About Us – daretodream

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 - Executive Director

Sahar Simmons, a native of Brooklyn, NY, is the author and creator of the Briana’s Neighborhood Children’s Book Series and brand.

“There weren’t enough images for young girls from multi-cultural backgrounds that were living real life scenarios,” according to, Sahar Simmons, a Hampton University graduate, with a degree in Communications. In the series, Simmons created a positive and lovable character, perfect for commercial usage, which focuses on characters from different backgrounds. Briana is a socially conscious, inquisitive eight-year-old girl from Brooklyn, NY who is affected by her surroundings and environment. She has a deeply rooted compassion for social causes and a supportive group of diverse friends who are intertwined in the community that they live in.

Simmons started her career in the fast paced sports industry with a concentration in special events management, media relations and communications. She has worked for Madison Square Garden’s (MSG) Boxing Division, the US Olympic Committee and continued on to, TNT Sports, the NBA (Atlanta Hawks) and NFL (Atlanta Falcons). She has organized and executed some of the largest sporting events for organizations, nonprofits and professional athletes such as the NBA All Star games and professional athletes’ charitable organizations; Alonzo Mourning, Dikembe Mutombo and Carmelo Anthony’s foundations.

The enthusiasm of Briana’s Neighborhood has been supported by major partners due to Simmons’ keen understanding of the children’s industry and brand development. Her community involvement includes maintaining literacy partnerships with corporations such as: McDonalds, Carol’s Daughter, Macy’s, Chick fil- A, the WNBA and NBA Leagues. Simmons was a featured author on green initiatives at the Congressional Black Caucus in Washington, DC and her most recent partnership is with Wal-Mart. Her brand has serviced over 50,000 children nationally.

Simmons’ later transitioned into film; Director’s Assistant, Wardrobe Coordinator, Clearances/Product Placement, Accountant, Writer/Producer and Creative Consultant and has worked for a wide range of big budget films and production companies to independent projects: Collateral, Be Cool, Barbershop 3’, Marvel Studios-Avengers, Dream Works, Sony Studios to name a few.

Simmons’ recently launched, Mobile Movie Makers Youth Film Competition and Festival. An innovative and creative approach to support Georgia’s young millennials as filmmakers, television producers, online content creators, actors, directors, etc. The purpose of M3 Youth Film Competition and Festival is to support the next wave of young content creators. M3 is dedicated to nurturing budding young filmmakers and sharing the transformative power of their creativity. M3 empowers youth to use smartphones to create personal stories that will positively influence their peers and community.

Simmons dedicates her time to giving back to kids. She volunteers and conducts writing workshops, book readings and public speaking sessions for youth at schools, universities, organizations and libraries. Her topic discussions on bullying, self- empowerment, literacy, green initiatives and entrepreneurship has been widely supported amongst schools. Her community involvement has been recognized by Rolling Out Magazine as one of the 25 “Most Influential Women” and Who’s Who of Black Atlanta Publication. Simmons was also the 2010 Wells Fargo Entrepreneurial finalist and the 2012 Echoing Green Business Leader finalist.

Simmons, is the founder of the Briana’s Neighborhood Dare to Dream Foundation, a nonprofit organization serving youth from multi-cultural backgrounds who “dare to dream” and achieve success. The foundation’s mission is to provide literacy components which include: innovative programs, book readings, writing workshops, forums, and seminars that assist in the personal growth of minority youth and provide leadership opportunities that will focus on their growth and community involvement. In addition, Dare to Dream is organized to promote self-empowerment, health and physical fitness within the community.

Stay tuned for continued books from the Briana series, a line of kids’ products and animation based on the lead characters of the Briana’s Neighborhood brand and Simmons’ new series, Leadi’s Loco Life coming soon!

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.

Nia Cash

Nia is a transplant from Brooklyn, New York currently residing in Raleigh, North Carolina. She is an alumnus of both Spelman College and Georgia Institute of Technology. She has been volunteering with various youth organizations for over thirteen years and has three years’ experience as an executive board member of a CITE-NC. Academics and athletics came easily to Nia, but making time for other things did not. Working with the youth has taught her the joy of achieving great things with great effort – a joy that she is delighted to have experienced, but even more delighted to share with others. Sharing the thrill of confidence, self-esteem and conquering fears keeps Nia working with organizations with a purpose year after year. Nia is currently a Program Manager for Cisco Systems and proud mother of three. She formerly as a Network Engineer with Verizon for ten years.

“I absolutely enjoy every moment I spend with the kids, hoping to inspire them just like many role models have inspired me.”

Astor Chambers

Astor Chambers is widely recognized as an accomplished marketer and sales executive with a proficient understanding of the mindset of today’s trendsetters and influencers. Mr. Chambers is the former Footwear Business Director for the Jordan Brand. Mr. Chambers is responsible for setting the strategy and long term vision for the Jordan Brand footwear business by leading the category and driving ideation and new concepts to go to market. Prior to this Mr. Chambers was the Global Footwear Product Director of Urban/Indie/Urbano for NIKE where he was responsible for developing global strategic footwear plans across all functions and regions while managing a team of four managers. His business unit generated the largest amount of revenue for the Sportswear division within NIKE, Inc. Mr. Chambers has worked on some of the most notable marketing initiatives within the footwear industry (25th Year Anniversary of the NIKE Air Force One, 25th Year Anniversary of the Jordan Brand, launch of Billionaire Boys Club, etc.) and played instrumental roles within each.

Derek Webber

With 18 years of sports and entertainment marketing experience, Derek launched Webber Marketing & Consulting in 2009 which is now the largest agency of record for HBCU’s. The agency’s service areas are strategic marketing, advertising, event management and sponsorship development.

Derek’s background is vast and includes advertising agency account work with McDonald’s at Fahlgren Advertising, Founding Member of Urban Sports & Entertainment Group, NASCAR, HBCU properties such as the SWAC, SIAC and CIAA conferences, American Black Film Festival, “Drumline” the movie, MEAC conference, Honda Battle of The Bands, SoCon Conference, BET, Speedway Motor Sports International and ESPN televised sporting events.

Over the last 18 years Derek has managed over 2,500 events, inclusive of some of the largest annual collegiate sports properties in the country. He has built long lasting relationships and has demonstrated expertise in sports sponsorship development, event operation, media marketing, television production, contract negotiation, premium licensing, and logo merchandising since 1997. He also has experience with multiple new product launches, as well as familiarity with multicultural and cause related initiatives, including extensive work with Historically Black Colleges and Universities.

A former athlete, Derek earned a B.A. from Hampton University. Derek currently serves on the Men’s fellowship board at United Church of Christ, Dowd YMCA of Charlotte Board Member, Romare Bearden Society member with the Mint Museum, Dare To Dream Foundation Board member, KIPP of Charlotte volunteer event committee and a volunteer for the Charlotte Mecklenburg Schools mentor program.

Naima Stevenson

NCAA Managing Director of Academic & Membership Affairs/ Deputy General Counsel

Naima is the Managing Director of Academic & Membership Affairs / Deputy General Counsel for the NCAA and has been with the NCAA since May of 2006. Her responsibilities include management of litigation activities and providing counsel to various areas of the National Office and NCAA governance committees.

Prior to joining the NCAA, Naima was a Corporate and Securities Associate with the law firm of Arnold & Porter in Washington DC. While at Arnold & Porter, Naima advised a variety of corporations on the ever changing landscape in Securities regulations, assisted clients with raising equity in private equity transactions, and advised clients in various merger and acquisition transactions.

An experienced speaker and panelist, Naima has served as a panelist for the Sports Lawyers Association, National Association of College and University Attorneys, the Indiana Bar Association, and many colleges and universities.

Originally from Brooklyn New York, Naima is a graduate of the University of Maryland College Park, and received her law degree from Harvard Law School. Naima and her husband, Stephen Starks, are the proud parents of Aubrey Clinton and Ellery Grace Starks.

Rodney Lewis

Rodney R. Lewis, tri-star business entrepreneur with a Creative Consultant platform within 3-section umbrella. One Nation Promotions started in 1992, catering to corporate brands, sports, and entertainment industries in order to create, develop and produce all branding needs. RL Management, established in 2012, assists corporate brands with their event promotions, product activations, and campaign executions around the country. The TrendingXChange is a newly founded project created in 2016 to work with small businesses, special events and non-profit organizations to grow and build their brands, brand management advisory and to assist with rebranding them. Rodney’s contributions consist of clients and brands; Nissan Motors, Coca-Cola, MoneyGram International, NCAA sports, UniWorld Group, Sony Music, Kroger and Dish Networks to name a few.

Sherí Barros

Sherí Barros is the Founder, Principal, & Chief Brand Strategist of SVB Group, a boutique sports & entertainment brand marketing consultancy. An award-winning 15-year veteran of brand marketing in sports entertainment, the former Vice President of Marketing & Brand Ambassador for privately-held Cooper Holdings, has a record of respected leadership of advertising, creative, insights, experiential, and brand partnership teams. Cooper Holdings is the parent company to (7) subsidiaries in the marketing and entertainment industries. Ms. Barros joined Cooper Holdings as a consultant, where she led the strategy, negotiation and management of corporate clients’ seven-figure national sponsorship portfolio. Her team managed partnerships across the U.S. within the NBA, NCAA, MLS, International Soccer, Action Sports, WWE, and more. Prior to Cooper Holdings, Ms. Barros led the marketing department for Spurs Sports & Entertainment, where she oversaw marketing for five-time NBA champion, San Antonio Spurs. Sherí was promoted to oversee brand marketing for all Spurs Sports & Entertainment properties, including: NBA Spurs, AT&T Center concerts and shows, WNBA Stars, AHL Rampage, & Spurs foundation. During her tenure, the Spurs won several marketing and advertising awards: Telly Awards, a Summit Creative Award, and National Sports Forum ADchievement Award. Prior to the Spurs, Ms. Barros held marketing & management roles in the front offices of several professional sports organizations, including the Oakland Raiders, Atlanta Falcons, Texas Rangers, and the 83rd PGA Championship. A two-time ‘Who’s Who’ honoree in Atlanta and San Antonio, Ms. Barros is an Adjunct Marketing Professor at New York University. She also speaks to organizations and colleges, including: The American Marketing Association, Cynopsis Sports Business Summit, Dig South Conference, Georgia State University, Emory University, and more. A native of Atlanta, Ms. Barros holds a Bachelor’s Degree from Florida State University and a Master’s Degree from the University of North Texas

Shamar Bibbins

Shamar Amirah Bibbins is a passionate and innovative leader committed to mission-driven work that advances economic, environmental, and social justice. Shamar currently serves as senior program officer at The Kresge Foundation’s Environment Program. In this role, she directs grantmaking that supports policies and programs that help communities build resilience in the face of climate change. Shamar manages a national portfolio of grants that supports community-based nonprofit organizations elevate their leadership in the development and implementation of climate policies and programs. In addition, she supports work that helps deepen diversity, equity, and inclusion in the environmental field. Prior to Kresge, Shamar was director of national partnerships at Green for All, a national non-profit dedicated to building an inclusive green economy strong enough to lift people out of poverty, where she served for nearly five years. Shamar’s engagement in environmental issues spans over 25 years. At her alma mater Vassar College, Shamar received distinction on her senior thesis, Race, Class and Environmental Justice. This research helped shape an international focus for Shamar’s early environmental work, which took her to Japan under the auspices of a Fulbright Fellowship. A native of Detroit, MI, Shamar has a deep passion for empowering young women. She is committed to health and wellness – having practiced yoga most of her life, and is proud to have completed her first triathlon in 2017. Shamar is a professionally trained actor and enjoys writing poetry and listening to live music.

Autumn Burton-Stovall

Dr. Autumn Burton-Stovall is a college professor and people strategies leader with a demonstrated track record of value-added accomplishments, leadership abilities and business savvy. She has experience in various areas including human resource management, corporate training, diversity and inclusion, and organization development, however, possesses a deep passion for non-profit volunteer management and non-profit program awareness. Throughout her career, she has exemplified this passion through her involvement with various civic and community organizations. In addition to possessing a Bachelor of Arts in Accounting and a MBA in Human Resource Management, Autumn holds a Ph.D. in Public Service Leadership /Human Services with a specialization in Management of Nonprofit Agencies. Dr. Burton-Stovall is the Co-Chair of the Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl Football Feud as well as a council member for the American Diabetes Association Father of the Year Awards. Dr. Burton-Stovall has also served on the Advisory Board for the Endicott College Master in Athletic Administration program and the Cam Newton Foundation. She is a dedicated community activist having served as a volunteer for the following prestigious organizations: Trumpet Awards Foundation Host Committee, Atlanta Sports Council,Touchdown Club of Atlanta, KaBOOM!, American Diabetes Association (ADA), Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF), Sara Blakely Foundation, Warrick Dunn Charities, JimMora Count on Me Family Foundation, Hines Ward “Helping Hands” Foundation and the Atlanta Falcons Youth Foundation (AFYF). In 2004, Dr. Burton-Stovall founded a small nonprofit organization, called Entertainment and Sports in the Community (ESC). ESC specializes in helping individuals, organizations and corporations fulfill their charitable aspirations by increasing the impact of their philanthropic endeavors. ESC also works with nonprofits by helping them become stronger through strategic planning, research, board development and organizational capacity building.