The 15th Disney Dreamers Academy took place at Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida from Thursday to Sunday and offered four days of inspiration to all who attended.
The academy brings together 100 exceptional young people from across the country for an extended weekend of networking and mentorship from celebrities, business leaders and authors at the top of their game.
MORE: Rapper Common's advice to students: 'Struggle creates progress'The 2022 class of Disney Dreamers had lofty goals and the celebrity speakers offered their advice to help this inspirational group achieve their dreams.
Whether you’re a 2022 Disney Dreamer or just someone who is looking to achieve their goals this year, here is some of the best advice from Disney’s inspiring group of mentors.
Kelly Rowland – Singer, actress, television personality
Kelly Rowland spoke to the Disney Dreamers class of 2022 telling them failure is an important part of success.
“You can’t be afraid to fail. I think that’s always a part of the process. There are so many successful, brilliant people that have failed but it’s all about the way they got back up,” Rowland said.
Rowland continued, “I think that’s just a part of the journey. If you get a no it’s all about the way you bounce back.”
Demi Singleton – 'King Richard' actress
“King Richard” actress Demi Singleton told the 2022 Disney Dreamers to work hard and stay persistent in the pursuit of their dreams.
“I think one of my biggest pieces of advice is to work hard. If there’s something that you really, really want to do just keep pushing. Never take no for an answer,” Singleton said.
Singleton continued, “It can be hard sometimes especially when you work so hard and things just don’t go your way but don’t let a no stop you from accomplishing your goals.”
MORE: 92-year-old Navy vet and Disney cast member honored for Armed Forces Appreciation DayZaila Avant-Garde – Scripps National Spelling Bee champion
Scripps National Spelling Bee champion and Guinness World Record holder Zaila Avant-Garde spoke to the Disney Dreamers about what it took for her to achieve her dreams.
“I would say just go for it. Don’t let anybody tell you to not follow your dreams,” Avant-Garde said.
Avant-Garde is passionate about both spelling and basketball and said if you people have multiple passions they should pursue them both without feeling forced to choose one or the other.
“Having different things you do is great … Doing multiple things – if that’s what you want to do and have multiple talents just do it,” Avant-Garde said. “The idea of being able to do multiple things because I’m really passionate about that. Don’t let anybody tell you not to.”
Prentice Penny – Producer, writer, director on HBO’s 'Insecure'
Prentice Penny said in the age of social media it can be easy for you to feel like your dream should look a certain way – but to stay authentic to your vision.
“If you’re following your dream be super authentic to that … Make sure that whatever your dream is, is your dream for you and not a dream your dreaming for someone else,” Penny said.
Penny worked on HBO’s hit show “Insecure,” which is centered around strong Black women. He said the lessons he took away from working with the women on the show are beneficial to young Black women.
“I think the biggest thing I took from that especially with working with people like Issa, Yvonne, Natasha and Amanda is like when you’re a Black woman: be heard,” Penny said. “Your voice is important, and your voice needs to be heard. I would just impress that upon any young Black woman out there as a creative -- just speak your truth.”
Ralph Farquhar – Executive producer, director of 'Proud Family'
Ralph Farquhar, the executive producer of Disney’s “Proud Family,” says in order to achieve your dreams you need to go out and make it happen.
“I know it’s the Disney Dreamer’s Academy but I’d like to rename it right now and call it the Disney doers academy,” Farquhar said. “Go out and do what you need to do. Make it happen.”
Farquhar added his personal experience into the advice he gave to the Disney Dreamers.
“It doesn’t matter how old you are, where you’re from, how much money your mama and daddy makes – you have to go and you have to do it,” Farquhar said. “I’m from the projects in Chicago and if I can do it, you can do it.”
Bruce W. Smith -- Executive producer, director of 'Proud Family'
Bruce W. Smith, an executive producer of Disney’s “Proud Family,” said an important part of achieving your dreams is utilizing your resources.
“My main piece of advice … is continue to realize your dream. This is the Disney Dreamer’s Academy this is what it’s all about. I think all the motivation that’s around you shows you people that are successful and did everything they could do achieve their dreams,” Smith said.
Smith says a lot of his success came from taking advantage of opportunities given to him while at the same time working on his own skill set.
“I’m no different I’m just a scrubby kid from south central Los Angeles that ended up taking advantage of all the opportunities that were put before me while polishing up my skill set at the same time because nothing’s given to us for free,” Smith said. “When you have that opportunity, you need to make sure that you shine. Create the opportunity for yourself and always be prepared to shine.”
MORE: Black educators reflect on teaching history amid critical race theory backlashMisa Hylton – Designer
Fashion designer Misa Hylton hosted a fashion segment at the 2022 Disney Dreamers Academy and offered her advice to the students in attendance.
“My biggest piece of advice is…to be knowledgeable about any career path you want to get into, stay authentic, stay true to yourself, believe that you deserve to be in every room you find yourself in, and most importantly – be kind,” Hylton said.
Faith Herman – “This Is Us” actress
“This Is Us” actress Faith Herman gave the Disney Dreamers her best advice for achieving their goals.
“My biggest piece of advice is to work hard, stay true to yourself, be passionate and do what you love,” Herman said.
Disney is the parent company of "Good Morning America" and ABC News.
