Our National Team

Otis Hackney is the President & CEO of the “I Have A Dream” Foundation and is responsible for leading the national education nonprofit and its vision of college access and opportunity for all. He believes every child deserves to attend great schools within their own communities and is committed to effecting positive, sustainable social change.

In his previous role as Chief Education Officer for the City of Philadelphia, Otis championed crucial collaboration and partnerships with stakeholders to strengthen the local educational landscape and advance key educational policy. He helped the School District of Philadelphia (SDP) return to local control with a mayoral-appointed board and worked to secure free internet access for students to participate in virtual learning at the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. In partnership with the SDP, he launched several important equity-centered initiatives, including a locally funded PreK program called Community Schools. Ever mindful of the importance of access to post-secondary opportunity, Otis is also known for working with the Community College of Philadelphia to secure tuition-free scholarships and basic needs support.

Otis joined the National Board of Directors at the “I Have a Dream” Foundation in 2019. Along with his extensive knowledge and experience in education, his tenure on the board made him a prudent choice for President & CEO. Under his leadership, IHDF is well-poised to continue making equitable education a reality by engaging communities and children (“Dreamers”) through individualized programming and guaranteed post-secondary tuition support.

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As the Chief Growth Officer, Lori Canova is responsible for the development of a national growth and expansion strategy for the “I Have A Dream” Foundation affiliate Network. In this new role, Lori will work to retain and grow existing affiliates, provide high-touch support to affiliate leadership and boards, and identify and steward new potential “I Have A Dream” affiliate locations.

Before joining the national team in March of 2020, Lori Canova served as the President and CEO for the “I Have A Dream” Foundation of Boulder County Colorado for 23 years. Under her leadership, the organization grew by 300%, from two Dreamer cohorts to 23, serving over 1,100 students, making the Boulder County affiliate one of the largest in the country.

Lori’s nonprofit career has always been focused on empowering youth from marginalized communities. She has held positions at Big Brothers; Mental Health Association of Colorado; Jefferson Center for Mental Health; and Human Services.

She has a Master of Social Work degree from the University of Denver and is a graduate of the 50 for Colorado Leadership Program through the University of Colorado’s Leeds School of Business. In 2010, Lori received the Woman of the Year Award from the Boulder Professional Women’s Group and in 2016 received the Women Who Light the Community Award from the Boulder Chamber of Commerce.

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In my 15 years at “I Have A Dream”, I have served in several roles, including Program Director for the Ravenswood II Program in Queens, NY for over 10 years and Director of College and Career Success for IHDF-NY for 4 years. In those roles I provided a year-round program of academic and social support to school-aged youth and counseled students and families on the college application process. I also co-created the college-going and persistence program and managed IHDF-NY’s tuition assistance support for Dreamers.

In my current role as Director of Postsecondary Success, I support the postsecondary goals and efforts of the National IHDF Office, including hosting staff collaborative workshops and developing and managing education, employment, and enrichment opportunities for Dreamers across the network. My work is informed by cultural sensitivity, communication, strong sense of identity, community, empathy, and respect.

I am a native New Yorker who has lived and worked here my entire life. I am an avid reader, a plant mom, and a cake/pastry/bread fiend. I also love visiting state and national parks

My Current Theme Song: Electric Lady – Janelle Monae

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As the Data Associate, I support the day-to-day operations of all things data and reporting and make sure our affiliates have all the tools they need to support our students. Before joining the “I Have a Dream” Foundation, I worked as a data and tools specialist for a variety of issue advocacy groups and campaigns. I’m excited to bring my love for all things data and technology to the “I Have a Dream” Foundation to further support our growth and success. When I’m not playing around with spreadsheets you can find me hiking with my dogs or in the kitchen testing out a new bread recipe.

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As the Social Work Manager, I oversee Social Work Interns in the NY Affiliate, providing supervision, and implementing/ administering the Social Emotional Learning Curriculum in NY.

I have been dedicated to servicing underserved populations in NYC. Since graduating from Howard University with my MSW in 2015, I have worked with parolees- providing holistic trauma informed case management services. I then moved on to work with individuals who are part of the NYC Shelter system providing advocacy, medication, referrals, and trauma informed care services.

I am passionate about advocating for underserved individuals at all levels and enjoy providing one on one counseling.

My current theme song: I Smile — Kirk Franklin

Danny Morris currently serves as Director of National Programs for the “I Have a Dream” Foundation. In this role he oversees the delivery of supports and services to the network of IDHF affiliates. 

Prior to joining the “I Have a Dream” Foundation, Danny served in different capacities at Children’s Aid (formerly The Children’s Aid Society), most recently as Community School Director at Fannie Lou Hamer Freedom High School in the Bronx. There he led a team of youth development specialists who provided academic enrichment, social support, college and career readiness, and health services to students in grades 9 through 12. He was also Assistant Director for Children’s Aid’s Adolescence Division, developing and coordinating teen programming at affiliated community centers and schools. His initial position at Children’s AId was director of Hope Leadership Academy, a community center in East Harlem specifically designed to serve adolescents between the ages of 14 to 21. Using peer education as a programmatic model, Hope helps teens develop skills to succeed in school and beyond the walls of the classroom. Under Danny’s leadership, Hope participants increased their college readiness and earned a record number of scholarships.

Danny’s tenure at United Way of New York City (UWNYC) included serving as an Account Supervisor for the organization’s Attendance Improvement Dropout Prevention partnership with the NYC Department of Education. He provided program resources and technical assistance to CBO’s that were responsible for implementing in-school and after-school activities. Danny eventually became the Director of Educational Initiatives at UWNYC and was responsible for creating an arts initiative that included a citywide essay contest and annual talent showcase at the Public Theatre and world famous Apollo Theatre.

Danny began his career as an elementary school teacher in Inglewood, California. He was also a founding teacher and collaborative team member for Soaring Heights Charter School in Jersey City, New Jersey. The school is currently preparing to celebrate its 25th year of operation.

Danny is a graduate of Yale University, and holds an M.P.A. from the Baruch School of Public Affairs.

As the Chief Program Officer, I am responsible for developing national initiatives and building strategic partnerships that support our 10 Affiliates, their staff and the thousands of Dreamers across the country. With over 30 years of education, I have spent half of my career creating and leading college access and retention programs founded on Excellence and Academic Development for our black and brown youth in New York City.

As a founding member at Bronx-based nonprofit HERE TO HERE, I created a platform that unites employers, educators, and community-based organizations to connect young people to family-sustaining careers and create a thriving and inclusive economy. Placing over 1,100 Bronx high school students in summer career exploration programs and internships. I am eager and thrilled to bring my expertise to a National initiative and expand our reach.

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As the National Director of Data and Reporting, I ensure staff members across our network have the information they need to guide programming and best support students. Before joining the national “I Have A Dream” Foundation team in 2017, I worked as a college counselor for high school students in New York City. My direct experience working with students inspires me to make certain all students get the resources and support they deserve. I strongly believe in the power of data as a tool for continuous improvement. I hold a B.A. in history and a minor in gender studies from Eugene Lang College, The New School and a master’s degree in public administration from NYU’s Robert F. Wagner School of Public Service.

In addition to my passion for Excel, I enjoy exploring different neighborhoods and eating all the amazing food New York City has to offer.

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As the Mentor Training and Technical Assistance Manager, I support Affiliates in the development and implementation of our Inspire The Dream Mentoring Program. Before joining the National “I Have A Dream” Foundation in January 2022, I provided COVID-19 related assistance to Domestic Violence coalitions in the state of Utah. I learned to love grant work while working on federal grants for the State of Georgia and recognized the power of partnerships, social justice, and program development. I hold a Bachelor of Social Work and a Master of Social Work degree from Southern Adventist University, where I specialized in Trauma and Emergency Management.

When I am not learning about mentoring, I enjoy going on hikes with my partner, our four dogs, and then coming home to cuddle with our cat.

My Current Theme Song: Juicy – The Notorious B.I.G.

As the Chief Operating Officer, I oversee the HR, Finance, IT and Evaluation functionn, work with the leadership team to create and refine effective organization strategies, and enrich office policies and procedures. I am driven to deliver results.

My partner, son, plants and bread bring me extreme joy.

My current theme song: Unwritten – Natasha Bedingfield

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In my role as Growth and Development Manager, I support existing and emerging affiliates and assist with the organization’s overall expansion plans. I have more than fifteen years of experience in nonprofit communications and development, with a special focus on education and media. I’ve held positions in fundraising and corporate sponsorship development for public radio, helped launch an online tutoring service for high school students, and coordinated a number of successful cause marketing partnerships for a broadcast cable company. Most recently, I served as the Director of Communications for an independent elementary school.

I have a degree in English with an emphasis in secondary education from Iowa State University. I hold a certificate in editing and spend much of my free time reading and writing. My work has appeared in The Saturday Evening Post, Writer’s Digest, and elsewhere.

My current theme song: We Can Work It Out — Stevie Wonder

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In the role of Director of Alumni and Community Relations, I feel blessed to have the opportunity to connect with a diverse range of wonderful people who are part of the “I Have A Dream” family.  The heart of my experience with the “I Have A Dream” Foundation was serving as a Program Director from 2005 through 2016 for the Ravenswood II Program in Queens, NY.  After a stint filling in as Interim Executive Director for the New York affiliate in 2017 and 2018, I returned to “I Have A Dream” in 2020 and am excited to be a part of such an experienced, dedicated, and fun team!

I always feel like I want to be in 25 places all at the same time but I do my best to appreciate every moment wherever I end up.

My Current Theme Song: Power of Love – Huey Lewis

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