US Dream Academy

We’re thrilled to congratulate our CEO, Diane Wallace Booker on being honored at the 2025 Raise a Toast Awards, presented by Giant Food and the D.C. United Foundation for her extraordinary leadership at U.S. Dream Academy.

Thank you, Diane, for being a beacon of inspiration and change. This recognition is well-deserved and a reminder of the impact one person can make in the lives of many.

C. Diane Wallace Booker is the CEO and founding Executive Director of the U.S. Dream Academy, where she has led national expansion and developed a youth development model supporting over 15 thousands of young people in under-invested communities across the country in afterschool and mentoring. An attorney and expert in positive youth development—particularly for children of incarcerated parents—she is committed to advancing equity and opportunity. Diane previously led a youth violence reduction initiative in Southeast D.C. for the U.S. Department of Justice, resulting in a notable drop in crime through community partnerships within a year. She holds a J.D. from the University of Maryland Frances King Carey School of Law and a B.A. in Communications from Bowie State University. She also earned nonprofit leadership certificates from Stanford and Harvard Universities. Diane currently serves as board chair for both the Capitol Hill Counseling and Resource Center in Washington, D.C. and Baltimore City Head Start, which delivers vital early learning services to thousands of children in the city.

🎶 "Shake yourself loose" and let the power of your dreams shine! ✨

We’re excited to announce that Vickie Winans, the Stellar Award-winning gospel artist, will grace the stage as one of the guest performers at the U.S. Dream Academy’s 24th Annual Power of a Dream Celebration on October 15!

This year’s theme, “Bold Dreams, Bright Futures,” honors the strength, faith, and perseverance that fuel every dreamer’s journey. Join us for a night of soul-stirring music and powerful inspiration!

🎟️ Get your tickets now at www.usdreamacademy.org !

This October, we celebrate NY Initiative for Children of Incarcerated Parents See Us Support Us Month in partnership with ASU Center for Child Well-Being Breaking Chains Making Amends Foundation-BCMA CT Children with Incarcerated Parents Initiative - CTCIP Foreverfamily Inc. Greater Hudson Promise Neighborhood International Coalition for Children with Incarcerated Parents New Hope Oklahoma ScholarCHIPS and .

Together, we honor the Children of Incarcerated Parents’ Bill of Rights and stand committed to ensuring that every child feels supported, valued, and never alone. 💙

Join us as we continue building a community of hope and empowerment. 🌟