Jedidiah Dream Initiative began in 2020 as the Jedidiah Talom Foundation, created to carry forward the dream of Jedidiah Talom. Jedidiah was a compassionate and generous young woman who had a gift for making others feel seen, valued, and loved. At just 21, while beginning her senior year at Texas A&M University, Jedidiah passed away unexpectedly in September 2019.
Just months before her passing, Jedidiah had shared with her mother a dream close to her heart: helping underprivileged girls in Africa. She wanted to provide menstrual products and other basic necessities, support their education, and create opportunities that would empower them to build better futures.
In 2020, her family turned that unfinished dream into purpose by establishing the Jedidiah Talom Foundation. Over the next five years, Jedidiah’s story also opened our eyes to other struggles that too often remain unseen โ from the mental health challenges facing young people and immigrant families to the barriers that prevent underserved communities from achieving better health and well-being.
As our understanding and mission grew, so did Jedidiah’s dream. In 2025, the Jedidiah Talom Foundation became Jedidiah Dream Initiative, expanding our work in the United States and Africa while continuing the dream that started it all.
The name changed. The heart behind it did not.
We turn Jedidiah’s dream into action by creating opportunities for people and communities to live healthier, more hopeful, and empowered lives.
In the United States, we promote youth mental health awareness and prevention, provide culturally sensitive support for African immigrant youth, and advance health equity and wellness education in underserved communities.
In Africa, we help expand access to healthcare and preventive services while empowering underprivileged girls through education, menstrual health and hygiene, life skills, and opportunities to build brighter futures.
Across everything we do, one purpose guides us: breaking barriers, restoring hope, and helping people thrive.
President
Nathalie Talom is Jedidiahโs mother and a healthcare and public health professional. As Founder and Executive Director of Jedidiah Dream Initiative, she is passionate about carrying forward Jedidiahโs dream while improving the health and well-being of underserved communities.
Treasurer
Melinda holds degrees in Engineering and Finance from Texas A&M University and works at the university in College Station, Texas. A mother of two, she brings her professional experience and commitment to service to the Jedidiah Dream Initiative.
Secretary
Sundie Noah spent 15 years serving as a missionary in Cameroon, where she developed a deep connection to the community. A mother of three, she brings her experience in service and commitment to empowering others to the Jedidiah Dream Initiative
Vice president
Lisette Tenlep Akers is a chemist with over 15 years of professional experience in research and development and renewable energy. A mother of three, she brings her scientific expertise and commitment to community impact to the Jedidiah Dream Initiative.
Advocacy Director
Dawn was a public school teacher and Reading Specialist for 31 years. She was also a Sunday School teacher for children. One of her greatest honors was to have Jedidiah and her siblings call her โGrandma.โ
Jedidiah never had the opportunity to build the organization she imagined.
We are building it in her honor.
Every young person who learns that asking for help is a sign of strength.
Every African immigrant youth who discovers that they are not alone.
Every family empowered with knowledge to protect their health.
Every patient who gains access to the care they need.
Every girl who stays in school and begins to imagine a brighter future.
Each becomes part of the dream Jedidiah started.
And you can become part of it too.
Give hope. Advance health. Empower a future.
Help us carry Jedidiahโs dream forward.
