Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion
At DREAM, diversity, equity, and inclusion are a matter of mission.
From our schools to our playing fields, DREAM is committed to building a team where everyone can bring their full identity and experience to work.
That’s because representation matters—it enriches our team culture, enhances our ability to innovate, and strengthens our impact in and out of the classroom. DREAM employs staff that represent and appreciate the diversity of our majority Black and Hispanic student body, while working to ensure that our practices are equitable, welcoming, and productive. We are dedicated to creating a world where youth, especially youth of color, have permission to dream—along with the tools and opportunities to make their dreams reality.
“At DREAM, our vision is to ensure equitable outcomes for everyone in our community—including our staff, students, families, and alumni.”
- Kalila Hoggard, Chief People and Equity Officer
DREAM at a glance
In 2025 DREAM achieved an Advanced rating (meaning high in diversity, equity, and inclusion) on the Promise54's DEI survey which surveyed over 400 organizations with 20,000 respondents.
88%
of new, school-based hires identify as BIPOC
86%
of principals identify as BIPOC
53%
of management team members identify as BIPOC
Recently, we’ve committed to focusing on the following areas:
For the upcoming year, we’re focused on strengthening the staff experience, deepening family engagement, and thoughtfully adapting our curriculum through a DEIA lens. Each of these priorities reflects our commitment to building a more inclusive, connected, and supportive community for everyone at DREAM.
DIVERSITY:
DREAM ensures there is diversity (race, gender, socio-economic background) in all levels and roles within the organization, matching the diversity of the communities we serve.
We do this by cultivating diverse talent pipelines, practicing equitable and inclusive hiring, and using a competency-based approach to recruitment and selection.
“We think about everything as an investment in a child and community. It’s important for our young people to achieve things because it’s good for the community we’re invested in. Those outcomes are not for us only—they’re indicators of well-being, inspiration, and regeneration for the community we serve.”
-Jared Francis, Managing Director of High School and Leadership Development
EQUITY:
DREAM strives to ensure equitable outcomes through creating and upholding equitable processes, practices and systems for staff, students and families
This includes building equitable performance management and compensation systems, investing in staff retention and professional development, and designing student programming—both curriculum and experience—with equity at the center.
“I educate because as a student, I’ve experienced both scarcity in Harlem and abundance in the suburbs. Until abundance is the standard for every child, our work isn’t done.”
- Quioni Phillips, DREAM Dean of Social Emotional Learning and Community
INCLUSION:
DREAM strives to create inclusive environments where all members of the community have the opportunity to thrive and grow
We do this by offering meaningful staff programming and professional development, designing inclusive and engaging student experiences, and creating intentional opportunities for families to connect, learn, and grow alongside us.