clock: Meet the Disney Dreamer student who started a farm to address food insecurity
Terrario Watkins II brings his entrepreneurial spirit and dedication to food justice to life as 100 teens from underrepresented communities gather at the most magical place on Earth, Disney Dreamers Academy Did.
The 16-year-old entrepreneur, author, speaker, and hunger hero from Columbus, Ohio started his own business, Tiger Mushroom Farm, at just 7 years old. He later founded the nonprofit organization Garden Club Project to end hunger and encourage healthy eating in children.
In his introduction to the Disney Dreamers Program, Terrario wrote that his career goal is to “use technology to improve the food system in my community and communities around the world.”
“It was amazing to watch my son go through the Disney Dreamers Academy. It was like a little fire was lit inside him,” his mother, Lavanya Watkins, said in an interview at the event.
Entrepreneur, motivational speaker and “Shark Tank” star investor Daymond John surprised Terrario at an event in Lake Buena Vista, Fla., and invited him to appear on the ABC show.
John met the young agricultural entrepreneur and said, “I read your story and I love how you’re trying to fight hunger in your community.” “I wanted to give you a little chance to come on ‘Shark Tank’ with me.”
Without hesitation, Terrario told John, “I’m always available.”
For 17 years, Disney Dreamers Academy has been dedicated to mentoring and motivating students from diverse communities by encouraging the next generation to think big and use what they learn in the relentless pursuit of their dreams. I did.
Graduates have gone on to become doctors, engineers, performing artists, entrepreneurs, and more, and some have gone on to become mentors for the Disney Dreamers who follow them.
