Our mission
DBN walks alongside at-risk youth, returning citizens, teenage parents, people experiencing homelessness, and underserved communities, helping them unlock potential, build resilience, and create brighter futures.
Who We Are
A community-centered initiative helping people recognize their potential and build brighter futures.
Dream Builders Network Inc empowers underserved and disadvantaged individuals through support, resources, mentorship, and pathways to opportunity.
Our work starts with trust: listening first, then matching people with steady support.
Our purpose
Many D.C. residents face barriers such as poverty, unstable housing, limited access to quality programming, and exposure to systemic trauma. DBN exists to bridge these gaps through both immediate support and long-term development opportunities.
Our approach
Dream Builders Network takes a holistic, person-centered approach. Success is not only academic or career progress; it also means resilience, belonging, dignity, and hope supported by safe spaces and strong relationships.
Mentorship & coachingCaring adults provide encouragement, goal-setting support, and positive role modeling.
Life skills & leadershipWorkshops focus on financial literacy, communication, leadership, and decision-making.
Career explorationResume building, job readiness, soft skills, internship exposure, and workforce pathways.
Founder
Tamara L. Mooney
Tamara L. Mooney is a Program Manager and U.S. Navy Veteran with nearly two decades of leadership experience across government, nonprofit, and military service.
Her work spans program development, financial management, strategic planning, team leadership, partnership building, policy implementation, grant management, and community engagement.
Tamara serves as a Program Manager with Montgomery County's Department of Health and Human Services, where she leads change management and organizational improvement work to strengthen accountability, transparency, and customer service. She also supports international policy work as an Environmental Program Specialist with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.
Previously, she held leadership roles with the District of Columbia Department of Human Services, where she expanded youth homelessness programs by more than $24 million, tripled housing resources, and shaped policies rooted in equity and inclusion. Her service began in the U.S. Navy as an Operation Specialist leading teams in high-stakes global missions.
Tamara holds a Master of Science in Mental Health Counseling from Capella University and a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Columbia College. Her honors include the Navy Achievement Medal, the Navy Good Conduct Medal, and volunteer service recognition.