About us

Meet The Founder,
Nicole Russell - Wharton


“Giving to Precious Dreams Foundation is giving directly to a child desperate for comfort and support. There’s no delay in our outreach and direct services. Since 2012, we’ve been consistently giving and showing up for our partners, meeting kids where they are and providing them with essential tools to manage their emotions and focus on their dreams.”

- Nicole Russell - Wharton, Founder & Executive Director
Nicole Russell - Wharton, a New York native born in The Bronx, is a dedicated youth and mental health advocate. As the co-founder and executive director of Precious Dreams Foundation (PDF), Nicole works tirelessly to fight for the rights of children impacted by homelessness and the foster care system. Motivated by her own familial encounters with housing insecurity, Nicole, alongside her mother, established this organization to ensure a brighter future for children, bestowing them with restful nights that foster an unwavering focus on their grand visions and aspirations.
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Nicole is also a best-selling author signed to Sounds True. With her children and YA titles, Everything a Band-Aid Can't Fix and My Busy, Busy Brain being used in schools nationwide to fulfill SEL requirements. In addition to her writing, Nicole owns Pitch House Productions. The social impact consultancy educates corporations on best practices for serving vulnerable populations and creating positive outcomes for Black and brown communities.

Through her consultancy, Nicole strives to foster sustainable change and promote societal equity. Nicole's accolades include GLAMOUR's "Everyday Hero of the Year," Observer's "Top 20 Heroes Under 40", Walmart's "Community Playmaker Award," as well as a featured piece recognizing her efforts in O, The Oprah Magazine.

In 2020, Nicole was recognized by NBC and Essence as an essential hero for her efforts to serve and support the mental health needs of thousands of youth in the U.S. shelter system during the coronavirus pandemic. Her expertise in holistic healing modalities, certification in trauma-informed yoga and creative tools fosters resilience, instills hope, and prepares youth and young adults for brighter futures. With empathy and bold leadership, Nicole aspires to teach the world how to properly serve and nurture young people's capacity to advocate for themselves.

Meet The Board

Junior Board







Andrew Gartland
Co-Chair
Rebecca Evans
Jordyn Rolling
Co-Chair
Kenisha Anthony
Hewan Bogale
Max Jurish
Katelyn Norman
See our Financials
Precious Dreams Foundation is supported primarily by individual gifts, corporate donations and fundraising campaigns, and we take great pride in our financial efficiency and accountability.