Exploring the American Dream Through Personal Stories
In collaboration with The Post, the Milken Center for Advancing the American Dream is showcasing U.S. citizens sharing their perspectives on what the 2026 American Dream signifies for them. One of those voices is Matt Proulx, the Senior Vice President at Hasbro, Inc., who has roots in Rhode Island.
According to Proulx, everyone, regardless of their history or circumstances, deserves an opportunity in life. How one seizes that chance is entirely up to them.
To give some context, Proulx is the youngest of 13 siblings—11 of whom were adopted. His family has been a foster home as well, welcoming over 250 children into their lives. It’s not always been easy; he’s witnessed the deep pain some of these children endure. He notes that those who manage to overcome their struggles often go on to achieve remarkable successes.
His parents began as a temporary shelter for children removed from challenging situations, but eventually transformed their home into a therapeutic environment. Proulx reflects that they frequently dealt with the most difficult cases, which certainly revealed both the darker and more uplifting facets of human nature.
A defining decision came just before his father passed away, when his parents chose to adopt three siblings. They understood that if not adopted together, the children would be separated. Even in the face of his father’s terminal illness, this seemed like the right thing to do.
The adopted siblings are thriving, and Proulx describes their journey as a quest to break the cycle of adversity that often affects entire generations.
Proulx shares that he feels he’s living the American Dream every day. Growing up, his family struggled financially, yet their home was filled with love. Now, he takes pride in being able to give back, emphasizing the importance of moving forward and leaving a positive mark on the world.
This initiative, the American Dream Video Project, displays genuine stories that highlight the quest for opportunity. It’s part of the Milken Center’s celebration of America’s 250th anniversary and aims to share interactive exhibits and narratives about attaining the American Dream.
