The “Dare to Dream” Foundation’s purpose is to provide literacy components which include: mechanisms and innovative programs, such as book readings, writing workshops, forums, and seminars that assist in the personal growth of minority youth.
We also provide leadership opportunities that will focus on their growth and community involvement. In addition, Dare to Dream is organized exclusively to perform charitable, educational endeavors, green initiatives/awareness and to promote health/wellness in the communities.
Briana’s Neighborhood Dare to Dream Foundation was founded in 2009 by Sahar Simmons who created programs based on her book series, Briana’s Neighporhood.
Her motto, “Dare to Dream” is about empowering youth to accomplish their goals and dream big! 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.
Sahar Simmons Founder & Executive Director
Sahar Simmons is a strategic business and operations executive, producer, entrepreneur, published children’s book author, and partnerships leader with more than 20 years of experience across sports, entertainment, film, television, media, branding, and community engagement.
A native of Brooklyn, New York and a graduate of Hampton University, Simmons has built a career at the intersection of business, creativity, culture, and community. Her professional experience includes the NBA, Atlanta Hawks, Atlanta Falcons, TNT Sports, Madison Square Garden Boxing, and the U.S. Olympic Committee, where she has worked across business development, communications, partnerships, event operations, media relations, athlete engagement, and community initiatives.
Her entertainment career spans film and television production, with experience in production operations, brand integration, clearances, writing, producing, and creative consulting on projects associated with Marvel Studios, HBO, Starz, MGM, BET, VH1, Netflix, Sony, and DreamWorks.
Simmons is the creator of Briana’s Neighborhood, a children’s book series and brand inspired by her belief that young people—particularly girls from diverse and multicultural backgrounds—deserve to see themselves reflected in stories that are relatable, empowering, and rooted in real-life experiences. What began as a children’s book series has evolved into an expanding universe of female characters and creative intellectual property, with literacy partnerships and programs reaching more than 50,000 children nationally.
Simmons’ commitment to youth development grew from recognizing a broader need for representation, creative expression, mentorship, and access to opportunity. Through Briana’s Neighborhood Dare to Dream Foundation, she transformed that vision into a platform designed to connect young people with experiences that build confidence, develop their voices, and expose them to educational, creative, professional, and leadership opportunities they may not otherwise encounter.
Building on her experience across entertainment and youth engagement, Simmons founded Mobile Movie Makers (M3) Youth Film Festival & Competition and M3 Youth Film Crew, providing young people with opportunities to explore filmmaking, digital media, storytelling, leadership, and creative career pathways.
Throughout her career, Simmons has demonstrated a talent for developing strategic partnerships and bringing brands, organizations, creatives, and communities together around innovative ideas. Her work has included collaborations and initiatives involving major sports and entertainment properties, corporations, professional athletes, and community organizations.
Today, Simmons continues to build at the intersection of youth development, creative industries, strategic partnerships, and social impact. Her work is driven by a belief that when young people are given access, exposure, mentorship, and a platform for their voices, they can envision possibilities beyond their circumstances—and become the creators, leaders, and changemakers who shape what comes next.
Our Team
Board members are the fiduciaries who steer the organization towards a sustainable future by adopting sound, ethical, and legal governance and financial management policies, as well as by making sure the nonprofit has adequate resources to advance its mission.
Derek Webber
