also known across the company for strengthening workplace engagement and supporting employee experience and community impact initiatives. She is widely regarded as a dedicated Community Service Ambassador, consistently showing up in ways that build connection, culture, and purpose.

 

Global Impact & Humanitarian Work

Dominique’s commitment to service reaches far beyond the Chicago area. Since 2021, she has led an annual 10-Day Educational, Cultural, and Social Engagement Tour to Ghana, providing:

  • Adaptive sports equipment
  • School supplies
  • Enrichment resources
  • Supported global sustainability through tree-planting efforts

Her passion for global service reflects her belief that community and compassion have no borders.

Leadership in the Community

Dominique’s dedication to youth and community extends through her leadership roles, including:

  • Treasurer, Four Point Play (Youth athletic development and excellence)
  • Mentor, Big Brothers Big Sisters

She is known for her consistency, integrity, and her ability to mobilize volunteers, uplift families, and strengthen communities.

Awards & Recognition

Dominique’s service, leadership, and impact have earned her numerous honors:

FOSCIK Humanitarian Award

Black Excellence Award – Village of Westchester

Volunteer of the Year – Blue Cross Blue Shield of Illinois

She Shines Honoree – Girls Inc.

Hometown Hero – Operation Uplift Inc.

Her work reflects a heart for service and a standard of excellence that inspires others to lead with purpose and compassion.

A Legacy of Servant Leadership

Dominique Bryant’s life is a testament to the power of servant leadership and the strength of a committed village. Through the Dream Academy Foundation, she is inspiring the next generation to Dream It, Believe It, and Achieve It—and is transforming communities one young leader at a time.