Today, dream audaciously.
Todaydream connects students with diverse inspiring professionals — trained to share their stories, expand what students believe is possible, and build the social connections that change life trajectories.
🏫 Official Partner of the Chicago Public Schools — district serving 325,000 students
Schools We've Served
Why Todaydream?
Today, Dream
We empower students to dream audaciously today. There is a fierce urgency to this work now.
Today's Dream
In 1963, Dr. King shared his dream of racial and socioeconomic equity. We are dedicated to making that vision today's dream — and our collective tomorrow.
To Daydream
We inspire youth to pause and visualize — to daydream — all they can become beyond the limitations of their immediate surroundings.
Why It Matters
Diverse professionals exist. Their stories don't reach students' ears.
Too many students still do not see enough examples of people who look like them in professions they want to be — with lives they want to have. This situation can erode students' belief in the power of their own dreams, putting a ceiling on their potential.
At Todaydream®, we know the reality is far better than the perceived shortage. Diverse professionals do exist, yet often their stories do not rise above the noise of contemporary cultural expectations. Their stories do not reach students' ears.
This isn't just an inspiration problem. It's one of community.
“The arc of the moral universe doesn't passively bend; it is actively bent. WE BEND IT.”
Proven Results
Impact You Can Measure
0%
Increase in Students' Belief in Social Mobility
p = 0.001, validated by Stanford University's Measuring Mobility Toolkit
0+
Students Impacted
Across schools and communities nationwide
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DreAmbassadors
Diverse inspiring professionals sharing their stories
What Students Say
Hear it from the students themselves.
"This gave me motivation to find my purpose in this world and what I'm meant to do. It made me want to work toward all of my goals, not just my biggest one."
— Karma S., Grade 11
"This session impacted me by showing me you can come from anywhere doing anything and still can be the best possible version of yourself."
— Madyson W., Grade 8
"I believe the session impacted me positively. I say this because I feel more determined in what I want to pursue in life."
— Antoine G., Grade 8
"This session inspired me to think about who I am, who I want to be, and what I want to do after high school."
— Menayah H., Grade 9
"I very much enjoyed the session and it really made me think about what I truly want to do for college and the future."
— Za'Kia C., Grade 10
"Very engaging and inspiring."
— Marvin F., Grade 11
What Educators Say
Trusted by educators nationwide.
"To see an Ivy League educated Black man come from Chicago Public Schools was very inspiring. We need to do this more for students. Representation matters."
— Educator, Chicago
"His story helped students see how a BIPOC individual can overcome obstacles and obtain a world-class education."
— Principal, California
"He addressed an important need by inspiring students and engaging them in their future."
— Education Program Leader
Dr. Chika Okafor
Founder & CEO
Built from research. Driven by purpose.
I'm a proud alumnus of the Chicago Public Schools — and after college, I returned to serve that same school system twice. My academic research, published in the Journal of Law & Economics, reveals a hidden driver of inequality: students from underrepresented backgrounds receive fewer opportunities simply because of smaller social and professional networks. Todaydream is the solution I built to address both what I saw working with the school district — and what my research diagnosed.
Dr. Chika Okafor · Chicago Public Schools · Stanford BA · Yale JD · Harvard PhD Economics · Northwestern Law Professor
Read the ResearchWhat We Offer
Two Ways to Empower Your Students
Keynotes
In-person assembly presentations that empower students to dream audaciously — reaching your whole school or an entire grade level at once. High-energy, story-driven experiences that leave a lasting impression.
DreAmbassador Sessions
30-minute interactive sessions where diverse, inspiring professionals share their stories with students — either in-person or virtually. Personal, engaging, and designed to spark new possibilities.
Virtual sessions are hosted on the Todaydream Community platform — seamless for schools, students, and DreAmbassadors across the country.
See It in Action
Experience the Impact
How DreAmbassador Sessions Work
Watch a 2-minute overview of DreAmbassador sessions
The Keynote in Action
Watch a 'Dreaming on Purpose' keynote speaker reel
DreAmbassadors®
Who Your Students Will Meet
Our DreAmbassadors are diverse inspiring professionals from many backgrounds and industries. Here's a few:
Tiffany Lemon
HIV Epidemiologist & Professor
Juan Carlos Intriago Velez
Partner & Managing Director, Consulting Company / Former Engineer
Ogheneochuko Metitiri
Harvard-Trained Orthopedic Hand Surgeon
Machmud Makhmudov
Stanford JD & Former White House Staffer
All DreAmbassadors are members of the Todaydream Community, which includes ProVision® — a dedicated space where they connect, grow, and deepen their impact.
DreAmbassadors Can Enhance
Programs
Programs for Every School
Whether you're just getting started or ready to go all in, we have a program that fits.
Explorer
"The Introduction"
- "Dreaming on Purpose" keynote presentation (in-person or virtual)
- Empowers students to dream audaciously and learn pathways to get there
Believer
"The Experience"
- Everything in Explorer, plus:
- 2 DreAmbassador Sessions (virtual or in-person) — diverse professionals share their stories with your students from across the country
- 2 student coaching sessions — small-group sessions where students work through their own goals and next steps with a trained facilitator
Visionary
"The Transformation"
- Everything in Believer, plus:
- 4 additional DreAmbassador Sessions (6 total)
- 4 additional coaching sessions (6 total)
- Dream Stories Portal — year-round access for teachers, so any educator can bring a DreAmbassador story into a class period
Build Your Own
"Tailored to your needs"
- Every school is different
- We'll design a program that fits your students, your schedule, and your goals
- Contact us to design your custom program
How It Works
Simple to Start
Schedule a Call
Tell us about your school, your students, and your goals. We'll recommend the right program.
We Handle the Rest
Our team matches you with DreAmbassadors, schedules sessions, and provides all materials.
Students Dream Bigger
Watch your students light up as they connect with professionals who look like them and empower them through stories.
Get Involved
Partner With Us
There are many ways to join the Todaydream movement and empower the next generation.
Schools & Districts
Bring Todaydream to your classrooms. We partner with individual schools and entire districts to deliver transformative career-exposure experiences.
Schedule a CallSponsor a School via Todaydream Foundation
Fund Todaydream programming for a school of your choice. Your sponsorship is tax-deductible under 501(c)(3) and creates life-changing moments for students who need it most.
Become a SponsorBecome a DreAmbassador
Share your story and inspire the next generation. If you're a professional with a passion for empowering students, we want to hear from you.
Apply Now