Kay is a proud partner of the Village U Academy and a strong advocate for youth development. Her background in public administration, combined with her Bachelor’s and Master’s degree from Texas State University, has equipped her with the knowledge and experience necessary to make a positive impact on the lives of young people. With a strong passion for youth development and a commitment to excellence, Kay is a valuable asset to the Village U Academy. 

Rakeda is a visionary leader who is constantly seeking new and innovative ways to inspire and support young people. She worked in Los Angeles for well-known networks and studios like Warner Bros., VH1, and NBC Universal before relocating to Austin, TX. Rakeda stepped into the educational space to inspire the next generation of young professionals. Rakeda’s background in film, media, and education make her uniquely qualified to lead VUA and its mission to empower the next generation.

Kriss is a visionary leader with a passion for empowering youth. With her Bachelor’s degree in Sociology from Quinnipiac University and Continuing Education Certificate in Business Analyst from Austin Community College, she brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to her role as the Program Director of Village U Academy. With over 14 years of experience, Kriss has dedicated herself to protecting the vulnerable citizens of Texas through her work with Social Services. Kriss is known for her exceptional event planning skills, bringing together people from diverse backgrounds to create unforgettable experiences. As the mother of a teen, she knows the importance of having a supportive community and is dedicated to giving youth the opportunities to thrive in life by tapping into their greatness. Her passion and commitment to excellence make her the ideal leader for Village U Academy. 

Dr. Christopher Harvey is a co-founder of Destroying the Gap (DTG), a partner and sponsor of Village U Academy. By teaching academic, social, and behavioral skills to at-risk students, preparing students for college, career, or military readiness, as well as providing enrichment activities and family education workshops, Destroying the Gap works to eradicate challenges like low achievement and substance abuse in youth. Destroying the Gap’s founder, Dr. Harvey was elected to serve the City of Manor as Mayor. The organization’s focus areas are Infrastructure, Economic Development, Family & Community Engagement, Job Training/Creation & Workforce Development, Recreation/Arts, and Long-range Strategic Planning. Village U Academy and Destroying the Gap both strive to remove barriers to success for marginalized and vulnerable populations.