This is my Big Dream.
A little bit about the lady behind the curtain.
Hey! I’m Diana Sabreen.
I don’t have the standard transformational story that you often see here. I didn’t work in corporate America, make a bunch of money, and then have a near-death experience that changed my priorities and values. Nope. Fun, creativity, adventure and community is what has always driven my life and work.
I’ve always known that there’s more than the social norms that surround us. Growing up, that meant I was the high school kid who slacked off, felt imprisoned, and was always challenging authority. Now, as an empowered adult, it means I am using my driving forces for good, living a life of my choosing, and creating the world that I want to see. I want to help you do the same.
In my search to live life differently, I moved from the east coast to Colorado as soon as I could. Unwilling to sit at a desk under fluorescent lights and feel imprisoned as I did in school, I became a professional photographer, and a rock climbing instructor. In 2006, I made plans with some friends to photograph climbing in Thailand. One by one they all dropped out of the trip, and I decided to go anyway. I ended up living in Thailand and traveling solo for 6 months. Taking this adventurous plunge started a whole new lifestyle for me. It showed me that I didn’t need to be tethered to a place or a set of norms, and that all the richness I had suspected was out there in the world was, in fact, waiting for me.
It was on this trip that I met a community of refugees from Myanmar living in Thailand illegally in search of education. I was inspired to help them express themselves and use their voices to communicate with the rest of the world. I created the non-profit Shoot Cameras Not Guns, teaching photography as a tool for social change and expression in marginalized communities.
Born as an American, I have the freedom to travel to most places, and to express myself freely in whatever weird way I want to. I know that this is not the case for everyone in the world, and because of this gift I’ve committed my life to creating beautiful art, and inspiring fun and adventure.
When I tell people about my extensive travel adventures, my life as a performer and artist, and my ten trips to Burning Man, the most common responses I get are “You’re so lucky” and “I wish I could do that.” Most people don’t realize that they CAN do what I’ve been doing, with a little support. The Big Dream creates community and resources for people who are feeling stagnant, sick of the status quo, and want a life full of fun, creativity and adventure.
Living a life on my own terms hasn’t been easy, but I wouldn’t trade it in for anything. It’s allowed me to become the badass I’m meant to be, create great things, and to design the reality I want to live in. Life is hard and beautiful. I envision a world where every person can shine in all their weirdness and beauty. I am building this community to inspire and support you, and to help you live YOUR Big Dream.
Fun and Potentially Irrelevant Facts
My great loves include dancing, snowboarding, travel, climbable art and old school hip hop. Music and movement are my medicine, Burning Man is my church, and chocolate ice cream is my biggest vice.
“When I’m around Diana, I see more magic in the world.” -MS
Street Cred
20+ years of leadership development (teaching & learning)
Founder of Shoot Cameras Not Guns, an international non-profit teaching photography as a tool for social change, empowerment and self expression.
20 years as a professional photographer, entrepreneur and arts educator.
15+ years in Corporate Team-Building and leadership development
15+ years as a rock climbing instructor and mountain guide
10 time veteran of Burning Man
Professional performer of original music, acting, and dancing
Producer of immersive art, theater, and events
Extensive travel to 23 countries and expert at long-term traveling on any budget