On “Legacy of Leaders,” Adam Chaskin welcomes outstanding leaders to this uplifting and interesting show, filled with practical advice, personal experiences and tips for business leaders and aspiring leaders. This week, Adam sits down with Anna Valent of Dreams Come True.
Anna Valent
Director of Strategy and Development
Website Address: www.dreamscometrue.org
Short company description:
Dreams Come True is the only locally based nonprofit organization bringing hope and joy to Northeast Florida children with life-threatening medical conditions through the power of a Dream. Next year, we will celebrate our 40th anniversary of Dream granting and have a record number of children currently Dreaming.
How do you define success?
We are successful when we are able to bring hope and joy to EVERY eligible local child with a life-threatening medical condition. How did you get started in your field or work?: I went into nonprofit work right out of college because I knew I needed to be in mission driven work.
How did you get started in your field or work?
I went into nonprofit work right out of college because I knew I needed to be in mission driven work.
What’s one thing we should know that makes your company unique?
Not only do we fulfill the Dream itself, we walk the entire medical journey with the family from the time the child is referred. We find ways to bring hope and joy well beyond the Dream through our Special Times program which is everything from school supplies to holiday gifts to special experiences like sporting events and concerts.
What was the biggest obstacle you had to overcome in your business?
The biggest obstacle for us people knowing we are here. We have been here for nearly 40 years serving this community and fulfilled more than 4,600 Dreams. However, because we are exclusively local and not part of any national organization, as our community grows we need to make sure the new people moving to this area know we are here and serving children in this community with life-threatening medical conditions.
