Why we started DOS...

The DOS Foundation was created by Liz Toussaint and Aja Kennebrew in 2018 to provide access, support, and real-world development for young people, especially in creatives fields.

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This work started, when we were asked to coordinate a youth cheer program. We quickly realized many of the families couldn’t afford uniforms and competition fees. That moment reminded us of our own experience growing up in the inner city of Chicago—where our coach (Ms. Strojny)  always made a way for us, even when resources were limited.

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So we did the same.

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We raised the money, made sure every girl had what she needed, and that season, the team won 1st place. More importantly, they experienced what it feels like to be prepared, supported, and celebrated.

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That experience became the foundation of our work.

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We are a hands-on organization. We don’t just teach—we work with participants in real time. We help them think through challenges, communicate clearly, and solve problems while staying grounded and accountable.

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Our approach is rooted in emotional intelligence and practical experience. We teach participants how to observe, not take things personally, and focus on solutions. 

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Through our Creative Intelligence Program (CIP), we work with artists, musicians, photographers, writers, and other creatives, giving them real opportunities to develop their skills in a supported environment.

DOS represents a system—like binary code—where we teach the foundational skills needed to be successful in any area of life. Just as binary uses simple building blocks to create complex systems, we focus on the basics: communication, accountability, creativity, collaboration, and confidence.

We believe when participants understand the fundamentals, they can build anything.

We’re not here to fix the past.

We’re here to teach the basics, build strong foundations, and create space for the next generation to grow and create their best future.