About DreamWakers
At DreamWakers' core is a deep belief in the importance of representation, equity, and exposure — a belief shared by our organizational leadership and team.
Co-Founders
Annie Medaglia and Monica Gray Logothetis founded DreamWakers with a shared vision of connecting classrooms to careers and breaking down barriers to opportunity.
Through their innovative approach using technology to bridge geographic and timing barriers, they've created a platform that brings exceptional, diverse, and dynamic career role models directly into classrooms nationwide.
Our Story
In 2013, over a pizza dinner, Monica Gray Logothetis and Annie Medaglia hatched an idea that aimed to transform how to connect classrooms to careers.
After becoming friends while classmates at the University of Virginia, they entered the working world and were quickly frustrated by the lack of volunteer opportunities – especially those in schools – that were possible for young professionals. Their situation wasn't unique. Some of their most interesting and dynamic friends wanted to volunteer and give back to the next generation, but with the overlap of the school and work day, they just couldn't make it work. They also knew from experience that exposure matters; some have more than others, leading to an opportunity gap.
For Monica, the effects of this lack of exposure felt personal: having grown up in rural Virginia, she knew firsthand the power that career exposure could have for students like her, who have less access to professional role models. Students can't be what they can't see.
Looking at their phones, they realized the solution was in their hands. Using free video chat technology to break down geographic and timing barriers, they conceived of a solution to bring exceptional, diverse, and dynamic career role models directly into the classroom without them ever having to leave their desks.
Soon after that revelation, they launched a grassroots campaign to get the word out among teachers, focusing initially in rural Virginia. Through outreach and word of mouth, DreamWakers — derived from the Aristotle quote that "hope is a waking dream" — has grown to bring the real world into classrooms nationwide, connecting the dots between classroom and career.
Our Core Values
The principles that guide everything we do
Equity
Ensuring all students have equal access to career guidance and professional networks, regardless of location.
Empathy
Understanding the unique challenges rural students face and responding with compassion and support.
Excellence
Delivering high-quality programs and experiences that create lasting impact on students' lives.
Empowerment
Giving students the tools, confidence, and connections they need to pursue their dreams.
Our Impact
Making a difference across rural America
Schools
Connected to our network
Students
Inspired and guided
Speakers
Professional mentors
Companies
Partner organizations
How We Work
Our proven three-step process
Connect
We partner with rural schools and identify students who would benefit from career guidance and professional mentorship.
Match
Our platform matches students with industry professionals based on interests, career goals, and compatibility.
Inspire
Through virtual conversations and ongoing mentorship, we help students explore new possibilities and plan their futures.
Ready to Make a Difference?
Join our mission to expand opportunities for rural students. Whether you're an educator, professional, or supporter, there's a place for you in the DreamWakers community.