Anthony Mondaine

Owner of Agape Leadership Academy in Independence, Missouri

Agape is the Greek word for unconditional love. It's also the name of the Independence childcare academy Anthony Mondaine founded — where every child is immersed in early education, character development, and culturally responsive care. "We believe children thrive when families are supported and communities invest early," Anthony says

A $26,725 DreamCare loan from DreamSpring helped Agape open its doors and solidify the foundation the business needs to grow on. DreamCare is DreamSpring's dedicated financing product for the care economy, made possible in part by a grant from Wells Fargo.

In April 2026, Anthony's fellow board members elected him President of the Board of Education for the Independence, Missouri School District. He is the first person of color to serve in the role. "I stand on the shoulders of those who came before me: freedom fighters, justice seekers, and truth tellers," he says.

Those shoulders have lifted him high enough to see what's possible for the children of Independence. Now, with DreamSpring and Wells Fargo in his corner, he's making it a reality.

"What once felt out of reach is now within reach."