Our Story
Dream2Reality Foundation was born from a simple belief: that where you come from should never determine how far you can go. We exist to close the gap between ambition and opportunity for first-generation students pursuing health careers.
The Founding Story
Dream2Reality Foundation was founded by members of the Armenian-American community in Los Angeles - a community that knows firsthand what it means to build something from nothing, to navigate systems without a roadmap, and to carry the weight of family expectations alongside your own dreams.
Our founder, Yeraz Benlian, spent years working in education and student development, watching talented, driven students fall short of their health career goals; not because of ability, but because of access. Access to mentors who had walked the path. Access to guidance on applications that cost thousands of dollars to submit. Access to someone who believed in them.
Dream2Reality Foundation is that access. Every program we offer is free. Every mentor we connect students with is invested in their success. Every workshop we run is designed to give students what they need to compete and win.
Yeraz Benlian, M.Ed.
Founder & President
What We Stand For
We believe every student deserves the same shot at a health career, regardless of income, background, or family connections.
We are rooted in the Armenian-American community and serve students across greater Los Angeles with the warmth and accountability of family.
We operate with transparency, accountability, and a deep commitment to the students and donors who trust us.
We hold ourselves and our students to the highest standards - because the healthcare workforce they will join demands nothing less.
Board of Directors
Dream2Reality Foundation is governed by a dedicated board committed to educational equity, community service, and the long-term sustainability of our programs.
President & CEO
Yeraz founded Dream2Reality Foundation after years working in education and student development. A USC graduate with a Master's in Education, she built this organization to be the bridge she wished had existed - personal, community-rooted, and relentlessly focused on student success. Her work is driven by the belief that first-generation students don't need charity; they need a fair shot.
Treasurer & CFO
Alexander brings financial leadership and strategic vision to the Foundation. His commitment to the Armenian-American community and educational equity drives his work ensuring Dream2Reality's resources are managed with integrity and reach the students who need them most.
Secretary
Parik supports the Foundation's operations and governance with dedication and care, ensuring Dream2Reality runs with the integrity and accountability that donors, partners, and students deserve.
Our Roots
Dream2Reality Foundation was founded within the Armenian-American community of Los Angeles, where values of hard work, education, and collective responsibility run deep. Those same values shape how we support students; whether we’re meeting in person across Greater LA or connecting virtually with students anywhere in the region.
"
Every dream deserves a pathway.
- Dream2Reality Foundation
100%
Free to students
LA
Greater Los Angeles
Legal & Transparency
Dream2Reality Foundation is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. All donations are tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law. We are committed to full transparency in our operations and finances.
Questions about our nonprofit status or financials? We're happy to share.