Dare to Dream NYC is the initiative of Roman Chiporukha, the co-founder of Roman & Erica, Inc., a lifestyle management and luxury travel firm here in NYC. 

“After immigrating to the US from Moscow, Russia in 1989, my family settled in Brooklyn, NY. I attended PS. 247, followed by Seth Low JHS (IS 96) and finally Midwood HS at Brooklyn College. I went on to graduate from NYU’s Gallatin School and built a successful career in travel and hospitality.

I was always fortunate in that my family traveled extensively, mostly as a result of my father working abroad, and I firmly believe that those experiences shaped my view of the world. Travel humbled me. It allowed me to learn about those different from me and yearn for more. 

Whenever I tell people that I immigrated to the US when I was 8, they always comment on how perfect my English is, to which I always respond: "Compliments of NYC public school systems." 

I created Dare to Dream NYC because I want students to focus on all of the wonderful things that are out there in the world. I want you to know that dreams do come true and there is more to our lives than the bigotry, hate and violence that has permeated our everyday lives.”

- Roman Chiporukha