The 2025 Disney Dreamers Academy inspired 100 students who got an opportunity to experience the life-changing mentoring initiative at the Walt Disney World Resort.
Students received words of encouragement from DREAMbassador Tyler James Williams, David and Tamala Mann, Aisha Bowe, Lisa Nichols, Adam Blackstone, Kelvin Harrison and more.
The academy kicked-off with a parade at the Magic Kingdom where the 100 Disney Dreamers joined Williams along with Disney characters Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, and Princes Tiana.
Williams shared the words of advice he gave to the students during the academy.
“What I want to do here, I hope this makes it feel a little bit closer, not that far away,” he said. “That’s possible. You can start at that age and keep going 20 something years later…Whenever I’m confused about a project or what I should be doing, remember why you’re here. What are you here to do? There’s always the economic aspect of it, but then there’s something deeper. I would encourage them to always look for their North Star. It will lead you.”
Bowe, who will make history as the first Black woman to travel outer space aboard Blue Origin, discussed her journey and encouraging others to reach their dreams.
“I’ve learned that I’m far more talented and capable than I ever could have imagined when I started,” Bowe said. “I thought I just wanted to be an engineer. I did not think I was capable of running a business. I did not think I was capable of being on stage at Disney. And all those things have expanded me so much that I want everyone to reevaluate what they think that they’re capable of. Because you are far more powerful than sometimes you allow yourself to believe.”
The Disney Dreamers embraced the inspiration and experiences.
Malia Martin, a junior from California, spoke about her favorite moments of the academy.
“The opening rally, they put a lot of care and effort into reminding us that we are supposed to be here,” Martin said. “I think a lot of us have big dreams and we are confident in ourselves. I think I did have a little bit of imposter syndrome at the beginning. But with us doing affirmations, it helped. Disney Dreamers does a really good job of not only bringing us here and recognizing our greatness, but reminding us that our greatness is authentic.”
Kenidi Hicks, a freshman from Houston, echoed those statements.
“Everybody has stood out to me because everybody has said something so inspirational that I think I’ll carry for the rest of my life,” she said.
Martin also gave advice to the next generation of aspiring Disney Dreamers.
“There’s nothing wrong with throwing yourself out there when you’re crafting your application,” she said. “Be powerful with your words. Tell the right story. Just go out there and apply. Give it your all. Put your best self out there. And I know people who didn’t get in the first time and they applied again. They’re now here.”
