Cheryl McKissack Daniel Inspires the Next Generation at Disney Dreamers Academy
When young dreamers from around the country gathered at Walt Disney World Resort for the Disney Dreamers Academy, they expected inspiration — and they received it in abundance from powerhouse leaders like Cheryl McKissack Daniel.
As President & CEO of McKissack & McKissack, the oldest minority- and woman-owned design and construction firm in the U.S., Cheryl brought a story of legacy, resilience, and boundless ambition to the stage. Speaking to hundreds of students, she emphasized the importance of hard work, perseverance, and daring to dream beyond barriers.
The Disney Dreamers Academy is a four-day, transformational event designed to fuel the aspirations of 100 high school students from across the nation. Participants, known as “Dreamers,” engage in immersive career workshops, leadership training, and one-on-one mentoring from some of the country’s most accomplished professionals — and Cheryl’s presence made this year’s experience truly unforgettable.
During her talk, Cheryl shared her personal journey — from carrying forward a five-generation family business to becoming a nationally recognized leader in construction and real estate. Her message was clear: “Your dreams are valid. Your path is powerful. And you have everything inside you to build the life you envision.”
She also spoke candidly about facing and overcoming challenges — particularly as a Black woman in an industry historically dominated by men. Her authenticity struck a powerful chord with students, many of whom are navigating their own paths filled with obstacles and uncertainty.
By weaving her professional triumphs with personal stories of grit and determination, Cheryl delivered a moving reminder: success is not about having an easy path, but about having an unshakable commitment to the journey.
Her participation in the Disney Dreamers Academy reinforced the program’s mission: to unlock potential, build self-confidence, and ignite dreams. For so many students listening that day, Cheryl McKissack Daniel wasn’t just a speaker — she became a mirror of what’s possible and a mentor they will carry with them forever.
As Cheryl said during her speech, “You are the architects of your own future — dream boldly, build fearlessly, and never let anyone tell you that you can’t.”
