Tri-C Student Named 2025 DREAM Scholar

Rashiadah Weaver selected by Achieving the Dream for global recognition

CLEVELAND — Rashiadah Weaver recognizes that resilience is about more than survival ­­­­­— it's about creating pathways where none existed before.

"If breath is in your body, there is always an opportunity to become a better version of you," she said.

After experiencing chronic homelessness, caring for two children after severe medical emergencies, and surviving personal trauma, she is determined to tell a new story.

Weaver, a student at Cuyahoga Community College (Tri-C®), will have a global platform as she informs higher education leaders on how to best support college students. She was one of eight community college students from around the world who were named a 2025 DREAM Scholar by Achieving the Dream (ATD).

The selected scholars met in Philadelphia this month at ATD's annual DREAM conference, where they will share their educational journeys, offer insights on supporting today's community college students, and participate in leadership development activities.

"We need you to make a way for us to continue to place ourselves in positions of mobility so we may take what you have taught us and replicate it," Weaver said.

Karen A. Stout, the ATD president and CEO, emphasized the importance of student voices as part of the community college story.

"The voices of these eight remarkable scholars highlight the limitless ways that community colleges transform the lives of not only their students but also their students' families and communities," she said.

Weaver is active in Phi Theta Kappa, is a student representative on the College Board of Trustees, and has earned numerous awards and scholarships for her hard work — all while navigating motherhood, mental health challenges and systemic barriers.

After graduating from Tri-C, she plans to transfer to Cleveland State University, where she has been accepted to the Jack, Joseph and Morton Mandel Honors College as a Mandel Continuing Scholar and will major in organizational leadership.

Read more on the Achieving the Dream website.

February 13, 2025

MEDIA CONTACT: Anthony Moujaes, 216-987-3068 or anthony.moujaes@tri-c.edu