FORNEY, TX — At the heart of every great leader is a moment when someone believes in their potential—and Jeronda Marks, founder of Dream Pusher Academy, is on a mission to create those moments for teens across North Texas. Through her nonprofit academy, Marks is helping students ages 13 to 18 build the soft skills, confidence, and leadership mindset they need to thrive in school, careers, and life. In this interview, we talk with Marks about her vision, her passion for youth development, and how Dream Pusher Academy is changing lives—one student at a time.
Jeronda, you wear many hats as a CEO, coach, author, and minister. How did Dream Pusher Academy emerge from your broader mission to inspire influencers and leaders?
I’ve always had a heart and a passion for teens. It was back in 1996, as a young adult entrepreneur, I started a mobile tutoring business called “YoU aRe Unique” mobile tutoring for students with individualized learning needs. It was back then that I realized that teens learn differently when they are in environments where they feel safe to express themselves without fear or intimidation. It was then that I realized that teens like to learn on their level and through unique ways that tap into their creative side. Parents were expressing to me that I had a unique way of getting their teens to grasp their school subjects by making it engaging, relevant and fun while helping to boost their confidence to conquer fear in the classroom and in their peer groups. At that time, I didn’t realize that I was shining a light on such soft skills as confidence, leadership and emotional intelligence in teens. I later became a connoisseur of all things leadership, books, workshops and seminars. I knew I was a leader called to empower and educate others to step into leadership roles and pursue their dreams.
Many of the clients I’ve coached and trained would refer to me as a “dream pusher,” pulling them out of their cage of comfort and pushing them toward purpose and destiny. For over 28 years I have coached, trained and developed adult learners and now it's time for me to invest the same passion, drive and commitment into teens and young adults. Dream Pusher Academy was born from a deep passion to not just lead, but to multiply leadership in others. As a CEO, coach, author, and minister, I kept seeing a common thread: people—especially young people—were full of potential but lacked the tools, guidance, and confidence to lead with purpose. I created Dream Pusher Academy as a space where leadership and professional development could come to life in a way that was both practical and transformational. It’s not just about climbing the ladder—it’s about building it for others too. My mission is to raise up influencers and leaders who don’t wait to be chosen—they choose themselves and step boldly into their calling.
Your passion for soft skills like Leadership, Emotional Intelligence, Accountability, and Problem Solving is front and center. Why are these particular skills so critical for teens today?
These soft skills aren’t just nice to have. In my opinion they’re essential for teens today because the world they’re growing up in demands more than just book knowledge. I strongly believe that our teens are experiencing what I call “information overload.” However, they have so much information at their fingertips but lack wisdom to apply the knowledge and the confidence to take on leadership roles and responsibilities. Leadership, emotional intelligence, accountability, and problem solving are what set them apart in school, relationships, and eventually the workplace.Teens are facing real-life pressures at younger ages with social media, academic expectations, peer dynamics—and without these foundational skills, they can easily feel lost or reactive instead of empowered and proactive. Teaching these skills early gives them the confidence to lead themselves well, make wise decisions, bounce back from failure, and positively influence others. It’s not about perfection, in my opinion. It’s about preparation.”
You’ve worked with thousands of adults—but Dream Pusher Academy focuses on youth. What led you to shift your focus to the 13–18 age group, and what unique opportunities do you see in reaching them early?
Working with adults showed me something powerful, so many of their struggles could’ve been addressed earlier with the right guidance, tools, and mindset. That realization shifted my heart toward the 13–18 age group. These are such formative years, where identity, confidence, and directions are still being shaped. If we can pour into them now, help them discover their voice, build emotional intelligence, and walk in leadership before the world tells them who they’re not, we create lifelong change. Dream Pusher Academy is about catching them early so they grow up equipped, not just inspired. The opportunity isn’t just to prepare them for the future, it’s to show them they’re already capable of impact right now with the right support and guidance.
What makes the Dream Pusher experience different from traditional school programs or mentorship initiatives?
Dream Pusher Academy is different because it’s not just about information, it’s about transformation. Traditional school programs often focus on academics and check-the-box mentoring, but we go deeper. We create a space where young people are seen, heard, and challenged to grow in self-awareness, leadership, purpose, and real-world skills. It’s interactive, heart-centered, and practical. We don’t just teach them what to do—we help them discover who they are, why they matter, and how to lead with confidence now, not later. It’s mentorship with a mission, coaching with accountability, and leadership training wrapped in love and truth.
You often say, “We are empowering teens to lead, write, create, and speak with confidence.” What does that look like in action inside your workshops and coaching sessions?
When I say we empower teens to lead, write, create, and speak with confidence, it’s not just a slogan, it’s what we do every session. In our workshops, teens are leading group activities, pitching creative ideas, setting goals, and learning how to speak up with clarity and courage. We do journal prompts that turn into vision boards, role-play real-life scenarios like interviews or peer pressure, and guide them through writing personal statements and storytelling with purpose. In coaching, we dig into mindset blocks, build emotional intelligence, and help them see their own growth. It’s hands-on, it’s affirming, and it’s powerful to watch a teen who once stayed silent step up and speak like a leader in the making.
Reflective expressive writing seems to be a key tool in your curriculum. How have you seen “the power of the pen” change lives for your students?
Absolutely, reflective expressive writing is one of the most transformative tools we use. I’ve seen students go from shut down and unsure to bold and self-aware just by putting their thoughts on paper. The pen gives them a voice when they don’t yet have the confidence to speak out loud. It helps them process emotions, uncover their strengths, and rewrite the negative stories they’ve been believing about themselves. I’ve watched teens with insecurities and fear of engaging in public take bold and confident strides in speaking publicly and sharing their thoughts without fear of judgement. I’ve witnessed peer to peer encouragement happen in settings that transformed the mental space of teens and reassured them they are not alone in their struggles. I’ve witnessed tears fall as a teen reads their own words and realizes, ‘I’ve been through a lot—but I’m still here, and I have something to say.
Writing creates space for healing, clarity, and confidence. It’s where leadership begins, on the inside.
Many of your programs focus on helping students LEAP—not just grow slowly. How do you instill the courage it takes to make bold leaps at such a young age?
L.E.A.P. is our framework which stands for Leadership, Emotional Intelligence, Accountability and Problem Solving. All four of these skills are extremely important in order to take action and the pursuit of one's dreams. Leaping is not such a traumatic or terrifying thing if I have taken the time to become self-aware and work on myself. Helping students L.E.A.P is about teaching them that growth isn’t always linear—sometimes, it requires courage, risk, and faith. We instill that by creating an environment where boldness is normalized and failure isn’t feared, it’s reframed. We challenge them to step outside their comfort zones, whether that’s leading a group, sharing their story, or trying something new. We model confidence, speak life into them, and give them tools to build resilience. And most importantly, we remind them that their age doesn’t limit their impact. When they realize that their voice, ideas, and presence matter now, that’s when the leap becomes possible. It’s not just personal development, it’s identity development.
You’re a woman of faith and purpose. How do your personal values shape the way you lead Dream Pusher Academy and connect with young people?
Absolutely. My faith is the foundation of everything I do, including how I lead Dream Pusher Academy. I believe God has given each of us a unique purpose, and it’s my mission to help young people discover and walk boldly in theirs. My personal values—integrity, compassion, perseverance, and service—guide every interaction and decision. I lead with love, truth, and encouragement, always striving to be a reflection of Christ in how I support, challenge, and uplift the next generation. Dream Pusher Academy isn’t just a program—it’s a calling to inspire greatness and remind young people that with faith and action, all things are possible. I
frequently express to teens these four things: DREAM BIG, SET GOALS, TAKE ACTION, SEE RESULTS. This is the formula for success in life.
Looking ahead, what is your ultimate vision for Dream Pusher Academy? How can communities, schools, and supporters help expand this mission to reach even more teens across the nation or globally?
Looking ahead, my ultimate vision for Dream Pusher Academy is to become not just a local academy/movement but a global academy/movement that empowers teens to rise above limitations, embrace their God-given identity, and pursue purpose with boldness. I see it expanding into schools, churches, and community centers around the world—offering coaching, mentorship models , workshops, and resources that equip young people not just academically, but emotionally and spiritually. To reach that vision, we need strong partnerships. Churches and communities can open their doors by inviting us to host individualized workshops at the ministry campus, meeting space or club house. Schools can collaborate to make this part of their campus support systems. Businesses and supporters can invest time, human and monetary resources, and influence to help us scale.
It takes financial support to fuel our vision and to make the services we provide available to families at a minimal cost. Together, we can raise a generation of confident, faith-filled leaders who will impact the world for good. To learn more and make a generous donation to help sponsor a young scholar visit www.dreampusheracdemy.org , or visit Dream Pusher Academy at givelify.com Your donations helps us expand our mission.