DreamWakers is now part of Backrs! Learn more about this exciting transition.

About Us

At DreamWakers’ core is a  deep belief in the importance of representation, equity, and exposure —  a belief shared by our organizational leadership and team. Learn more about our community below.

Co Founders Annie Medaglia and Monica Gray Logothetis

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 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.

Meet the
DreamTeam

Jillian Scott

Jillian Scott
Executive Director

Abigail Cordaro
Program Manager

Breana Lockett
Program Manager

Anaí Rosales
Communications & Social Media Intern

Meet the
Board

Annie Medaglia

Annie Medaglia
Co-Founder and Chairwoman
Associate Partner, Bain & Co.

Abbie Klinghoffer

Abbie Klinghoffer
Secretary
Vice President, Investor Relations, Charter School Growth Fund

Juliette Dallas-Feeney

Juliette Dallas-Feeney
Treasurer 
Brand Marketing Consultant

Ahiza García-Hodges

Ahiza García-Hodges
Reporter, NBC News

Guarav Ahuja

Gaurav Ahuja
Partner, Thrive Capital
Co-Founder and Chairman, Imprint

Gregory Lorjuste

Gregory Lorjuste
Deputy Chief of Staff, Urban Institute

Monica Gray Logothetis

Monica Gray Logothetis
Co-Founder, DreamWakers

What it Means to be Part of the DreamTeam

New to DreamWakers? Our Welcome to DreamWakers Video Series introduces you more personally to our work and team and provides tutorials for DreamEducators and DreamSpeakers. 

Check out this behind-the-scenes look at the DreamTeam, and learn why we #DreamWake!