Dream Leadership
Meet The Team!
Heidi Cuppari
Co-Founder + Executive Director
Meet Heidi, an innovative leader dedicated to social change and youth empowerment. As an alumna of Brown University, where she gained a deep fascination for understanding how individuals and organizations can drive positive change, Heidi has been on a remarkable journey to transform the world.
Heidi is a Divine Life Coach, youth mentor, and expert in Financial Attunement. She guides individuals and families in aligning their personal and financial goals with their values, helping them navigate their journeys towards abundance and fulfillment.
Heidi’s unwavering commitment to empowering young minds led her to co-found Dream Tank in 2016. Recognizing the boundless imagination and creativity of children, she envisioned a platform that nurtures their talents and encourages them to become bold change-makers in their communities. Through mentorship and community connections, Heidi fosters an ecosystem where youth voices are amplified, driving transformative change on a global scale.
Recently, she embarked on a powerful new role as a steward of land in Baja, Mexico. Through this venture, she has embraced the profound connection between nature and personal growth and is committed to creating a sustainable and regenerative community that fosters environmental stewardship and holistic well-being.
Mumbi Thande
Chief of Staff
Mumbi is currently serving as the Chief of Staff for Dream Tank and Island17. She also plays an integral role in managing the operations of Kisementi Oak Farm Ltd., an acclaimed farming enterprise known for its commitment to sustainable farming practices and local economic development.
At Kisementi Oak Farm Ltd., Mumbi ensures the smooth running of day-to-day activities, driving productivity while maintaining the highest standards of quality. Her innovative approach to farm management has helped increase yield and maintain the health of the farm’s primary crop, the majestic oak trees, which are a defining characteristic of the farm. Mumbi’s commitment to the local community through Kisementi Oak Farm Ltd. has established her as a significant figure in promoting agricultural development and sustainability in the region.
Previously, she excelled as a Financial Consultant, having a demonstrated history of working in the Financial Service Industry. Mumbi’s skills in Analytical Skills, Management, Auditing, Financial Analysis, Mitigating Risks, and Budgeting were refined in this role. As a strong finance professional with a Master’s Degree focused on Finance and Financial Management Services from the University of Maryland University College, she has managed to bring her wealth of knowledge into her diverse roles, contributing to the success of the organizations she has served.
Summer
Co-Founder, Co-Author, Assistant Producer
Summer, now 17 years old, has come a long way since her early involvement with Dream Tank. As a recent graduate of Fairview High School, she is embarking on an exciting new chapter at Leeds School of Business at CU Boulder, where she will continue to fuel her passion for entrepreneurship and social impact.
In addition to her studies, Summer has taken on a vital role as a co-author and assistant producer for our column, amplifying the voices of young changemakers and driving meaningful conversations around the pressing issues of our time. Her keen insights and creative approach make her a valuable asset to the team.
Throughout her journey, Summer has been an advocate for Sustainable Development Goal 13: Climate Action. She co-founded Story Architects, a film production company, where she and her partner created Youtube Shows and produced films that raise awareness and inspire action on climate change. Her dedication to empowering children and inspiring them to make a difference is unwavering.
As a trusted advisor to Dream Tank, Summer continues to provide invaluable guidance, shaping our programs and initiatives to empower youth to pursue their dreams and create positive change in the world. Her commitment to amplifying youth voices and fostering a more sustainable future is truly commendable.
We’re excited to witness Summer’s growth and impact as she combines her business acumen, creativity, and passion for social entrepreneurship. Stay tuned as she continues to make waves in the world of youth innovation and lead the way towards a brighter future.
Cody
Young Innovator, Game Creator, Island17 Visionary
Introducing Cody, a visionary 14-year-old innovator who is revolutionizing the world of gaming with his groundbreaking project, Island17. Although still in concept mode, Island17 has garnered immense attention and the collaboration of passionate individuals from around the globe.
Cody’s remarkable vision has attracted dedicated teams, including talented Brown University students, who have invested their time and expertise in bringing his concept to life. Together, they have created prototypes of different areas within Island17, showcasing the immense potential of this virtual world.
As Cody continues to refine his vision, he is actively seeking funding and strategic partnerships to transform Island17 into a fully thriving and operational virtual world. With the support of like-minded individuals and organizations, he aims to create an immersive and innovative gaming experience that merges social impact with cutting-edge technology.
Join Cody on his journey as he seeks to bring Island17 to life and revolutionize the gaming industry. Together, we can make his visionary concept a reality.
Co-Creators & Advisors
Those who have helped and supported us from the start
David Cohen – Brad Feld – David Brown – Krista Marks – Brian Zisk – Allie Schlosser – Greg Bamford – Sarabeth Berk, PhD – Jeff “Phoenix” Ferguson, JoDell Seaman, Sumanth Channabasappa – Patty Klauer – Greg Sklar – Nicole Glaros – John Tayer – George Deriso – Tim O’Shea – Travis Russi – Amber Nystrom – Praful Shah – Anya Smith – Jake Aloia – Corey Kohn – Amalia Rose Battle… and more below
Ramzi Faris
Storytelling, PR, Tech, Strategy
President of Indu5try, Ramzi Faris is a seasoned vet in the media, entertainment and technology industries. With over twenty years of hands-on experience in the field, he has built an extensive portfolio of work and an ever-growing rolodex of partners from the ground up. After founding and developing his own artist management company out of college, he proceeded to work as a producer for Fashion TV and Fashion One Television and later as Director of Digital Ventures and Creative Development for Times Square Communications, all the while honing his knack for creating win-win scenarios for brands, clients and customers alike. His natural ability to network and insert himself into the right scenes has led him to create Indu5try to bring fresh and innovative campaigns, products and content to the market in the only way he knows how: with a personal touch, attention to detail and follow through.
George Cummings
SDG14 Dream Master
George is the SDG14 advisor for multiple Ocean focused NGOs and coastal communities. He admires collaboration with people of Action, with his fins in the water approach to address the seven global targets for UNESCO’s Decade of Ocean Science in the seas of the Caribbean and Coral Triangle. He enjoys school speaking engagements “Ocean Talks” to inspire students to consider pursuing STEAM career paths in the emerging sustainable Blue Economy.
“ I enjoy working with leading innovative technology SDG and Edu teams, like Dream Tank. We share common dreams and visions to inspire youth to seek STEAM scientific, VR, XR, AR, Ai, Robotics, creating the sustainable world THE YOUTH WANT. Scientific education with corporate, private, public and local government collaboration will open their Dreaming minds to explore and engage our environment with a passion to act responsibly”
Dr. Tia Kansara, Hon FRIBA
Chief Replenish Officer
Tia is a multi award-winning entrepreneur and economist. The youngest to ever receive the Royal Institute British Architects honorary fellowship, she is the co-founder of Kansara Hackney Ltd, the first ISO-certified sustainable lifestyle consultancy, and CEO of Replenish Earth Ltd, a cause and a collective action to protect the global commons.
Hailed amongst the Top 100 most influential leaders in Tech by the Financial Times and Inclusive Boards, her clients include Coca Cola, Bloomberg, the European Commission, Forbes, Formula One, MIT, and Siemens.