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
We empower students to dream audaciously today. There is a fierce urgency to this work now.
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.
We inspire youth to pause and visualize — to daydream — all they can become beyond the limitations of their immediate surroundings.
Why It Matters
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.”
Results
22%
Increase in Students' Belief in Social Mobility
p = 0.001, measured with Stanford University's Measuring Mobility Toolkit
250+
Students Impacted
Across schools and communities nationwide
40+
DreAmbassadors
Diverse inspiring professionals sharing their stories
What Students Say
"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
"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
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
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.
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 bring professionals from across the country directly into your classroom.
See It in Action
Watch a 2-minute overview of DreAmbassador sessions
Watch a 'Dreaming on Purpose' keynote speaker reel
DreAmbassadors®
Our DreAmbassadors are diverse inspiring professionals from many backgrounds and industries. Here's a few:
HIV Epidemiologist & Professor
Partner & Managing Director, Consulting Company / Former Engineer
Harvard-Trained Orthopedic Hand Surgeon
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
Whether you're just getting started or ready to go all in, we have a program that fits.
"The Introduction"
"The Experience"
"The Transformation"
"Tailored to your needs"
Sponsored partnerships. The Todaydream Foundation works with corporate and philanthropic sponsors to underwrite partnerships for selected schools. Ask about sponsorship when you schedule your call.
How It Works
Tell us about your school, your students, and your goals. We'll recommend the right program.
Our team matches you with DreAmbassadors, schedules sessions, and provides all materials.
Watch your students light up as they connect with professionals who look like them and empower them through stories.
Get Involved
There are many ways to join the Todaydream movement and empower the next generation.
Bring Todaydream to your classrooms. We partner with individual schools and entire districts to deliver transformative career-exposure experiences.
Schedule a CallFund a semester or a full year of Todaydream programming for a school near your office or community.
Explore SponsorshipShare 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