Today we’d like to introduce you to Brittany Perry
Hi Brittany, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
The Dream Big Foundation was established in 2021 by Travis and Brittany Perry, both dedicated local elementary school teachers. Witnessing the challenges that under-resourced students and their families faced daily, they were inspired to create a foundation that could help bridge the gap between potential and opportunity. Their experience in the classroom revealed how the lack of motivation and essential resources hindered students’ ability to succeed, sparking their passion to make a meaningful difference beyond the walls of their school.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Building the Dream Big Foundation has not been a completely smooth road. One of the main challenges we’ve faced is securing consistent funding and resources to sustain and expand our programs. With our mission to empower under-resourced children and families, we rely heavily on community support and partnerships, which can sometimes be unpredictable. Additionally, implementing new initiatives, like The Hygiene Hut and Athletes for Academics program in schools, involves navigating logistical and regulatory hurdles. Despite these challenges, the dedication of our team and the generosity of our community partners keep us moving forward, helping us overcome obstacles to make a positive impact.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
Travis and Brittany Perry are dedicated educators working in a Title 1 school, where they make a significant impact on under-resourced students. Travis, with a background in special education and a master’s in the field, serves as a Behavior Intervention Teacher. His expertise in special education allows him to support students with diverse needs, helping them overcome behavioral challenges and thrive in the school environment. Brittany holds a bachelor’s in Child and Family Development and a master’s in the Art of Teaching, and she currently works as a Reading Intervention Teacher. She specializes in literacy support, helping students build foundational reading skills crucial for their academic success. Together, Travis and Brittany bring a unique combination of skills to their school, creating an inclusive and supportive learning environment for all students.
Starting in his career as a special education teacher, Travis, has seen firsthand how self-doubt can hinder children’s potential. Many of his students struggled to believe in themselves and their abilities. To inspire confidence and resilience, Travis began writing children’s books filled with positive life lessons and affirmations. He now has written and published 4 children’s books to continue to aspire young children and their families. Brittany began as an inclusion teacher at a Title 1 school, working with students from economically disadvantaged backgrounds, she understands the barriers that these students face, including a lack of awareness about the importance of education and self-belief, and she’s committed to empowering them to succeed beyond the classroom.
Together, Travis and Brittany recognized the need for a broader impact beyond their classrooms. Motivated by their passion to empower children and families, they co-founded the Dream Big Foundation. The foundation’s mission is clear: to empower children and families with literacy and social-emotional support, tool and community resources necessary to thrive and achieve with confidence, especially those from under-resourced communities. Through literacy programs, social-emotional support initiatives, and community resources, they aim to provide the support and encouragement children need to achieve their dreams.
At the heart of their foundation is the belief that every child deserves the opportunity to reach their full potential. By nurturing self-belief, teaching essential life skills, and fostering a supportive community, Travis and Brittany are dedicated to creating lasting positive change in the lives of the children and families they serve.
Can you talk to us about how you think about risk?
We believe that taking risks is essential to achieving anything meaningful in life. Pursuing dreams often requires stepping outside of your comfort zone and embracing the unknown, and while that can be intimidating, it’s also where growth happens. We view risk-taking as a necessary part of the journey toward making a real impact and reaching your potential. Going after your dreams means accepting that failure might happen along the way, but seeing it as a chance to learn and come back stronger. The possibility of success, of making a difference, and of living out my purpose is worth every risk we take. In the end, we’d rather take a chance and fail than live with the regret of never trying at all. For example, we’ve taken significant risks to build the life and impact we envision. Starting the Dream Big Foundation was a leap of faith, but it was driven by our passion to make a greater impact and uplift our community. Launching a book business and a publishing company were also big steps that required commitment, resilience, and a willingness to face the unknown. Each venture is a step toward fulfilling our dreams and making a difference, and every risk we take brings us closer to a life with purpose, passion, and growth.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.dreambigfoundationinc.org/
- Instagram: the_dreambigfoundation
- Facebook: DreamBigFoundationSav
