DOPE, the History

DOPE, which stands for Doing Our Part through: Educating, Empowering, & Entertaining, was founded with a clear mission to make a meaningful impact on teens in underserved communities. The organization began with a vision shared by a group of passionate individuals who recognized the challenges faced by these communities, particularly in terms of access to education, economic opportunities, and cultural enrichment.

  • DOPE was founded in 2019 in Detroit, Michigan. The founders were united by their commitment to addressing societal inequities and empowering those who have historically been marginalized. They believed in the power of education, empowerment, and entertainment as transformative tools to inspire change and build stronger, more resilient communities.

  • Since March 2024, DOPE has shifted its focus toward organizing community events and educational workshops specifically aimed at engaging local teens. These events combine entertainment with educational content, creating a unique approach that resonates with participants. The success of this teen-focused programming affirmed the power of DOPE’s mission and led to a renewed commitment to serving underserved teens in Dallas, TX through intentional, innovative experiences.

    We take teens on local trips to professional sporting events, water parks, and high ropes courses—experiences that bring fun and growth together. But we’re also planning to expand their horizons by taking them out of state (and even out the country) to explore college campuses, cultural landmarks, and high-end experiences. We firmly believe that to raise expectations, you must increase exposure—and we’re committed to showing our youth what’s possible beyond their current surroundings.

  • DOPE is working toward opening a state-of-the-art facility where teens will have a safe space to learn, create, and thrive. This space will offer essential resources such as meals, school supplies, technology, and dedicated mentorship. For teens experiencing homelessness or crisis, the center will provide short-term housing and critical support services to ensure no teen is left behind.

    In addition to local programming, DOPE is preparing to expand its signature programs into new markets across the country — such as Detroit, Atlanta, and Houston, through DOPE on the GO. By bringing DOPE to cities with similar challenges and vibrant youth populations, we aim to create a national movement that equips teens with the tools, confidence, and exposure they need to thrive.

    Lastly, DOPE aims to take its signature DOPE Fest experience to schools and communities nationwide, reimagining career exploration through immersive experiences, hands-on challenges, real-world preparation, and meaningful connections to opportunity.

    As DOPE looks to the future, it is poised to continue making a lasting impact, inspiring hope, and creating opportunities for all.

    Help Us Reach Our $15M Goal by 2030 — Your Support Starts Today!

A facilitator holding a microphone and papers at a DOPE event.

Our DOPE Mission

  • At DOPE, “Doing Our Part” is more than just a name—it’s a commitment. We believe it truly takes a village to raise a child. That village includes parents, teachers, family members, mentors, and the broader community. But we also recognize that not everything a young person needs to thrive can be taught in school or at home. That’s where we step in.

    DOPE is committed to doing our part to fill in the gaps—whether it’s through real-world education, exposure to new experiences, or providing resources that support emotional and mental wellness. We exist to uplift, equip, and empower teens with the tools, knowledge, and inspiration they need to become confident, capable leaders in their communities and beyond.

  • At DOPE, our mission is to "Tackle tough topics in an entertaining environment while educating and empowering!" We are committed to addressing complex societal and economic issues by creating engaging and dynamic experiences that both inform and inspire teens.

  • We believe that addressing challenging issues is essential for fostering meaningful change. Our approach involves openly discussing and exploring topics that impact underserved communities, such as social justice, economic disparity, and mental health. By confronting these issues head-on, we aim to raise awareness, spark important conversations, and drive collective action toward solutions.

  • Entertainment is a powerful tool for engagement and impact. We use it to create an inviting and stimulating atmosphere where tough topics can be explored in a way that is both accessible and impactful. Through events and creative workshops, we blend education with entertainment to captivate and connect with our audience. This approach not only makes complex subjects more relatable but also encourages active participation and learning.

  • Education is at the core of our mission. We provide comprehensive educational programs designed to equip individuals, especially teens, with the knowledge and skills they need to navigate and overcome challenges. Our workshops, mentoring, and resources cover a wide range of topics, from financial literacy to leadership development, ensuring that participants gain valuable insights and practical tools for personal and professional growth.

  • Empowerment is the ultimate goal of our efforts. We strive to empower individuals by providing them with the support, confidence, and opportunities they need to thrive. Our empowerment programs focus on fostering resilience, self-efficacy, and social change. By offering job training, entrepreneurial support, and advocacy for social justice, we help individuals build a foundation for success and make a positive impact in their communities.

What is DOPE?

Our DOPE

Team Bios

  • Sir Will Haggins IV is the Founder & CEO of Doing Our Part through: Educating, Empowering, & Entertaining (DOPE) and has led the organization since its inception in 2019. With a deep passion for engaging and uplifting youth, Sir Will designs transformative programs that fuse education, entertainment, and real-world empowerment for underserved communities.

    Prior to launching DOPE, he built a successful career in regional retail banking, developing strong leadership, financial, and customer service skills that now inform his nonprofit and event leadership. With over a decade of experience directing after-school programs, summer camps, and mentoring initiatives, he has long demonstrated a commitment to youth development well before founding DOPE.

    Beyond his nonprofit work, Sir Will serves as the Chief of Events & Talent Strategy at Sir4ourth Events, where he curates high-level brand experiences for national and global clients. Notably, Sir Will just completed his role with FIFA World Cup 2026 as the Venue Operations Manager for Dallas Stadium. His creativity, strategic thinking, and community-first approach are the driving forces behind DOPE’s mission to inspire the next generation.

  • Daniel Boatner V is the Creative Director of Doing Our Part through: Educating, Empowering, & Entertaining (DOPE), a designer, educator, and founder of Daniel V Designs Inc. With over 25 years of experience, he creates visual, interactive, and experiential design solutions that connect people and enrich communities. His work with leading brands and cities brings a broad industry perspective to DOPE’s creative direction.

    As an educator, Daniel is committed to expanding access to design, creativity, and education for individuals from underserved communities. He combines creative problem-solving, industry connections, and a passion for mentorship to help teens discover their strengths, develop practical skills, and explore pathways to creative careers.

    Through DOPE, Daniel helps bridge the gap between education and real-world opportunity. He creates space for teens to explore ideas and see how their creativity can support personal growth, community impact, and lasting change.

  • Reginald Brown is the Board President of DOPE and a marketing executive and storyteller with over a decade of experience driving impactful, mission-driven initiatives across civic, cultural, and community-focused organizations. A member of DOPE’s original founding team, Reggie returns to the organization to provide strategic marketing leadership and authentic storytelling that amplifies its mission and deepens community engagement.

    Throughout his career, Reggie has built and led integrated local & national campaigns, brand narratives, and experiences that center people, purpose, and progress—particularly within underserved and historically overlooked communities.

    His passion for mission-driven work, combined with a proven ability to translate vision into meaningful impact, continues to shape stories that inspire action and lasting change.

  • Nhu Bui is the Board Vice President of DOPE, bringing 12 years of dedicated leadership in the nonprofit sector and a blend of development strategy, corporate partnerships, and creative energy. Nhu began her non-profit career in Washington, D.C., serving as a non-profit consultant where she helped cause-driven organizations build sustainable operations, optimize fundraising strategies, and expand community reach.

    Building on that foundational consulting experience, Nhu transitioned into corporate development leadership roles for major health organizations, including Susan G. Komen and Children’s Health in Dallas. In these roles, she spearheaded high-impact corporate sponsorship programs, executed strategic cause-marketing initiatives, and cultivated transformational partnerships that drove significant revenue for pediatric healthcare and health equity initiatives.

    Today, Nhu works full-time as a professional DJ, combining a deep institutional understanding of non-profit development with crowd engagement, live event curation, and creative direction. This unique background allows Nhu to support DOPE across multiple dimensions—from advising on high-stakes corporate fundraising and donor cultivation strategy to producing galas and community activations that leave a lasting impression.

  • Myca Williamson is the Board Secretary of DOPE, bringing expertise in storytelling, digital marketing, and strategy.

    With a journalism and MBA background from SMU, she has worked with organizations like Invesco Real Estate and The Dallas Hearing Foundation. A former high school educator and advocate for entrepreneurs, Myca has served as a funding panelist for the City of Dallas’ Office of Arts & Culture.

    She now leads Myca Raquel Consulting, helping businesses and nonprofits build trust through strategic storytelling.

  • David Jackson is the Co-Founder and Board Treasurer of DOPE, playing a key role in the organization’s financial oversight and strategic planning. With no term expiration, he remains committed to ensuring DOPE’s long-term sustainability and impact.

    Outside of DOPE, David is the President of Blacktree CPA Group, PLLC, where he provides expert financial guidance to businesses and organizations.

    His dedication to economic empowerment and community development is reflected in both his professional and nonprofit work.