Inspiring both for who they are and for what they have accomplished, the extraordinary people, organizations and communities profiled in DreamMakers offer new insights into how they achieved their hopes and dreams with integrity and compassion. In their own words, these inspiring people tell their stories of leading grand scale transformations in the face of resistance, fear and adversity. They candidly share their personal stories, their struggles and their triumphs. In the mist of an era of failing institutions, communities in transition and fragile economies, these DreamMakers have discovered the art and science of making their hopes and dreams come true. Regardless of their age, gender, ethnic background, geography, socio-economic condition or circumstances, they found ways to transform chaos into opportunities. They are not blind optimist; rather, they use their struggles and the realities of the world to fuel their passion to create new, healthier organizations, communities, and lives.

The stories in this book demonstrate what all of us can accomplish once we unleash the DreamMaker within – a capacity for visionary leadership that can promote profound change. These “pockets of hope” inspire us to transform our lives, our organizations, institutions, and our communities, to create a better world.