NYC students shine at Disney Dreamers Academy
Four standout students from across New York City were selected as part of the 100-member class for the 2026 Disney Dreamers Academy. The post NYC students shine at Disney Dreamers Academy appeared first on New York Amsterdam News.
Black News 
Four standout students from across New York City were selected as part of the 100-member class for the 2026 Disney Dreamers Academy. Representing the Bronx and Brooklyn, the young leaders are headed to the annual mentorship program with a shared goal: to achieve their professional ambitions while inspiring their peers back home.
Elijah Martinez, a high school junior from the Bronx, dreams of becoming a director in the animation industry. His mission is rooted in advocacy, as he hopes to increase representation for BIPOC communities on screen.
Reflecting on his experience so far, Martinez summed it up with a classic Disney nod.
“If I had to describe one word for my time at the Disney Dreamers Academy, I would say ‘Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious,’” he said. “The people are so nice and all the mentors are so wise. They’ve taught me a lot about having more self confidence.”
Fellow Bronx native Aubrey Torres recalls the moment she learned of her acceptance. She was on the phone with her sister when her mother presented her with a surprise package in the mail.
“At first I thought it just meant I got into round two but then when I looked at it I found that I got in and I was really excited because I didn’t expect to get in,” she said.
An aspiring pediatric oncology nurse, Torres has spent her time at the Academy building a network of like-minded peers. She plans to bring the lessons she’s learned back to her neighborhood.
“I’m going to go back to the Bronx and share the message that we are capable of being the best we can be—just like any other kids from any other borough or state.”
Hailing from Brooklyn, high school sophomore Joshua Anikwue found community among fellow Dreamers who share his values. A dual-sport athlete in football and track, Anikwue aims to become an entrepreneur with a focus on social impact.
“I want to own my own business and create a free afterschool program in Brooklyn to have activities like sports and provide free meals for underprivileged kids in my neighborhood,” he said. “I just hope to make this after-school program something that kids can grow from, become better people and see their full potential.”
Brielle Taylor, a junior from Brooklyn, is blending her interest in science with a passion for social justice. Having recently completed a research project on oxytocin signaling in the brain, Taylor intends to study criminology and psychology.
For Taylor, the Academy has been a hub for new friendships and big ideas.
“I want to make a change and I want to advocate for people,” Taylor said. “I feel like it could help with preventing a lot of things, a lot of crime and a lot of just injustice all around the board.”
Disclosure: The Walt Disney Company paid for the travel and accommodations for several media outlets, including the AmNews, to cover the Disney Dreamers Academy. Disney did not review or approve any of our coverage.
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