ORLANDO, Fla. – Teens learned about the value of self-image and showcased what they’ve learned on Saturday, the third day of the Disney Dreamers Academy at Walt Disney World.
The day began with the students participating in the “Pitch Your Power” workshop led by artist, illustrator, and activist Nikkolas Smith. The Dreamers created drawings of superheroes with unique superpowers based on their personalities.
Later, the teens participated in a networking session where they heard inspiring words from the judges who read their essays and selected them to be part of the Disney Dreamers Academy.
The following session allowed the students to showcase what they learned during Friday’s “Career EXPOSE,” where they presented projects based on their career choices. Some of the professions the Dreamers are interested in include lawyers, doctors, filmmakers, actors, musicians, engineers and media professionals.
Cyril Josh Barker photos
Nikkolas Smith 
Dreamers Jamilia Sankoh, 18 and Machai Taggert, 15 Credit: Cyril Josh Barker photo 
Jerome Lamar 
Credit: Cyril Josh Barker photo 
Golden Globe-winning actor Tyler James Williams delivers a huge surprise by inviting Disney Dreamers Academy students Sydney Gilmore (Dallas, TX) and Zane Stevenson (Houston, TX), both aspiring filmmakers, to visit the set of ABC’s Emmy Award winning comedy “Abbott Elementary.” Williams extended the invitation during the Walt Disney World Resort mentoring program in Lake Buena Vista, Fla., on March 28, 2025. (Mark Ashman, photographer)
Dreamer Jamilia Sankoh, 18, from Harlem, aspires to be an obstetrician and gynecologist and establish medical clinics in underdeveloped countries. She has a particular interest in fixing the disparities in Black maternal health.
“I’ve learned so much. I’ve been able to network with various speakers. I also improved a lot in confidence, curiosity, courage and not being afraid to ask questions. I learned that the impossible is possible,” she said.
Machai Taggert, 15, from Jamaica, Queens, wants to be an architect and participated in the Disney Imagineers portion of the program.
“They are really helping me pursue my dream,” he said. “They taught me that it’s not going to be easy, but it’s worth the time. I want to make sure people in my community know what I did these past few days and inspire them to maybe come to the Disney Dreamers Academy next year.”
Video by Cyril Josh Barker
In the afternoon, the teens watched a fashion show, during which six of their fellow Dreamers got makeovers. Motivational speaker Lisa Nichols and fashion influencer Jerome Lamar led the session, explaining how they can enhance not only their style but also their confidence.
RELATED: Students explore careers at Disney Dreamers Academy
Two Dreamers received a special surprise from “DREAMbassador” and “Abbot Elementary” star Tyler James Williams. Sydney Gilmore,17, from Arlington, Texas, and Zane Stevenson, 14, from Manvel, Texas, learned they will travel to Los Angeles to witness an episode from the show’s upcoming season and gain insight into television production.
The Dreamers Academy comes to a close on Sunday with a commencement ceremony. The students will reflect on their lessons over the weekend before bidding one final farewell and going home.
This is the 18th year of Disney Dreamers Academy, a four-day mentoring program designed to broaden career awareness and create opportunities for 100 high school students and teens from underrepresented communities across America each year.
Disclosure: The Walt Disney Company paid for the travel and accommodations for several media outlets, including the AmNews, to cover the Disney Dreamers Academy. Disney did not review or approve any of our coverage.