About Us

Living The Dream Inc. Founders

Jacqueline and Robert Bugg 

At Living The Dream Inc., our foundation is deeply rooted in the philosophy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., inspiring us to foster a world where hope, dignity, and equality flourish for every individual, regardless of their background. We are more than just a nonprofit; we are a passionate community-driven organization dedicated to making dreams come true.

Our mission is to empower communities and individuals through educational initiatives, advocacy for social justice, and the promotion of compassion and understanding. As a testament to Dr. King's vision, we are committed to celebrating and spotlighting individuals within our community who exemplify the spirit of empowerment, selflessness, and service to others.

Anton Bugg

Chair of Living the Dream Inc

Meet the Team

  • Monica Augusto

    Monica Augusto

    Vice Chair Of Programming and Treasurer

  • Rev. John R. Willams

    Parliamentarian

  • Deidre Augusto

    Social Media

  • Tom Alonzo

    Budget Committee Chair

  • John Nave

    Vice Chair of Fundraising

  • Virginia Mendoza

    Assistant Treasurer

  • Cindy White

    Business Partners Chair

  • Johnine Powell

    Historian & Scholarship Chair

  • Glenda DuBoise

    Glenda DuBoise

    Board Member

  • Harriet Johnson

    Harriet Johnson

    Board Member

Business Partners

  • Federal Home Loan Bank

    Amanda Kiefer

    Amanda.Kiefer@FHLBTopeka.com

  • Children and Family Services

    Angelica Willis

    anjelica.willis@ks.gov

  • Uncle Sunny's Foods

    Anton Bugg

    antonbugg@yahoo.com

  • Harvesters Community Food Network

    Ashley Weaver

    Aweaver@harvesters.org

  • Topeka Public Schools - USD #501

    Betty Young

    byoung@tps501.org

  • Topeka Center for Peace and Justice

    Carl Frazier

    cfrazier1906@yahoo.com

  • Community Volunteer

    Carolyn Campbell

    mamaisadiva@hotmail.com

  • Washburn University, Office of Diversity & Inclusion

    Danielle Dempsey-Swopes

    dds@washburn.edu

  • East Topeka Senior Center

    Deborah Dawkins

    debbdaw@gmail.com

  • Topeka Chamber of Commerce - DBE Program

    Glenda Washington

    gwashington@gotopeka.com

  • Seaman Unified School District - USD #345

    Frank Henderson

    Hendersf@msn.com

  • Baha'i Faith Community of Topeka

    Duane Herrmann

    duanelherrmann@yahoo.com

  • Federal Home Loan Bank

    Dedra Duran-Gray

    dedra.duran-gray@fhlbtopeka.com

  • Topeka High School

    Jerome Plunkett

    Jerome.Plunket@gmail.com

  • Auburn-Washburn School District - USD #437

    Jessica Roberts

    roberjes@usd437.net

  • SGI - USA Buddhist Assoc. for Peace, Culture & Education

    June Jones

    junejones6275@aol.com

  • Blue Cross Blue Shield of Kansas

    Lisa Burgoon

    lisa.burgoon@bcbsks.com

  • Capitol Federal Savings

    Lloyd Rainge, II

    lrainge@capfed.com

  • Federal Home Loan Bank

    Marsha Carasco

    Marsha.Carasco@FHLBTopeka.com

  • Blue Cross Blue Shield of Kansas

    Lonnie Walker

    lonnie.walker@bcbks.com

  • Shawnee Heights School District - USD #450

    Matt Hirsch

    hirschm@usd459.net

  • Harvesters Community Food Network

    Neyssa Nunez

    nnunez@harvesters.org

  • ITC Transportation Company

    Patrick Woods

    pwoods@itctransco.com

  • Mana De Topeka, Inc.

    Ronnie Padilla

    vrpadilla5@gmail.com

  • Arts Connect of Topeka, Inc.

    Sarah Fizell

    sarah@artsconnect.org

  • Kansas African American Affairs Commission

    Stacey Knoell

    stacey.knoell@ks.gov

  • Blue Cross Blue Shield of Kansas

    Tina Carter

    tina.carter@bcbsks.com

Our Vision: Let Your Light Shine

Living The Dream Inc. envisions a future where prejudice and discrimination have no place, where the light of knowledge illuminates minds, and where compassion and empathy bind humanity together. We aspire to shine a spotlight on those in our community who embody this vision, whose actions inspire others, and whose dedication is creating a positive impact on the lives of those around them.

What We Do

Education is at the core of our efforts, as we firmly believe it to be the cornerstone of progress. Through scholarship programs, community events, and mentorship initiatives, we aim to equip individuals with the skills and knowledge they need to reach their full potential. In our community spotlight, we proudly feature those who have dedicated themselves to empowering others through education, creating a ripple effect of change.

Our commitment to social justice fuels our advocacy, as we strive to raise awareness about systemic inequalities and advocate for a society that embraces fairness and equal opportunities. The community spotlight is a space where we recognize the remarkable efforts of those who are fighting for justice and equality, making their voices heard and making a difference.

Living The Dream Inc. also embraces a spirit of service, reaching out to underserved communities and providing vital resources to uplift individuals facing hardships. In our community spotlight, we celebrate those who lead by example, selflessly giving back and positively impacting the lives of others through acts of kindness and support.

Join Us In Making A Difference

We invite you to join our community and become a part of our mission to celebrate and spotlight the change-makers and dreamers in our community. Whether you choose to volunteer your time, support our initiatives through donations, or nominate individuals for our community spotlight, your involvement will contribute to the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and to the city.

Together, let's create a future of hope, equality, and boundless possibilities. At Living The Dream Inc., we know that empowerment starts with recognizing and uplifting the remarkable individuals who are making a difference every day. Come and celebrate the shining stars in our community, as we continue to honor Dr. King's dream and strive for a world where dreams are not only cherished but brought to life.

Follow Us On Social

Follow Us On Social