About Us

We Dream Big, Start Small

Welcome to Dream Big City, where a simple skate event with ramps and hotdogs has grown into a community celebration for thousands. Our events, rich with donated ramps and free food and drinks, aim to make a meaningful impact in our city. We're dedicated to supporting under-resourced youth, fostering creativity in children, and creating safe, inclusive spaces for all.

Join our movement towards a brighter, more inclusive future. Dream Big City is more than an event—it's a commitment to bringing our community together, one shared meal and creative opportunity at a time. Be part of our story as we dream big and create bigger impacts together.

Everyone Belongs

Our culture thrives on diversity, ensuring everyone feels they belong. We deeply embed equity and inclusion across race, gender, age, religion, identity, and experience into our core. This commitment shapes our every action, firmly anchoring inclusivity as a fundamental part of who we are.

Board of Directors

Alex Murrell

Founder & Executive Director

Alex Murrell

Alex Murrell is a Portland native, entrepreneur, and community builder dedicated to creating inclusive spaces where people of all backgrounds can connect, grow, and thrive. As the owner of Stickers Asian Cafe, a local favorite for over 27 years, Alex has built lasting relationships through food, culture, and shared experiences. His passion for fostering meaningful connections extends to his role as Executive Director of Dream Big City, where he leads initiatives that bring people together through creativity, music, skating, basketball, and community engagement, all within safe, alcohol- and drug-free environments.

With over 23 years of experience supporting the recovery community, Alex understands the importance of spaces that promote well-being and belonging. His collaborative approach fuels partnerships with local businesses, schools, and nonprofits, amplifying their impact and creating opportunities for youth and adults alike.

As a proud father of two talented children, both active skaters, artists, and musicians, Alex is committed to building a stronger, more connected Portland where everyone has the opportunity to thrive. He also serves on the board of directors for Skaters for Portland Skateparks, furthering his dedication to the skateboarding community.

Ashley Jamison

Secretary & Director of Development

Ashley Jamison

Karissa Dobrzanski

Board Treasurer
Director of Finance

Karissa Dobrzanski

Karissa Dobrzanski, a West Coast native, spent her early years in Washington, Oregon, and California before moving to South Florida at age 11. She earned her Master of Accounting degree from Florida International University in Miami and became a licensed CPA in 2012 while working as a Senior Auditor in public accounting. In 2013, she relocated to Portland, OR, where she gained experience in corporate finance and e-commerce at theclymb.com and Nike. With a passion for problem-solving and process improvement, Karissa launched her own consulting business, supporting clients with financial reporting, compliance, and process optimization.

Beyond her career, Karissa leads an active life with her husband and their four children, enjoying skateboarding, snowboarding, biking, and hiking throughout the Pacific Northwest. Dedicated to empowering youth and fostering inclusive spaces, she has volunteered as a skate coach with Skate Like a Girl, helping young skaters build confidence and resilience. Her commitment to supporting local communities led her to serve as Treasurer on the organization's Board of Directors. Whether mentoring youth, collaborating with nonprofits, or exploring the outdoors with her family, Karissa is passionate about creating opportunities that inspire the next generation to thrive.

Arsh Haque

Board Member
Public Relations & Fundraising

Arsh Haque

Tori Russ

Board Member
Youth Education & Skateboarding

Tori Russ

Jimi Biron

Board Member
Music & Events

Jimi Biron

Randy Mallari

Board Member
Psychiatry & Family Medicine NP

Randy Mallari

Advisory Board

Troy Douglass

Community & Basketball Advisor

Troy Douglas

Troy Douglass is a Portland community leader, cultural connector, and entrepreneur with deep roots in both the Native and Filipino communities. He is an active member of the Philippine American Chamber of Commerce of Oregon and the NW Native Chamber of Commerce, and is a longtime advocate for culturally grounded economic empowerment.

In 2011, Troy founded Cultural Blends, a lifestyle brand built on identity, representation, and human connection. He opened a retail location at Lloyd Center in 2018, and in 2020 he launched Back to the Basket on Hawthorne - now Portland's premier basketball memorabilia and sneaker store, further cementing his commitment to community-centered business.

Troy currently serves as Communications Director for Respond to Racism (August 2024-present) and previously sat on the planning committee for Lakad for Lumad, a nonprofit 5K supporting Lumad communities in Mindanao, Philippines.

On the advisory council, Troy brings more than entrepreneurial experience - he brings a deep care for the community and for youth. His work consistently centers representation, opportunity, and creating spaces where the next generation can see themselves reflected, empowered, and thriving.

Matt Patterson

Education & Youth Equity Advisor

Matthew Patterson

Matthew Patterson serves as Director of Student Services at Visions In Education, where he leads critical student-support initiatives and drives equity-focused strategies that improve academic access, wellbeing, and overall success for thousands of students across California.

He holds an appointment to the California Practitioners Advisory Group (CPAG)—one of the most influential advisory councils to the State Board of Education. In this role, he helps shape statewide accountability and equity policies, lending his expertise to decisions that impact millions of students.

Matt is also a fellow of the Nehemiah Emerging Leaders Program (NELP), an elite fellowship that develops influential civic leaders across the Sacramento region. His selection reflects his demonstrated leadership, community impact, and commitment to advancing opportunities for underserved youth.

Grounded in his own lived experience growing up in foster care, Matt brings both insight and empathy to Dream Big City, strengthening our mission to build opportunity, community, and pathways to resilience for youth.

Reiner “Teng” Bernabe

Educational Researcher,
Disability Advocate & Teacher Leader

Reiner “Teng” Bernabe

Reiner “Teng” Bernabe is an educator, researcher, and teacher leader with over 13 years of teaching experience across the Philippines and the United States. Known to many as Teng, he is committed to inclusive education, collaborative teaching, and instructional innovation that improves outcomes for students with diverse learning needs. Recognized as Teacher of the Year in 2023 in Desoto County, Florida, Teng specializes in developing digital tools that support Individualized Education Programs (IEPs), focusing on data-driven instructional planning, teacher collaboration, and postsecondary transition goals for students with disabilities. Teng is currently developing two web-based applications to improve IEP documentation, educator collaboration, and educational legal compliance, and will present them at an upcoming educational state convention in Florida. In addition to his work in K-12 education, He serves as the Director of the Arizona Institute of Health Sciences in Scottsdale, Arizona, where he oversees training programs for healthcare professionals and contributes to workforce education and professional development. Teng has a bachelor's degree in Education, majoring in Special Education, and a Master's Degree in Teaching Children with Intellectual and Developmental Disability.

Beyond his professional roles, Teng is deeply interested in community-centered research and collaborative initiatives that empower local communities. This is rooted in his experience as president of Disability Advocates of Pampanga, a local advocacy group focused on advancing the rights and education of people with disabilities in the Philippines. He believes that education, research, and community engagement should work together to create meaningful opportunities for growth and inclusion. Teng's work reflects a strong commitment to community-based projects that foster creativity, connection, and positive development, and he is particularly interested in supporting initiatives like Dream Big, where research, youth engagement, and community collaboration can help build safe, inspiring spaces for learning and personal development. As a marathon runner and advocate for people with disabilities, Teng brings resilience, discipline, and a passion for service to both his professional work and community involvement.

Dom Lawson

Strategy Advisor

Dom Lawson

LuLu Dawson

Director of Marketing &
Development Advisor

Lulu Dawson

Lulu is a creative strategist, entrepreneurial connector, and community builder with 10+ years of experience founding companies, scaling ventures, and coaching innovators.

From launching two speakers bureaus to leading a successful grassroots social media campaign, to co-founding Cure MAPT FTD; a nonprofit accelerating clinical trials for a neurodegenerative disease, her career has always centered on one thing: bringing ideas to life and building the communities, partnerships, and resources that make them thrive.

In Portland's entrepreneurial ecosystem, she works with founders and small business owners through the Metro Region Innovation Hub—helping entrepreneurs clarify their voice, design growth strategies, secure funding readiness, and connect to mentors, investors, networks, and opportunities.

She thrives at the intersection of innovation, creativity, and connection—whether that means designing a workshop, producing a brand or event or podcast, or forging a strategic partnership that unlocks growth. Her passion is cultivating equitable access to opportunity so that every founder, idea, and community has the chance to succeed.

Staff & Program Team

Deven Patterson

Director of Operations

Deven Patterson

Deven is a West Coast native who has called the Pacific Northwest home for the last three years. Since arriving in Portland, he has become deeply entrenched in both the recovery and basketball communities, bringing heart, leadership, and a talent for turning vision into action.

Deven holds a Bachelor's degree in Business Administration and Marketing, and has a background in corporate sales, nonprofit development, and project management. His variety of professional experience which includes Project and Asset management for one of the country's largest Real Estate development firms and sales for the world's largest data company prove just how versatile he is. In 2021, he launched a social enterprise coffee roasting business that provided job training and employment for individuals overcoming houselessness and addiction, an accomplishment he's especially proud of.

A longtime supporter of Dream Big City, Deven attended the very first FamJam five years ago, engaging with youth and building community from the beginning. At his core, he's driven by service, whether he's mentoring on the court, serving meals under the Burnside Bridge, or connecting people with resources. Now, he's excited to help shape the future of Dream Big City by creating spaces where people can heal, connect, and grow.

Charlene “Cham” Murrell

Co-Founder & Youth Director

Charlene (Cham) Murrell

Cham Murrell is the proud owner of Stickers Asian Café, a beloved restaurant she has successfully run for 18 years. Originally from the Philippines, Cham migrated to the United States at the age of 21, bringing with her a rich cultural heritage that has greatly influenced her culinary creations. A dedicated mother of two, Cham extends her nurturing spirit to the children of the FamJam program at Dream Big City, where she serves as a mentor and guide, inspiring the next generation through her passion for food and community.

Deandre Woods

Music & Basketball Director

Deandre Woods

DeAndre Woods, a lifelong resident of Gresham, OR, is dedicated to empowering youth through sports, music, and community engagement. As Basketball and Music Director for Dream Big City and FamJam, he helps create safe, inclusive spaces where young people can explore their passions, build confidence, and connect with others.

With a love for basketball, DeAndre mentors youth both on and off the court, coaching teams, running skills clinics, and organizing games at FamJam events. His experience with the Portland Trail Blazers and local programs reflects his belief that sports build discipline, teamwork, and resilience. In music, he is the CEO and Founder of Culture Shock and Trust No One Records, supporting emerging artists and mentoring musicians. His journey began as an intern at Cool Nutz Jus Family Records, where he discovered his passion for artist development.

Beyond sports and music, DeAndre's culinary talents were showcased as a Sous Chef at Trap Kitchen in The Roseland, blending creativity and culture through food. Whether coaching, mentoring, or performing, DeAndre's passion, positivity, and dedication to uplifting others make him a vital part of Dream Big City's mission to inspire and support Portland's youth.

Meshaud Johnson

Skateboard &
Urban Agriculture Director

Meshaud Johnson

Meshaud Johnson is a proud Portland native dedicated to promoting health, creativity, and well-being within his community. As the CEO and Founder of Meanie Microgreens, he combines his love for skateboarding, mountain biking, and cooking to inspire healthier lifestyles. Through Meanie Microgreens, Meshaud cultivates nutrient-dense superfoods and regularly hosts plant-based cooking pop-ups that reimagine nostalgic childhood flavors with a healthy twist, bringing people together through food and shared experiences.

Passionate about empowering youth, Meshaud plays an active role at Dream Big City and FamJam, encouraging young people to explore their potential through skateboarding, basketball, music, and the arts. By promoting both physical activity and creative expression, he helps build confidence, resilience, and a sense of belonging among the next generation.

With a deep belief in the power of mentorship and community, Meshaud leads by example, demonstrating that pursuing passions and prioritizing health can go hand in hand. Whether skating alongside local youth, sharing the benefits of healthy eating, or supporting young artists and athletes, he is committed to creating inclusive spaces where individuals can thrive mentally, physically, and creatively.

Andrew Dobrzanski

IT Director & Web Developer

Andrew Dobrzanski

Andrew Dobrzanski is a dedicated web developer with a passion for creating engaging and functional digital experiences. With a focus on creativity and innovation, he combines technical expertise with a thoughtful approach to design, ensuring that his work is both intuitive and visually compelling.

A lifelong skateboarder and former amateur sponsored skater, Andrew understands the positive impact that skateboarding and creative expression can have on youth. He is committed to supporting spaces where young people can explore their interests, build confidence, and connect with others.

Originally from Florida, Andrew now lives in Portland with his wife and four children. With a backyard skatepark at home, he encourages his kids to stay active and pursue their passions. Whether through his work in web development or his involvement in the skateboarding community, Andrew is dedicated to creating opportunities for growth and self-expression.