*The 2024 Disney Dreamers Academy, is an educational mentorship program created and hosted by Walt Disney World Resort, to broaden career awareness and create exclusive opportunities for high school students from underrepresented communities across America.
The five-day program includes a hands-on career workshop known as Living Laboratories, based on the student’s career interests.
EURweb was in Orlando and spoke to dreamers Jayden Watkins, Noelle Nelson, and TeLario Watkins II about their mock “Shark Tank” lab with Daymond John and Ramona Washington.
During the entrepreneur lab dreamers were divided into teams and used the elements of a film, to create vendor companies that service the film’s needs and marketing companies that promote the finished product.
During the entrepreneur lab dreamers were divided into teams and used the elements of a film, to create vendor companies that service the film’s needs and marketing companies that promote the finished product.
Nelson, a senior at Notre Dame Academy in Los Angeles, California, is a founder of Teach Teal: Food Allergy Awareness, founder of Best Buddies Wear Teal & Red, a Red Sneakers for Oakley Ambassador, and a Just Allergy Things Board Member. She is passionate about supporting kids with food allergies and hopes to become a Pediatric Allergist & Immunologist.
“I was in the “Shark Tank” lab where we met Mr. Daymond, who taught us about being able to pursue our goals and dreams, even when we get no,” shared Nelson. “It was really important because we’re doing a lot of marketing. [And it was good to] learn that sometimes even Disney gets told ‘no.'”
Watkins a sophomore at Henderson Collegiate High School in Henderson, North Carolina, is a published author, licensed minister, podcast host, playwright, producer, and non-profit organization CEO. He has a deep passion for seeing his community grow by giving back to the homeless which is
why he founded Higher Is Waiting, a non-profit organization.
“Mr. Daymond talked to us about entrepreneurship and we created a pitch, so we can know how to pitch our businesses,” explained Watkins. “Because I have a nonprofit, it is different than a business, but those skills are still key when doing business.”
Watkins II, a sophomore at Licking Heights High School in Ohio, is a entrepreneur, author, speaker and Hunger Hero. At age seven, he started his own business, Tiger Mushroom Farms after a Cub Scout project ended. He is passionate about food justice and started the nonprofit, The Garden Club Project to help end hunger & encourage kids to eat healthier. His career goal is to use technology to improve the food system in my community and communities around the world.
“Mr. Daymond shared inspiring words, and how we became who he is from a little kid to owning floors at the Empire State Building,” expressed Watkins II. “We created a promotion for the “Little Mermaid” using sponsors we already had, and created an experience for guests so they would get excited for the movie.”
Watch our full interview above.
For more details follow @DisneyDreamersAcademy | #ddaDisney | #Be100 | DisneyDreamersAcademy.com
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