EverGreen Dreams (formerly known as The MGAM Scholarship Foundation) was born from a moment of deep reflection and determination—a decision to channel heartbreak into hope and purpose. In May 2020, amid the protests following the tragic death of George Floyd, I found myself grappling with heartbreak and isolation in downtown Chicago. The weight of systemic injustice and the pandemic felt overwhelming. One May 29, 2020, I sat in my favorite spot outside of my apartment building, listening to both the sounds of the city and my music, and tried to process the chaos that was enveloping the country. Then I heard it – the undeniable sound of footsteps making their way down the street. I stood up from my tucked away corner spot and walked to the street corner where I saw lines of Chicago police officers in riot gear marching down Columbus Drive/Fairbanks. Feeling my spirit shatter, I broke down in tears. Alone and yearning for connection, I texted a friend and met them in a nearby park the next day. Sitting six feet apart on a park bench, I poured out my pain and frustration.

That conversation and hug at the end were a lifeline —a moment of honesty, vulnerability, and shared grief. It sparked something within me. It was in the aftermath of that emotional moment that I realized I couldn’t stand by as the world continued to devalue Black and Brown lives. I needed to act. But how? Protests and petitions weren’t my path. I wanted to build something that would outlive me, something that aligned with my lifelong passions for education and mentorship. I wanted to create opportunities for Black women to thrive in a world that so often tries to hold us back.

That’s when the idea of creating a scholarship foundation took root. But I didn’t just want a scholarship foundation. I wanted the organization to be a movement to uplift Black cisgender and transgender women, to nurture their dreams, and to cultivate endless possibilities for their futures.

In its first year, I was fortunate to have a friend who offered to help me get the foundation off the ground. With my friend’s support, I was able to build an organization that uplifts, empowers, and celebrates the achievements of young Black women.

Today, EverGreen Dreams is a community rooted in hope, equity, and empowerment. Our work centers on providing the resources, mentorship, and opportunities Black women need to thrive. We believe education is more than a pathway to success—it’s a tool for liberation and a foundation for transformation. By investing in the education and development of Black women, we’re dismantling systemic barriers and planting seeds of possibility that will grow for generations.

We envision a future where Black women have the tools, opportunities, and support to excel in every aspect of their lives—a future where equity isn’t just a goal but a reality. With the help of our incredible donors, we’re building a community that uplifts, empowers, and inspires Black women to dream without limits and to achieve beyond measure.

EverGreen Dreams is more than a nonprofit. It’s a promise—a promise to cultivate endless possibilities for Black women, one step, one scholarship, and one dream at a time.

Why We Do This Work

At work, in school, and in life, Black women face challenges that are both visible and invisible—discrimination, systemic inequities, and limited access to resources. EverGreen Dreams exists because we believe in the potential of Black women to not just survive but to soar. When you invest in Black women, you invest in a future filled with innovation, leadership, and positive change.

We’re inspired by the resilience of Black women. We’re driven by the belief that every dream matters and that no barrier is too big to overcome. And we’re committed to cultivating a world where Black women can lead, thrive, and leave a legacy of achievement and possibility.

Melissa D. Green,
Executive Director, EverGreen Dreams

EverGreen Dreams is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to cultivating endless possibilities for Black cisgender and transgender women through education.