The genesis of Dream 2 Lead (D2L) finds its roots in the shared dream and passion for serving the community, particularly children, through mentorship. Kristoffer Doura, the founder and visionary behind D2L, harbored this dream as early as 2016. However, it wasn’t until 2024 that the dream began to take tangible form, fueled by a combination of vision, determination, and momentum in youth advocacy.
Kristoffer, renowned as an ex-professional NFL player for the Miami Dolphins and having played in international leagues, envisioned a platform that could provide meaningful mentorship opportunities and access to youth. His aspiration found fruition when he joined forces with Telena Paris, a dynamic leader with a proven track record in organizational and business development, particularly in the realm of diversity, equity, and inclusion in the nonprofit sector.
Their dream is the product of a love story that evolved over years of shared dreams, mutual respect, and a commitment to making a difference. As a power couple, Kristoffer and Telena‘s journey to establish D2L was driven not only by their individual aspirations but also by their shared values and vision for a better future for young individuals.
Telena Paris, a trained choreographer, vocalist, actor, and filmmaker, brings a wealth of artistic and organizational experience to D2L. Trained in Martha Graham and various dance techniques, she has traveled extensively and worked with major theatrical organizations such as Disney and Universal. Additionally, Telena‘s noteworthy modeling career for Nike Athletic Brands further underscores her multifaceted background and commitment to excellence.
Kristoffer and Telena both work part-time as professors, further solidifying their dedication to education and their understanding of its value. Driven by their shared belief in God and a desire to honor their faith through positive change in youth, they embarked on a journey to establish D2L as a beacon of hope and empowerment in the community. With Kristoffer serving as the visionary founder and Telena as the current CEO, they formed a formidable team, blending Kristoffer’s financial acumen and sports experience with Telena‘s strategic prowess and artistic sensibilities to drive forward the vision of D2L.
Their unwavering commitment to making a difference in the lives of young individuals led them to establish D2L with a shared philosophy centered around sports and entertainment, S.T.E.A.M. education, mental health resources, and high-level mentorship. Kristoffer and Telena envisioned D2L as more than just an organization—it was a vehicle for transformation, resilience, and opportunity.
Through their leadership, dedication, and collaborative spirit, Kristoffer and Telena have steered D2L towards its mission of empowering youth to realize their full potential and become leaders in their own right. Their journey exemplifies the power of partnership, vision, and perseverance in driving positive change and shaping the future of generations to come. This is not just another brainchild for these two high-level executives; this is a mission to change the world one child at a time.
