Shark Tank’s Daymond John awards Disney Dreamer

Among the magic Disney Dreamers Academy magic happened at Walt Disney World Resort an unusual turn of events when investor Daymond John presented a life-changing invitation to an ambitious young entrepreneur, Te’Lario Watkins II.

Sixteen-year-old Watkins, from Blacklick, Ohio, found himself at the guts of a special moment during a media interview at Disney Dreamers Academy when John made a surprise appearance. With a personalised invitation, John made Watkins a proposal, inviting him to affix him on set to record the film. For Watkins, this unexpected gesture marked the conclusion of a cherished dream.

“Extremely enthusiastic about this chance; I’m very surprised and really completely happy. There are so many emotions that I am unable to put into words,” Watkins said during an interview with Disney Dreamers Academy.

At the age of seven, Watkins became the driving force behind Tiger Mushroom Farms, his small business growing gourmet mushrooms and offering dried mushroom products. Additionally, he’s the visionary founding father of the Garden Club Project, a nonprofit organization dedicated to combating food insecurity in his community. Watkins’ entrepreneurial spirit and commitment to social impact have earned him admiration and recognition, making him a beacon of inspiration for young, aspiring leaders across the country.

Daymond John’s surprise visit and heartfelt invitation embody the essence of the Disney Dreamers Academy, a transformational mentoring program held annually on the Walt Disney World Resort.

“These little things may also help Telario on his journey to unravel hunger in his area, and now that he likes technology, he can solve this problem around the globe. Nothing can stop him because he’s a dreamer. I just hope I used to be a minimum of a little bit a part of his dream,” John said.

The academy, now in its seventeenth yr, is a beacon of hope and opportunity for 100 Black highschool students and teenagers from underrepresented communities across America. Powered by sponsors AT&T, Sprite and Delta Airlines, this immersive five-day event provides a platform for aspiring young minds to explore profession paths, develop leadership skills and connect with influential mentors and industry leaders.

In addition to John, the Disney Dreamers Academy is graced by a constellation of luminaries, including Olympian Sanya Richards-Ross, Hollywood veteran Lance Gross and Disney actress Dara Renee. These valued mentors impart invaluable wisdom and guidance through workshops, seminars and presentations, enabling participants to pursue their passions with confidence and conviction.

As the curtain rises on the following chapter of the Disney Dreamers Academy, the legacy of inspiration and empowerment continues to blossom. For Te’Lario Watkins II and his fellow dreamers, the journey toward realizing their full potential has just begun, fueled by the transformative power of mentorship, perseverance and limitless imagination.