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Dream Builders Network, Inc. Overview
Dream Builders Network (DBN) is a community-centered initiative dedicated to empowering disadvantaged youth, returning citizens, teen parents, and unstably housed individuals by providing them with access to resources, mentorship, and opportunities that foster personal growth and long-term success. Our mission is to help every person we serve recognize their potential, build confidence, and create pathways toward brighter futures.
Our Purpose
Many D.C. residents face systemic barriers such as poverty, unstable housing, limited access to quality programming, and exposure to systemic trauma. DBN exists to bridge these gaps by offering both immediate support and long-term development opportunities. We believe that with the right tools and guidance, everyone can overcome obstacles and become a leader in their own life and community.
Core Services
Mentorship & Coaching: Pairing youth with caring adult mentors who provide consistent encouragement, goal-setting support, and positive role modeling.
Educational Support: Mentoring, literacy programs, and access to learning resources that help participants improve academic performance and confidence in school.
Life Skills Training: Workshops on financial literacy, communication, leadership, and decision-making to prepare emerging individuals for independence and success.
Career & Workforce Development: Connections to job readiness training, resume building, internship placement, and exposure to diverse career paths.
Wellness & Counseling: Access to counseling services, peer support groups, and wellness programs that nurture mental and emotional health.
Community Engagement: Opportunities to participate in service projects and civic activities, encouraging responsibility and community pride.
Our Approach
Dream Builders Network takes a holistic, person-centered approach. We recognize that success is not just about academics or careers, but also about building resilience, fostering belonging, and cultivating hope. By creating safe spaces and strong support systems, DBN helps individuals not only dream of a better future but also build it.
Founder
Tamara L. Mooney is a Program Manager and U.S. Navy Veteran with nearly two decades of leadership experience spanning government, nonprofit, and military service. She brings a proven record of success in program development, financial management, and strategic planning, with expertise in guiding teams, building partnerships, and driving initiatives that create lasting impact.
Tamara currently serves as a Program Manager with Montgomery County’s Department of Health and Human Services, where she leads change management and organizational improvement efforts to strengthen accountability, transparency, and customer service. She also contributes to international policy work as an Environmental Program Specialist with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, supporting cooperative initiatives that advance global environmental and human health goals.
Previously, Tamara held key leadership roles with the District of Columbia’s Department of Human Services, where she expanded youth homelessness programs by more than $24 million, tripling housing resources and shaping policies rooted in equity and inclusion. She also served as Chief Financial Officer for Proaktive IT, overseeing strategic financial operations and compliance.
Her career began in service to the nation as a U.S. Navy Operation Specialist, where she led and mentored teams in high-stakes global missions. Across every role, Tamara has combined mission-driven leadership with a strong foundation in policy implementation, grant management, and community engagement.
Tamara holds a Master of Science in Mental Health Counseling from Capella University and a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Columbia College. She has been recognized with multiple awards, including the Navy Achievement Medal, the Navy Good Conduct Medal, and volunteer service honors.
