About Us
Born from a deeply personal understanding of displacement, resilience, and service.
OUR MISSION
Gift to Dream exists to strengthen safety, agency, dignity, education, and future career pathways for girls and young people through interventions that engage schools, communities, local governments, and future allies.
WHO WE ARE
This organization was born from a deeply personal understanding of displacement, resilience, and service.
Founding Story
As the daughter of immigrant parents from Eritrea, founder Hiyab Tadesse was raised with stories of survival, sacrifice, faith, education, and responsibility to community. Those values became the foundation of Gift to Dream.Hiyab Tadesse brings over a decade of social impact, civic engagement, and youth-centered program leadership to this work. Those experiences shaped the values behind this organization and led her to give her to launch the 100% founder funded Lagos Pilot in 2025. This founder-led commitment demonstrates conviction, proof of concept, and a willingness to invest personally.Gucci Chime for Change Awardee
Recognized for contributions to global dialogue on social cohesion, civic accountability, and institutional responsibility during societal crises.
California Endowment Center
Documentary storytelling on the long-term impact of displacement, gender-based violence, and immigration.
George Washington University
Speaker & panelist at Girls Govern Town Hall — focused on women's rights and civic engagement.
Program Director, GlobalGirl Media USA
Directed an 8-week civic engagement initiative enabling LAUSD students to interview elected officials and policymakers.
OUR VISION
We envision a future where girls and young people can access the health, education, and opportunities they need to thrive, and where communities are equipped to create lasting change for the generations that follow.