MEET OUR TEAM

  • Born and raised in the vibrant streets of Harlem, Syreena witnessed firsthand the challenges faced by young individuals in underserved communities. Her journey, being deeply rooted in the commitment to empowering youth and fostering community development, ignited a passion that led to the pursuit of a career dedicated to making a positive impact. With over a decade of experience in operations management and youth development, Syreena has honed her skills in strategic planning and organizational leadership, ensuring the effective implementation of programs aimed at uplifting the community.

    Over the years, Syreena's professional trajectory has granted her the privilege to spearhead initiatives aimed at creating transformative opportunities for employees, youth, families, and volunteers. Her extensive roles have included training and development in Human Resources at the NYC Department of Finance; leading and developing workshops for employees; Youth Director at First Corinthian Baptist Church; Operations Manager at The Dream Center and Director of Operations for the East Harlem Tutorial Program. Throughout these diverse roles, her passion for empowering individuals and driving positive change has shaped her approach to leadership and programmatic development.

    Equipped with a Bachelor's degree in Business Management from Monroe College and certification in Non-Profit Management from Temple University, Syreena brings a unique blend of academic knowledge and hands-on experience to her role.

    As she leads The Dream Center forward as The Executive Visionary, Syreena is committed to leveraging resources and partnerships to create an empowered future for all members of the community.

    During her leisure, Syreena finds joy in listening to music, traveling, reading, and participating in competitive activities. Above all, she treasures spending quality time with her family, friends, and beloved son Jalen. 

  • Brianna Walton is a dedicated program development professional focused on creating innovative programs, supporting existing initiatives, and managing volunteers. She is passionate about fostering community, inclusivity, and creativity in her work. A graduate of Howard University with a Bachelor of Business Administration in Marketing and concentrations in Entrepreneurship and Fashion Retail, Brianna brings a diverse skill set to her roles. She has a strong background in nonprofit work, having served as a youth program leader for the afterschool and summer camp program that played a significant role in her own upbringing. This experience allowed her to give back to the community that supported her. In addition, Brianna has worked as a freelance marketing strategist, assisting new and growing businesses across various industries, and has spent the past four years in merchandising as a financial planner and buyer.

    Outside of her professional endeavors, Brianna enjoys visiting art galleries and museums, fashion illustration and design, spending time with family and friends, and exploring new places. With a deep passion for the arts, she is always seeking new opportunities to learn, create, and grow.

  • Aliyah-Simone is a communicator, educator, and evolving leader dedicated to storytelling, leadership, and community impact. A proud first-gen., she is passionate about creating spaces where people feel seen, heard, and empowered. With a background in media, education, and organizational leadership, she thrives at the intersection of digital engagement and meaningful connection. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in English from Hunter College, an MBA in Organizational Leadership from Mercy College, and is currently pursuing a PhD in Organizational Leadership at The Chicago School of Professional Psychology. Her research explores how transformational and servant leadership influence volunteer engagement and community development. Beyond her academic and professional work, Aliyah-Simone is committed to mentorship and meaningful connections. She remains focused on using her voice and expertise to inspire change. In her free time, she enjoys reading books on leadership development, attending workshops, helping friends grow their organizations, and overall sharing life with family and friends.