Who We Are
What is Wake Up and Dream?
Wake Up and Dream (WUAD) is a 501(c)(3) public charity that operates in the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area. The corporation works both independently and in collaboration with various other charitable organizations to focus on non-political advocacy, philanthropy, service, and education. Conceived, founded and run entirely by volunteers, WUAD has no paid staff, no office, and relies on the generosity of the community for equipment and supplies. Nearly 100% of all donations are used to fulfill its mission.
What is the mission of WUAD?
Inspired by the belief that everyone has a valuable resource to invest in a better tomorrow, Wake Up and Dream’s mission is to awaken the next generation of responsible citizens; deeply engaged in philanthropy and involvement in the community.
Why was WUAD created?
While many social change organizations help individuals find volunteer opportunities in their community, Wake Up and Dream helps individuals find volunteerism in themselves. In today’s world, too many people take advantage of all their community has to offer without giving back. Wake Up and Dream was created to put an end to the excuses: I’m too busy to get involved in my community; I don’t have the resources to take part in philanthropy; I lack the skills necessary to be a good volunteer.
How does WUAD accomplish its goal?
Wake Up and Dream works to “involve the uninvolved” by fusing social change with their everyday lives – turning school assignments into service projects, social events into community education, professional networking events into fundraisers, and recreational activities into a means to spread issue awareness across the community. WUAD encourages community action by promoting the idea that giving back can be easy and fun.
History
Wake Up and Dream was founded in 2008 by Washington, DC residents Guggan Datta, Ravi D’Souza, Jake Kuhns and Theresa Weber.
Datta, of Virginia-based Ignited Discovery, and D’Souza, of UMD’s National Leadership Program, teamed up in the fall of 2007 to host Rock the Boat DC, a charity cruise to raise funds and awareness for the global water crisis. With the help of friends Weber and Kuhns, the sold out event gained the support of 16 local sponsors and far surpassed fundraising expectations for the Los Angeles based charity Drop in the Bucket.
The success of Rock the Boat DC prompted the formation of Wake Up and Dream to continue raising awareness of important issues and encouraging community involvement. In the years since we formed, WUAD has focused on issues of importance right here in our own backyard. By focusing on matters that affect our local community, metro area residents will have a greater impact.
Kuhns and Weber currently serve as WUAD executive staff.
Jacob Kuhns
U.S. House of Representatives
Washington, DC
Jacob Kuhns (Jake) serves as Senior Legislative Assistant to Congressman Tim Holden (D-PA) advising the Congressman on the issues of energy and environment, education, financial services and agriculture. Previously, Jake served as Director of Federal Relations at the Association of Private Sector Colleges and Universities (formerly the Career College Association), a voluntary membership organization for private, postsecondary schools, institutes, colleges and universities that focus on the career oriented sector of higher education. He has also worked on the political campaigns of President Barack Obama, Senator Robert P. Casey Jr. (D-PA) and Governor Edward G. Rendell (D-PA).
Mr. Kuhns is a graduate of the Pennsylvania State University (B.A., Speech Communication/Political Science) where he served as Director of Communications for The Penn State IFC/Panhellenic Dance Marathon (THON), the largest student-run philanthropy in the world dedicated to conquering childhood cancer. Since 1977, THON has raised more than $78 million benefiting The Four Diamonds Fund at Penn State Children’s Hospital. He also holds a graduate degree from Gonzaga University (M.A., Communication and Leadership Studies; Certificate in Servant Leadership).
Jake currently resides in the Shaw neighborhood of Washington, DC.
Theresa Weber
Prime Policy Group
Washington, DC
Theresa Weber serves as a Director for Prime Policy Group, a bipartisan government relations firm that brings strategic counsel, advocacy, and a political campaign model to clients. Prior to joining Prime Policy Group, Theresa served as Executive Assistant to Howard Paster, Executive Vice President for Public Relations/Public Affairs, WPP. Ms. Weber served as the liaison between Mr. Paster and the WPP operating companies as well as managing operations of the EVP offices in both Washington, DC and New York.
Ms. Weber also served as Scheduler to Congressman Tim Holden (D-PA) where she organized and facilitated the Congressman’s schedule in DC and the district and also maintained financial responsibilities while acting as a liaison between the district offices and the DC office.
Ms. Weber received a bachelor’s degree in Political Science from Temple University. While a student at Temple, Theresa interned at the International Visitors Council of Philadelphia (IVC), which is an international relations organization and the “door” to the greater Philadelphia community for guests of the U.S. Government as well as individuals and corporations seeking professional connections to the people and the institutions of the region.
Theresa currently resides in the Columbia Heights neighborhood of Washington, DC.
