ABOUT US
Discipline Respect Education Appreciation Mentoring
Operation DREAM provides developmental opportunities and mentoring support for young men primarily of color who need positive role models.
Our programs are designed around the founding values of DREAM: Discipline, Respect, Education and Appreciation through Mentoring and respond to the needs of the youth. Programs include enrichment activities on Saturdays; tutoring support through academic collaborations on Sundays; workforce development training through Operation Work; athletic opportunities; and fun summer activities.
This comprehensive network of services is intentionally designed to transform boys and young men into adults who are self-sufficient, with plans and goals for their futures, and who are assets to their communities.
Operation DREAM programming is 100% free and transportation is provided also at no cost.
OUR STAFF
Anita Rodriguez Cordero
Interim Executive Director
Anita has over 30 years of experience in not-for-profit leadership and management in the areas of leadership development, career coaching, education, youth leadership development, teen pregnancy, domestic violence, sexual assault & abuse, parenting, foster care & adoption. She directed a PK-8th grade school and in the last seven years she trained and coached at MRA-the Management Association. Anita is skilled in strategic planning, leadership development, human resources, learning and development, organizational development, facilitation, team building and consensus building.
Anita enjoys coaching and training individuals and teams to mindfully develop a growth mindset, expand perspectives and strive to create a just world. Every human deserves to live according to the best version of themselves.
Anita grew up in the small island of Puerto Rico where she was encouraged to see beyond the immediate shore and explore new horizons. She invites diverse perspectives to the table. Her motto: Clarity + Purpose = Impact & Zeal!”
Larry Willis
Member Support Coach
Mr. Willis a dedicated Member Support Coach, committed to Operation Dream/Work and the young men he serves. Ask him and he will tell you, there's no greater calling than to serve. Over the past 10 years, Larry has provided vocational and educational mentoring to the youth of Milwaukee.
Larry is the founder of our Golf Team which provides an opportunity for our members to experience every Sunday. In tandem with the program curriculum, Larry teaches his young men the importance of character and the ability to deal with their frustrations. The love that Larry has for the families he works with is evident.
Larry was recognized at the 2023 Black Excellence Awards as a Special Honoree for all of his efforts and work over the decades. Larry has been happily married for over 25 years and is a proud father of nine. Larry gives God all the glory for the ability to affect the lives of others.
Freddie Smith Jr.
Member Support Coach
I’m currently a Member Support Coach at Operation Dream. I was born and raised on the eastside of Milwaukee Wisconsin, Which I graduated from Riverside University High School. My personal goal is to plant positive seeds for young men in the inner city of my hometown. I love having my son and the young men I mentor doing positive things together.
Victor Sosa
Member Support Coach
I am beyond excited to be a part of the Operation DREAM family. Born and raised in the south side of Milwaukee, I have seen and felt the hardships our young men are enduring today. I was fortunate enough to be able to earn my bachelor’s degree from Wisconsin Lutheran College while having been part of the Men’s Soccer team. My passion for helping youth came about in my first year as a soccer coach in 2019. From then on, I knew that it was my mission to use my skillset and passion for helping others to make our community a better place. I am very grateful for the opportunity to be able to serve you and your family.
Vincent Wallace
Member Support Coach
Vincent is currently a Member Support Coach at Operation Dream. He was born and raised on the Northside of Milwaukee, WI and graduated from Bradley Tech High School. He Loves to write, produce and perform music. He pretty much enjoys all forms of art.
He plans to help maximize the strengths in our young men and develop the necessary skills to obtain success in all areas of life. The goal has always been to make the next move your best move.
Luis Vazquez
Dream Screen Business Manager
Luis oversees the day to day operations of Dream Screen along with the production and delivery of the goods produced. Along with creating and maintaining partnerships in the city of Milwaukee, Luis provides the young men enrolled in our programs with an opportunity to gain work experience before entering the workforce! While exposing the young men to the many facets of running a business such as marketing, budgeting, digital art, and account management, this experience allows the young men to take in vast amount of knowledge of the work field.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
President
Giacomo Fallucca
Palermo Villa, Inc.
Vice President
Scott Sampson
S. Investments
Treasurer
Brandon Krause
Wipfli, LLP
Interim Executive Director
Anita Rodriguez Cordero
PCC, CPQC, SPHR, MBA
Founder
Rodney Bourrage
BOARD MEMBERS
Betty Chrustowski
Bruce Gendelman Insurance Services
Mark E. Goldstein
Huron Capital Partners (Actuant Corp.- Retired)
Avery L. Goodrich, Atty.
FW Consultants, LLC
Justin Goodrum
Good Entertainment
David Gruber, Atty.
Gruber Law Offices, LLC
Lynda Jackson-Conyers
Black Excellence Awards Foundation
Joshua Reed
University of Wisconsin Whitewater
Richaad Reed
Luca-Milhaupts, Inc.
Rebecca Schimke
Palermo Villa, Inc.
Jack Snow
Milwaukee Bucks
Harris Turer
Milwaukee Admirals
Sandy Walter
Baird
Stephen L. Werner
Werner & Associates
Adam E. Witkov, Atty
Michael, Best & Friedrich
"We teach life skills to these kids and things they can apply on a day to day basis… and I can see the change.”
- SeDale Washington
Our Mission
Operation DREAM provides holistic support and developmental opportunities for boys and young men ages 4 to 19 and their families who live in low income neighborhoods in Milwaukee. Mentoring by successful individuals from the same communities helps them survive and thrive by instilling the grit, determination and resilience needed to overcome circumstances beyond their control.
Our Vision
We unlock the potential of Milwaukee youth through support and empowerment to unify communities.
