DREAMGIRLS Mentoring Program
By Brittany Summers
DREAMGIRLS Mentoring Program is a nonprofit organization that was founded on August 27, 2008 by Tamira Dunn of Baltimore. The program was designed to uplift, empower, and educate teen mothers. The purpose of this program is to instill positive self images that will enable young women to become confident and successful. DREAM stands for dedicated, responsible, educated, aspiring, and motivated.
When asked what inspired her to want to start DREAMGIRLS, Dunn stated, “Taking custody of my goddaughter at the age of 19 and seeing a lot of my friends having children at a young age with no resources.” Helping others has always been near and dear to Dunn’s heart. She is a 2008 graduate of Morgan State University with a B.S. in Psychology and she is currently enrolled in the Family Studies Graduate Program at Towson University.
Since the founding of DREAMGIRLS in 2008 Dunn has done a number of things to make sure her visions for these young women are being fulfilled. She has held events such as block parties, car washes, clothing drives, school supply drives, and much more. The biggest event for DREAMGIRLS thus far will be taking place on Nov. 12. “Inspire her to DREAM: A Night of Elegance” will be DREAMGIRLS’ first annual fundraising banquet. With guest speaker Antonia “Toya Carter” Wright, this is sure to be a night to remember. Toya, from BET’s hit shows “Tiny and Toya” and “Toya: A Family Affair,” is mainly known as Lil Wayne’s “baby’s mother” but she has been using her influence to inspire young women just like DREAMGIRLS. In her book, “Priceless Inspirations” Toya talks about her life, growing up, and being a teen mother.
If you are interested in becoming a mentor for DREAMGIRLS or you just want to be involved, please visit www.dreamgirlsmentoring.org or contact Tamira Dunn at 443-653-0352. For ticket information for “Inspire her to DREAM: A Night of Elegance,” please email rsvp.inspriehertodream@gmail.com or contact Tamira Dunn.
“DREAMGIRLS Mentoring Program: Building the Community One Teen Mom At A Time” | 
In October 2008, Nikki E. Owens, a junior at Bowie State University, received a Milton Pericles Darden III Memorial Scholarship from the Scott Lee Foundation during its First Annual Nicole Lynette Scott Lee Memorial Scholarship Awards Reception. 
Before transitioning into the classroom, Haynes was a staff writer for the Los Angeles Times, Ebony, and the Providence Journal-Bulletin. She has two decades of experience as a newspaper reporter, magazine writer, essayist, book reviewer, copy editor, news editor, photo editor, and page designer.
Author Lisa Smith graduated in 1980 from Bowie State University with a bachelor's degree in journalism. 
