Chaznae Walker

                                                 Executive Director 

Chaznae Walker, a native of Inglewood, California, is an alumna of Whittier College, where she majored in Political Science and excelled as a collegiate basketball athlete. Her journey with the “I Have A Dream” Foundation – Los Angeles (IHADLA) began as a Program Coordinator, and for over 17 years, she has been an integral part of the organization’s success.

Chaznae’s contributions are vast; she has meticulously planned and implemented daily programming, elevated parent engagement, strengthened community partnerships, and overseen the case management of three classes of Dreamer Scholars, achieving an outstanding 98% high school graduation rate. Her dedication led to her promotion to Director of Programs, where she successfully managed all program sites, including the post-secondary program for the past 2 years.

With a personal history deeply rooted in the city, Chaznae connects with her students on a profound level. She serves as an inspiration, encouraging Dreamer Scholars to overcome obstacles and embrace authenticity. Chaznae consistently works diligently to ensure that Dreamer Scholars receive the support needed to achieve their goals.

Chaznae’s long and impactful journey with IHADLA, coupled with her deep understanding of the challenges faced by Dreamer Scholars, positions her as the qualified leader for our organization. In recognition of her unwavering dedication, she has recently been promoted to the position of Executive Director.

Beyond her professional accomplishments, Chaznae resides in Inglewood with her husband, Raymond, and their three beautiful children: Skylar, Madisyn, and Jaxson. In addition to her role at IHADLA, she is a passionate basketball enthusiast, with Kobe Bryant as her favorite player. Chaznae’s love for the sport has a personal connection, as she met her husband through basketball in college, making it a meaningful and enduring part of her life.

When she is not working diligently for IHADLA, Chaznae enjoys family time, including visits to amusement parks, movie outings, exploring pop-up attractions, cheering for her daughters’ at soccer games, and supporting her son during swim classes. As a self-proclaimed “momager,” she proudly oversees her oldest daughter’s modeling career, featured in renowned commercials such as Google Pixel 6 featuring Magic Johnson, and Volkswagen, just to name a few.

Despite her busy schedule, Chaznae prioritizes self-care with activities like hotel staycations, spa days, attending sports events, and indulging in kickboxing. Her life serves as a testament that one can excel in both career and personal pursuits.

Chaznae Walker embodies the spirit of success, resilience, and a commitment to making a positive impact on the lives of Dreamer Scholars.

“The most important thing is to try and inspire people so that they can be great in whatever they want to do.” – Kobe Bryant

Email: chaznae@ihadla.org