The teens at the 17th annual Disney Dreamers Academy were not the only ones left inspired last weekend. Their parents and chaperones who accompanied them were also empowered. RoyalTee spoke to the two mothers of dreamers whose kids are making a difference in the lives of others as entrepreneurs and leaders in their community.
Jereme Butler & Noelle Nelson
Jereme Butler is the mother of Noelle Nelson. The Los Angeles high school senior is the founder of Teach Teal: Food Allergy Awareness, an online food allergy camp for kids across the U.S. She told RoyalTee that her daughter empowers her just as much as she inspires her.
“My daughter has food allergies and not only does she handle her own food allergies but she has decided to help others in this journey,’ says Butler. “She empowers me because she is so brave and courageous, she just doesn’t think of herself, but she thinks of others.”
Noelle is a true food allergies advocate. She is also the founder of Best Buddies Wear Teal & Red, Red Sneakers for Oakley Ambassador, and a Just Allergy Things Board Member.
“She’s just dedicated to making life better for others,” Butler says about her daughter. “My husband and I and her younger sister and our extended family have taught her the value of love, of family, and also of giving back. And I think we taught her that she could dream big and be whatever she wants to be.”
When Nelson heard about being her mother’s inspiration, she was surprised to be admired by the person who equally empowers her.
“It’s so incredible because to think that someone who has inspired me so much, I’m also their inspiration, it makes me wanna cry,” says Nelson. “It’s just the most incredible thing to hear, to know that I’ve been an inspiration to her. She’s helped me so much in my life and supported me so much and has gotten me to where I am today.”
LaVanya Watkins & Te’Lario Watkins II
LaVanya Watkins emphasized the same for her son. She is the mother of Te’Lario Watkins II. The Ohio teen is the founder of Tiger Mushroom Farm and the Garden Club Project, a non-profit that helps and encourages kids to eat healthier.
During the academy, Te’Lario was offered an opportunity by Shark Tank investor and FUBU founder Daymond John to attend the LA taping of the ABC show.
“I’m inspired as much as he is, so I’m glad I’m here with him,” Watkins shared with the Florida Courier about her experience at the Disney Dreamers Academy.
Among the many lessons, Watkins says she is instilling in her son is dealing with adversity and striving ahead. “One of the biggest things is that challenges will come,” Watkins tells RoyalTee. “And just to motivate him to keep going, don’t give up, keep dreaming big, keep going after your dreams because the challenges will come but you got this.”
On the other end, Te’Lario says his mother keeps him and his sister empowered with affirmations. He says, “She has a saying: everyday I am the head, not the tail, I am the alpha, not the omega and I am the leader, not the follower.”
The 17th annual Disney Dreamers Academy took place April 4-7 in Orlando. The mentorship program invites 100 Black high school students and underrepresented teens to Walt Disney World to learn about prospective career fields through interactive workshops and networking opportunities from the top influencers and celebrities in the industry.
“Any dreamers out there, dreamer parents, this is a great program,” says Watkins, “great place to come and help your dreamer achieve all their dreams.”
Learn more about the Disney Dreamers Academy here.
