Before LaMarqué Ward Sr. became a celebrated author and founder, he was just a young man trying to discover his dreams and life’s path in Cincinnati, OH. He credits basketball as the intervention that saved his life—it gave him structure and a sense of purpose. As he moved throughout his career, he often looked back on his time as a part of Aiken High School’s basketball team as an All-American player and wondered what happened to all the students who didn’t find a team of their own. That question is what eventually led LaMarqué to create Dream Builders University.
Although the road to success wasn’t easy for LaMarqué, he always forged ahead and looked to better himself—often in the form of higher education. LaMarqué earned an A.A. from South Plains College, a B.A. from Fairleigh Dickinson University, a B.S. in Christian Ministries from Faith Theological Seminary, an M.Ed. from the University of Phoenix, and a Certificate in Disruptive Strategies from Harvard Business School Online. He is also a John Maxwell Certified Coach and Speaker.
Originally founded as the Cincinnati Dream Academy in 2009, Dream Builders University’s mission is to guide young adults toward their life’s purpose by providing coaching and soft-skill development. In addition to pairing students with supportive life coaches who work with them, their teachers, and their parents, DBU partners with leaders in education and business to transform the culture within their institutions.
Under LaMarqué’s leadership, DBU has spearheaded intervention efforts for at-risk youth in Cincinnati and dozens of other U.S. cities for over a decade. Their focus on social-emotional learning (SEL) has yielded successful results. At the heart of LaMarqué’s work is a desire for transformation and never shying away from his truth.
LaMarqué’s educational expertise has served him well as an entrepreneur, educator, speaker, and author. His books titled “Competing as a Lifestyle: You vs You, a Student’s Guide to Greatness,” “Malik’s Big Dream,” “Malik The Difference Maker,” and “Dream Building for Parents” can be found on Amazon.
When he’s not busy engaging with the community as DBU’s President, LaMarqué is actively involved in his community, serving as Board President for Rising Leaders, Lead Pastor for The Exchange Kingdom Fellowship, and Vice President for The Collective Empowerment Group.
As someone who operates from an inspired space, LaMarqué is always looking for opportunities to share his wisdom with others so that they can also make a difference in the world. If you can dream it, you can build it.
LaMarqué is a devoted husband to Reathanak (Ra) Ward, a father of six kids, and a grandfather of two grandchildren. In his spare time, he likes to golf, vacation with his wife, and encourage others.
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