Building Entrepreneurs One "Dream" at a time!
The Our Dreams Matter Project started as a result of a conversation between Rev. Dana Porter Ashton and Securityhunter CEO, Michael S. Rogers.
After seeing a report for Union Chapel, Mr. Rogers presented Rev. Ashton with the idea of Union Chapel AME Church developing an entrepreneurial program to assist the church and community members of Cambridge, Maryland. Both knew because of several persons losing their job as a result of “upward mobility” which caused the main employer of Cambridge to transition from salespersons to self-service checkout lanes coupled with the impact of the Coronavirus epidemic, residents were having a difficult time finding employment. After much discussion and a substantial donation from Mr. Rogers, the seed of Our Dreams Matter was planted.
Mr. Rogers suggested Rev. Ashton contact SCORE, an organization that fosters vibrant small business communities through mentoring and education, where she was connected to SCORE Mid-Shore Program Coordinator, Ms. Amber Rose. Ms. Rose provided the guidance and direction needed to develop Our Dreams Matter further. After several meetings, discussions, updates, and revisions, Rev. Ashton invited Ms. Karen Brockington, founder and owner of The Brockington Firm, LLC to join her in the further development of planning Our Dreams Matter.
After nearly a year of planning, Our Dreams Matter became incorporated, enrolled ten students, and held the first class in September 2022. The program graduated its first class in March 2023. Although ten students started the program, five completed the 12-week program, submitted professional business plans, and received various grant amounts as seed monies to further develop their business.
Our Original
Board of Directors
Rev. Dana Porter Ashton
Mrs. Karen Brockington
Mrs. Carla Henry Hopkins
Mr. Joseph Johnson
Rev. Michelle Nichols
Mr. Andrew Watson
Mrs. Darian W. Porter Jones, Administrative Assistant
