ComEd Celebrating Daryl Richardson for His Dedication as a Volunteer and Commitment to the Community
September 5, 2024
For Daryl Richardson, New Business Manager at ComEd, volunteering with Dream Academy Foundation began in 2016, following his own children’s involvement, where they received group mentoring, attended life skills seminars and workshops, that included financial literacy, civic engagement, public speaking and healthy lifestyles. Even as his kids have grown, Daryl’s commitment to the youth development organization remains.
Daryl is among three Exelon Foundation Employee Volunteer Award (EVA) recipients this year. For the past 19 years, the awards program has recognized and honored employees of the Exelon group of companies, like ComEd, who dedicate their time and efforts to making a positive impact in their communities through volunteerism.
Inspiring Dreams
As the Director of Volunteer Services for the Dream Academy Foundation, Daryl is responsible for coordinating all aspects of volunteer involvement across three shifts to pull off several activities aimed for the events. He meets with committee leads to understand the specific tasks that will require volunteer support on the day of each event.
“Daryl’s dedication to our mission is truly inspiring,” said Dominique Bryant, Founder/CEO of Dream Academy Foundation. “His hands-on involvement and the behind-the-scenes work he does have significantly enhanced our programs and made a lasting difference in the lives of the children we serve.”
The Dream Academy Foundation is a nonprofit youth development organization that serves people, aged 10 to 24, in Bellwood, Hillside, Maywood, Westchester, and Chicago. The Foundation offers mentoring, leadership and life skills development programs, such as STEM and internship programs for ages 16-24, community events such as block parties, holiday parties and toy drive that support to countless young lives. Dream Academy Foundation operates in several local schools and has Saturday programming as well.
2024 Hillside School PTO Fun Fair
For Daryl, the rewards of volunteering are personal and profound. “Seeing the children’s faces light up and knowing that I’m part of something that truly matters is incredibly fulfilling,” he shared. The annual Community Block Party, a highlight of Dream Academy’s summer events, is just one example of how Daryl’s efforts help create memorable and impactful experiences for the community.
Their two largest events are the Community Block Party and the Holiday Party/Toy Giveaway. This year marked Dream Academy Foundation’s fourth annual Community Block Party, and Daryl’s second year of involvement!
ComEd’s Dedication
Beyond his volunteer work, Daryl has used his role at ComEd to build connections and grow his professional network. “Volunteering has opened doors for me to connect with colleagues from various departments and broaden my horizons,” he mentioned. His experience underscores how volunteering can enrich both a person’s personal and professional life.
National Volunteer Week 2022
“Daryl’s remarkable contributions are supported by ComEd’s commitment to volunteerism and community engagement,” said Evelyn Rodriguez Estrada, Director of Corporate Community Impact at ComEd. “Through initiatives like the EVA, Dollars for Doers, and other programs, our company provides grants to nonprofit organizations where employees, like Daryl, dedicate their time.”
ComEd’s dedication to fostering community service and supporting our employees’ efforts is a testament to ComEd’s collective commitment to making a difference. For more inspiring stories from our EVA recipients, please visit ComEd’s Powering Lives Network.
