Teante Huff is an advocate dedicated to creating opportunities for underserved youth. In this interview, she discusses her work with Dream Above the Influence and her role on actress Gail Bean’s advisory team.
For readers who may be learning about the organization for the first time, can you tell us about the purpose behind Dream Above the Influence and the impact it seeks to make in underserved communities?
Dream Above the Influence (DATI) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering youth through mentorship, resources, and exposure. We create opportunities that enrich the quality of life for youth in historically disenfranchised communities, helping young people see beyond their current circumstances and dream bigger for their futures.
What does your position within Dream Above the Influence entail, and how do you contribute to the organization’s overall direction and success?
I serve as the creative director of Dream Above the Influence, where I help bring our vision to life. My role includes developing programming, shaping the brand and messaging, building strategic partnerships, and ensuring that our initiatives are impactful, sustainable, and aligned with our mission.
How active are you in the organization’s daily functions, and what areas require most of your attention throughout the week?
Yes, I am involved in the day-to-day operations of DATI. This includes managing communications, responding to scholarship recipients who may need support, coordinating community outreach, and maintaining relationships with partners across nonprofit, corporate, and civic spaces to ensure our initiatives continue to grow.
Your relationship with actress Gail Bean has evolved beyond friendship into a professional capacity. How did that transition occur, and what led to your involvement on her advisory team?
What started as simply wanting to help and support my friend organically evolved into an official advisory role. My eagerness, passion, and genuine commitment to her vision led to a trusted working relationship that, with time, garnered more responsibilities.
Alongside your nonprofit efforts, you play a role in helping navigate opportunities within the entertainment industry. What does that work involve, and how has your role expanded over time?
In addition to nonprofit work, I support Gail on the career side by helping facilitate external opportunities, including award recognitions, brand collaborations, and special appearances. I often serve as a liaison between brands, organizations, and business partners interested in working with her, ensuring alignment with her values and long-term goals.
I get to stretch myself with Gail’s production company, Mitchell’s Are Born Winners Productions. I serve as executive producer on all projects that come through the company. We meet to discuss potential projects, then I lead the team in executing that creative vision.
When opportunities are presented for consideration, what qualities or characteristics help determine whether a collaboration is the right fit?
One of the biggest questions we always ask is, “Does this align?” We are intentional about working with people and brands who share our values, respect the work, and are genuinely invested in positive impact. Whether it’s a project or a partnership, integrity and shared vision come first.
You’ve built relationships with a number of well-known companies throughout your career. Can you share a few examples and discuss the value of those experiences?
I’ve had the opportunity to work with brands such as AT&T, Kingsford, Jordan, Sixth June, and Starz, to name a few.
Before stepping into your current leadership and advisory roles, what path led you to where you are today professionally?
I have over 14 years of experience in the medical field, including extensive work as a clinical research coordinator. In that role, I oversee clinical trials and ensure all protocols, ethical standards, and regulatory requirements are followed.
Many of your current responsibilities require organization, advocacy, and strategic thinking. How have your years working in healthcare helped prepare you for those challenges?
My background in clinical research serves as a foundation for how I approach all work. Strong attention to detail, advocacy skills, and commitment to ethical work are all characteristics I picked up from in the field. Today, it allows me to serve the community with intention—especially by advocating for Black and Brown communities and raising awareness about health disparities while connecting people to resources and support.
As you think about the future, what objectives are you working toward, both in terms of expanding your community initiatives and advancing your own career?
In the next five years, I hope to see Dream Above the Influence programs thriving and scaled by 75%. We will have implemented an additional sector to our All Of My Love Scholarship that will be exclusively for students studying abroad. Personally, I plan to complete my master’s in public health so I can deepen my impact at the intersection of community service, health equity, and advocacy.
Beyond your accomplishments and professional titles, what would you like people to understand about the principles and beliefs that shape who you are?
My faith is my foundation—it guides everything I do. I’m truly just an everyday woman who believes in people and wants to see everyone win. I’m resilient, purpose-driven, and committed to making the most out of life. If my journey shows anything, it’s that with faith, consistency, and heart, what feels impossible can become possible.
Be’n Original
