BIG Institute logo banner
The Big Institute logo
The Big Institute logo

“Never allow rejection, criticism, lack of support, or haters to prevent you from executing your God-given purpose; turn them into fuel of execution"!

~ Laketa Dumas

Welcome to the BIG Institute!

Here at BIG, we are blowing the doors open to “Dream BIG”! “Plan BIG”! Do It BIG!  The BIG Institute has access to resources all over the world. We know firsthand that all too often an idea does not materialize due to a lack of resources, knowledge and direction.

BIG is Birthing Innovative Geniuses that will change the world with their revolutionary ideas and inventions. We are the incubator of tomorrow’s CEOs. By bringing entrepreneurship and financial literacy to youths worldwide, BIG helps dreams come to fruition! Our goal is to empower youths to live the life of their dreams beyond societal expectations.

Birthing Innovative Geniuses (BIG) was established in 2016 to bring entrepreneurship and financial literacy to underserved youths in Detroit. BIG is unlocking the door to our youth’s “creative genius,” which has been locked away due to fear, insecurities, lack of resources, and opportunities. The playing field has not been equal for our youths in low-income communities to create businesses and build lasting wealth. For too long, gifted, skilled, and brilliant youths’ dreams have fallen by the wayside. There was no platform to show them how to cultivate their inventions into products and services that could improve the living conditions of their families and communities. The BIG Institute is here to provide youths with opportunities and resources to turn their dreams into innovations. We are taking them to the next level by breaking down the barriers.

BIG has developed comprehensive programs unlike any offered by existing youth organizations. Our courses are execution-style, meaning students learn by good ol’ fashioned trial and error. This style of learning promotes ingenuity, innovation, strategic thinking, problem-solving, and sparks creativity. Our creative genius is the ability to develop, produce, and execute our products and services. Our project-based courses, financial literacy pop-ups, innovation camps, and cartoon series were designed to change the lives of youths and, therefore, change the world. Our focus is to bring financial freedom to underserved youths to live life on their terms. We’re laser-focused on turning generational poverty into generational wealth!

Mission

BIG is transforming the lives of our youth by unveiling their “WHY” for existence through entrepreneurship and wealth creation.

Vision

BIG exists to elevate generations of young innovators beyond societal constraints to their personal sphere of genius so that they can unleash their voice and innovative solutions to the world.

Our Mission

Our Evolution

“There is no such thing as instantaneous success! It takes years to bring forth a business that will yield a return. Run your R.A.C.E for the long haul, and do not compare your business to anyone else’s.  Each of us has a divine and set appointed time when their door will open, yet the key is never giving up!"

~Laketa Dumas

2007

The Entrepreneurship Project

The “Entrepreneurship Project” was launched in the Detroit Public School District in 2007. One was a trainable center for cognitively impaired students; the second was a general education middle school. Students worked together in teams of four, two cognitively impaired, and two general education. Students created a company, developed their own products, and sold them throughout their community.  Students also hosted community events that raised enough money to take the ultimate entrepreneurship experience - a trip to the United States Patents and Trademark Office. Students learned firsthand the patent and trademark application process and the steps to approval. They also visited Hershey Park, where they walked in the shoes of Milton Hershey, discovering how he built his empire and brought jobs to the communities. The Entrepreneurship Project won four national awards and was recognized as the country's first inclusion entrepreneurship program.

2012

R U Ready 4 BIZness

The Entrepreneurship Project birthed the R U Ready 4 BIZness curriculum, which introduces a revolutionary pedagogy for the classroom. Students actually take on the role of entrepreneur to not only learn, but experience the process of starting and running a business. In 2012, RU Ready 4 BIZness did their pilot launch at a Detroit Public School Transition Center for students with disabilities.

2016

BIG Institute

In 2016, R U Ready 4 BIZness launched the springboard for BIG. The BIG Institute brings financial empowerment to low-income communities through our five pillars: entrepreneurship, financial literacy, career navigation, college readiness, and life’s blueprint.

2020

Do It BIG Academy

Do It BIG Academy was launched in 2020, but due to COVID, our team was not able to go into the schools or youth organizations to bring our entrepreneurship or financial literacy curriculum. We had to pivot, but it became the purpose of fulfilling a greater mission reaching youths all over the globe, helping them accomplish their dreams.

2007

The Entrepreneurship Project

The “Entrepreneurship Project” was launched in the Detroit Public School District in 2007. One was a trainable center for cognitively impaired students; the second was a general education middle school. Students worked together in teams of four, two cognitively impaired, and two general education. Students created a company, developed their own products, and sold them throughout their community.  Students also hosted community events that raised enough money to take the ultimate entrepreneurship experience - a trip to the United States Patents and Trademark Office. Students learned firsthand the patent and trademark application process and the steps to approval. They also visited Hershey Park, where they walked in the shoes of Milton Hershey, discovering how he built his empire and brought jobs to the communities. The Entrepreneurship Project won four national awards and was recognized as the country's first inclusion entrepreneurship program.

2012

R U Ready 4 BIZness

The Entrepreneurship Project birthed the R U Ready 4 BIZness curriculum, which introduces a revolutionary pedagogy for the classroom. Students actually take on the role of entrepreneur to not only learn, but experience the process of starting and running a business. In 2012, RU Ready 4 BIZness did their pilot launch at a Detroit Public School Transition Center for students with disabilities.

2016

BIG Institute

In 2016, R U Ready 4 BIZness launched the springboard for BIG. The BIG Institute brings financial empowerment to low-income communities through our five pillars: entrepreneurship, financial literacy, career navigation, college readiness, and life’s blueprint.

2020

Do It BIG Academy

Do It BIG Academy was launched in 2020, but due to COVID, our team was not able to go into the schools or youth organizations to bring our entrepreneurship or financial literacy curriculum. We had to pivot, but it became the purpose of fulfilling a greater mission reaching youths all over the globe, helping them accomplish their dreams.

2007

The Entrepreneurship Project

The “Entrepreneurship Project” was launched in the Detroit Public School District in 2007. One was a trainable center for cognitively impaired students; the second was a general education middle school. Students worked together in teams of four, two cognitively impaired, and two general education. Students created a company, developed their own products, and sold them throughout their community.  Students also hosted community events that raised enough money to take the ultimate entrepreneurship experience - a trip to the United States Patents and Trademark Office. Students learned firsthand the patent and trademark application process and the steps to approval. They also visited Hershey Park, where they walked in the shoes of Milton Hershey, discovering how he built his empire and brought jobs to the communities. The Entrepreneurship Project won four national awards and was recognized as the country's first inclusion entrepreneurship program.

2012

R U Ready 4 BIZness

The Entrepreneurship Project birthed the R U Ready 4 BIZness curriculum, which introduces a revolutionary pedagogy for the classroom. Students actually take on the role of entrepreneur to not only learn, but experience the process of starting and running a business. In 2012, RU Ready 4 BIZness did their pilot launch at a Detroit Public School Transition Center for students with disabilities.

2016

BIG Institute

In 2016, R U Ready 4 BIZness launched the springboard for BIG. The BIG Institute brings financial empowerment to low-income communities through our five pillars: entrepreneurship, financial literacy, career navigation, college readiness, and life’s blueprint.

2020

Do It BIG Academy

Do It BIG Academy was launched in 2020, but due to COVID, our team was not able to go into the schools or youth organizations to bring our entrepreneurship or financial literacy curriculum. We had to pivot, but it became the purpose of fulfilling a greater mission reaching youths all over the globe, helping them accomplish their dreams.

“An extraordinary team will carry you to the finish line; never take the people who helped you get there for granted”!

~ Laketa Dumas

BIG's Team

Our Team is comprised of entrepreneurs, educators and industry specialists. together we bring over 50 years of expertise to the BIG programs.

Previous slide
Next slide

See What We Offer:

BIG Institute Brochure

Download the Free! BIG Brochure (PDF)
Download Brochure
The cover of The Big Institute Brochure

About Us

Here at BIG, we are blowing the doors open to “Dream BIG”! “Plan BIG”! and Do It BIG! The BIG Institute has access to resources all over the world.

Get Involved

Contact Us

Email: laketadumas@thebiginstitute.org

Phone: 313-490-3911

Website: thebiginstitute.org

607 Shelby Suite 700 – 1114
Detroit, MI 48226
United States

Phone: 313-490-3911

©2024 The BIG Institute

Youtube

Laketa Dumas

Founder

Laketa’s birthed BIG! She is the company’s visionary who develops creative programs, life-changing courses, and brings innovation to the BIG Institute. Laketa manages day-to-day operations, organizes fundraising efforts, and secures funding.

Learn More

Dr. Phyllis Furlow-Holmes

Dr. Holmes is responsible for ensuring that each meeting is planned effectively and conducted in an orderly, efficient manner. She also volunteers at our events and mentors the youths. 

Dr. Phyllis Furlow-Holmes holds two doctorates in education and psychology. Dr. Holmes also serves as a mentor to the founder and educational consultant to the BIG Institute. Dr. Holmes assisted in the development of the entrepreneurship and financial literacy curriculum. She utilized her clinical psychology expertise to implement a pedagogy to reach urban youths. She attended Bowling Green State University and University of Michigan to receive her doctorates. Dr. Holmes owned and operated a women’s shelter for over 20 years in Detroit, transforming hundreds of lives. She received the Detroit Spirit Award for her dedication to the community. She was a professor at Texas A&M University, teaching child psychology. In the latter part of her life, Dr. Holmes was a special education teacher for the Detroit Public School system for 25 years. She received the honorable Distinguished Citizen Award from her hometown Massillon, Ohio, for her life’s accomplishments and contribution to humanity.

LaTasha Thomas

LaTasha is responsible for preparing and facilitating the preparation of our annual budget, as well as monitoring our revenues and expenses. In addition, she volunteers her time overseeing the execution of proper budgeting and assists with the development of Surviving In The Real World Simulation and Do It BIG Academy.

LaTasha Thomas is a real estate mogul that has spent years renovating homes in the Detroit area. LaTasha brings innovative ideas and solutions to enhance the quality of our entrepreneurship and financial literacy programs.  She mentors youths on how to buy and sell real estate, sharing the industry’s pros and cons through her coaching sessions. LaTasha finds fulfillment in helping youths and adults improve the financial condition of their lives through real estate. LaTasha is the owner of Allure Investment.

Jordan Dumas

Jorden is responsible for managing the organization’s internal communications and preparing and keeping track of board meeting dates and agendas, as well as minutes from the meeting. 

Jorden is BIG’s youth business mentor. She empowers our youths to go after their dreams fearlessly.  Jorden opened up her first hair salon at age 14. She has now opened up a second salon, a line of hair care products, and custom wigs. Jorden works with the youths in bringing their “BIG Dreams” to fruition. She is an inspiration to countless young adults who are searching for their purpose. Jorden is the owner of Simone Allure Salon.

Jermaine Blackmon

Jermaine is responsible for securing adequate resources to carry out BIG’s mission, the strategic planning of programs, and promoting BIG’s social presence.

Jermaine volunteers his marketing services to promote BIG’s program and services. He also runs the entrepreneurship programs and youth summer camps. Jermaine’s background is in IT networking, social media marketing, and cyber security. He brings strategic planning, digital marketing, and IT analysis to the BIG Institute. Jermaine is an entrepreneur and has produced his own clothing line brand “Audacity.” He travels to various states promoting his brand and building relationships. His dual passion for entrepreneurship and technology makes him a vital contributor in reaching the millennials. Jermaine also played professional basketball. His goal is to start a basketball camp for youths. Jermaine is the owner of “Brand Masters” a marketing agency.

Terry Dumas

Terry Dumas has worked in the healthcare industry for over 20 years, advocating and educating consumers.

Terry is the operations manager of BIG Institute. She improves organizational processes, productivity and efficiency. Terry oversees the operations of BIG and is responsible for attracting talent, making important policies and strategic decisions. She helps promote the company’s culture of encouraging top performance and high morale. She has discovered her life’s purpose for empowering youths to reach their highest potential. Terry provides inspiring, liberating leadership, positive energy, and enthusiasm to the organization. Terry has been teaching financial literacy since 2012 to youths in the Metro-Detroit area utilizing the “Surviving in The Real World model (SITRW)”. Terry is the owner of Integrity Cleaning Agency.

Tyiesha Dumas

Tyiesha Dumas is a native Detroiter! Tyiesha’s role as Project Coordinator is building strong relationships with schools, teachers, corporations, and the community to carry out the mission of the BIG Institute. Her heart is with the youth and empowering them to reach their dreams.

Tyiesha started working for R U Ready 4 BIZness while in high school. She has grown with the company and has become a leader in cultivating youths. Tyiesha is innovative, creative, organized, and full of excitement, which are key attributes in her execution. Tyiesha oversees SITRW productions in schools and other organizations. Tyiesha was instrumental in the R U Ready 4 BIZness entrepreneurship program that launched in Detroit Public Schools. She set up and operated the incubators and the “Surviving in The Real World” simulations, dedicating her time and finances to building the organization. Tyiesha is a valuable stakeholder in helping youths reach their fullest potential.

Jaylen Blackmon

Jaylen sets up the simulation at our various locations and works behind the scenes in product development.

Jaylen brings a fresh and creative edge to our products with his millennial ideas that appeal to today’s youths.  Jaylen’s interests are real estate and stocks. He spends much of his time searching for the right assets to grow his wealth.  Jaylen is the owner of “Time to Shine Investment”.

Robert Nickles

Robert sets up the simulation at our various locations and works behind the scenes in product development. He is also the event photographer.

He also works behind the scenes in developing strategies to improve our products and services. Robert is a professional photographer and the owner of Modest Photography.