Unlocking Dreams with SEL Tools & Crochet!

501(c)(3) 

About

Believe In What You Dream was founded by Shantelle "S.LadyBug" Brumfield, a former NIH scientist and master crocheter, as a way to help people better process their feelings, manage their emotions and build stronger relationships long-term. 

Program Mission

The Dream Weaver Academy is an educational Social-Emotional Learning program designed to help youth learn to think, link and believe on their terms. (6-Week program provided in 3 cycles.) The program aims to help youth age 9-19, by teaching them to harness "The Dreams You Make", "Journal Your Journey" and "Master the Power of the stitch" this program utilizes social-emotional learning tools to better process their feelings, manage their emotions and build stronger relationships over time.  By supporting this cause, you are investing into your future's dream. If you would like to have a Dream Weaver Academy at your school sign up now, spots are filling fast.

The Dream Weaver Academy collaborates with top industry professionals to provide practical math techniques, social-emotional learning and access to mentorships, allowing today’s youth the opportunity to avoid the development of unhealthy habits and the trauma related to adverse childhood experiences (ACEs).

Goals

To provide Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) tools to help better process their feeling, manage their emotions, and build stronger relationships long-term. We are focused on impacting the lives of 100,000 youth by 2025.

Intended Audience

The Dream Weaver Academy curriculum is designed to interface directly with youth, in late childhood and adolescence in a wide range of educational, recreational, or community-based programs. It is especially appropriate for adolescents with mental health conditions who are particularly vulnerable to social exclusion, discrimination, stigma (affecting readiness to seek help), educational difficulties, risk-taking behaviors, physical ill-health and human rights violations.

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Twenty years ago, S.LadyBug, the founder of Believe In What You Dream, found herself in a groundbreaking position as an African American woman leading a team of scientists at the National Institute of Health (NIH). 

This experience ignited a deep sense of responsibility within her to inspire more people of color to pursue careers in science. Throughout her personal journey, S.LadyBug was fortunate to have the unwavering support of her parents, family, and community, who acted as mentors and advocates, ensuring she had the best opportunities to succeed. With their guidance, she learned that believing in one's dreams is the first step towards achieving them. 

As S.LadyBug reflected on her path, she recognized the role that education, experience, and execution played in her success. Interestingly, it was through the art of crochet that she discovered valuable lessons about control, confidence, creativity, critique, communication, and caution.

Contemplating the decisions she had made and the people who had supported her along the way, S.LadyBug was moved to take action and address the pressing question: "How can we empower more individuals like me?"

Nearly a decade later, the representation of African American scientists in the field remains dishearteningly low, accounting for only 6.5% of all scientists. In comparison, 53.2% are of White ethnicity, 26.3% are Asian, and 9.8% are Hispanic or Latino. 

This stark disparity prompted the establishment of Believe In What You Dream with a primary focus on identifying solutions that directly support academic achievement, address learning loss, and provide access to a network of mentors. The organization aims to advocate for expanded learning opportunities and foster long-term stability for success. Recognizing the importance of representation and support, Believe In What You Dream endeavors to bridge the gap and create a more inclusive and equitable scientific community as technology is growing.

Believe In What You Dream believes that every child deserves the opportunity to pursue their dreams, regardless of their background. The organization strives to provide resources, guidance, and mentorship to empower students of color, ensuring they have the tools and support needed to excel in any field they should choose. By addressing systemic barriers and fostering a network of mentors, Believe In What You Dream aims to cultivate a new generation of innovators who reflect the diversity of our society. Through their programs, they aspire to create lasting change and inspire future leaders who will shape the innovative landscape with their unique perspectives and experiences.