DARE
TO
DREAM
Our Story
Briana’s Neighborhood Dare to Dream Foundation, Inc. was established to empower young people through literacy, leadership development, creative expression, and career exploration. What began as a children’s book brand has evolved into a multifaceted nonprofit organization that equips youth with the confidence, skills, and opportunities needed to become future leaders, storytellers, innovators, and changemakers.
The foundation was born from the belief that every child deserves to see themselves reflected in stories that inspire confidence, curiosity, resilience, and possibility. Through books, educational programming, mentorship, creative arts, and media experiences, we help young people discover that their voice has value and that their dreams are achievable.
Today, the organization serves as a platform where literacy meets innovation, creativity meets leadership, and education becomes a catalyst for opportunity.
Our Mission
Briana’s Neighborhood Dare to Dream Foundation empowers youth through literacy, leadership, storytelling, workforce development, and creative arts education. We create pathways that help young people strengthen their academic skills, develop confidence, embrace diverse perspectives, and transform their ideas into meaningful opportunities for personal and professional growth.
We believe every child deserves access to positive role models, innovative educational experiences, and creative environments where they can discover their purpose while preparing for success in school, careers, entrepreneurship, and life.
Provides positive workshops, and encourages awareness and professional development
Organized exclusively to perform charitable, educational endeavors, green initiatives/awareness and to promote health/wellness in the community
Serves as a resource for the African-American and Latino youth communities at large
Our Vision
We envision a world where every young person has the opportunity, resources, and confidence to dream beyond their circumstances and become leaders within their communities and industries.
Our goal is to develop a generation of youth who are not only academically prepared but also socially conscious, creatively confident, financially aware, technologically skilled, and equipped to tell stories that shape culture and inspire change.
Our History
Who We Are
Dare to Dream was founded in 2009 by Sahar Simmons whose vision was based on her book series, Briana’s Neighborhood. Her motto, “Dare to Dream” is about empowering youth to accomplish their goals and dream big!
What We Believe
There are ultimately no limitations to personal success, only the vision to accomplish them. Simmons wants her books series and foundation to be a tool of encouragement to work hard and believe in yourself.
Briana’s Neighborhood “Dare to Dream” Foundation Inc. is a 501c3 nonprofit organization serving youth with multi-cultural backgrounds who “dare to dream” and achieve success. We provide positive workshops: writing, branding, and public speaking, in addition to innovative programs that encourage awareness and professional development to youth in communities nationwide.