Our Team
The Individuals that run this great organizationand help the people of tomorrow.
Brandon Okpalobi
Founder & CEO
Brandon Okpalobi is a Nigerian-American former athlete turned STEM educator, youth advocate, serial entrepreneur, and host; based in Miami, Florida, and native to New Orleans, Louisiana.
He recognized in 2011 the need to connect early education, after-school programming, and mentorship to improve grades and reduce “risky” behavior. As a response to the need, he created DIBIA Athletic combining sport and academic education to prepare student-athletes in Bermuda, Miami, and New Orleans for advanced levels of play and to secure scholarship funding.
In an effort to continue to foster youth, he founded Dibia DREAM in 2014, to spark change through STEM for school-age children who may not have otherwise been exposed to or felt confident enough to participate in the sciences. Since its inception, Dibia DREAM has reached over 40,000 youth, in person in 4 states, and virtually in 32 states and 12 countries.
Brandon continues to invest in STEM education and inspire youth to connect the dots between classroom and STEM careers with his new company Siyanse, which provides product services, and activities designed by experts and delivered directly to the homes of toddlers through adolescent age students.
His commitment to youth and impact has earned him recognition on Forbes Next 1000 List, Black Enterprise Modern Man, and Florida International University Emerging Leader award. Brandon’s efforts over the past decade garnered attention nationally from President Obama’s Council on Fitness, AT&T, and Discovery Education where he hosts Hands-On STEM and engages over 50,000 youth. Additionally, he is an Orange Bowl committee member and Miami Foundation’s Miami Fellows Class IX.
I'Tita N. Finch
Programming Director & CAO
I’Tita-Nefartari Finch is a dedicated educator, Instructional Coach, and social entrepreneur. She understands that schools need stability, well-trained and experienced educators, equitable resources, and comprehensive culturally relevant curriculums with a clear vision of what good education is. Her work in the public and private sectors of education represent the passion she has for children who are at the heart of her work.
I’Tita is an organizer and facilitator of district-wide professional development where she helps usher educators to a place of researched based instructional innovation. Her passion for education and adolescent literacy extend far beyond the classroom. She currently sits on the Professionalization of Teaching Task Force, and Young Educators Committee of United Teachers of Dade.
Christian Hernandez
Program Coordinator
Born and raised in The Magic City, Christian’s Cuban background is fitting in his stomping grounds. Having grown up in various communities in Miami, Christian has truly gained recognition and familiarity with everything the 305 has to offer. Christian is a proud graduate of Florida International University with his Bachelors in Communications. As an award-winning vocalist, dancer/choreographer, actor/director, he is highly active in the Performing Arts community and leads with love through education by curating curriculum that is engaging, inspirational and beneficial to our future generation! Teaching has become a passion that allows him to utilize his gifts and give back to those who are hungry for knowledge in the world of STEAM. He never saw himself working in the STEM field, however, he is a true believer of life happening outside of your comfort zone and how amazing a growth mindset can be!
Board Members
The DIBIA Dream Board of Directors and Advisory Board were established to
represent a broad cross-section of the community, and to leverage additional
expertise and resources for DIBIA Dream.
Cristal Cole
Regional Director, External & Legislative Affairs
AT&T
Marianne Curtis
Partner
Berger Singerman
Andrew Kemp-Gerstel
Partner
Liebler, Gonzalez and Portuondo
Kourtney Gibson
President
Loop Capital Markets
Steven Simons
Operational Risk Manager
HSBC Bank Bermuda