Co-Founders

 Born and raised in Sacramento, CA my name is Keyah Natae Brown and I am a proud alumna of the illustrious Tuskegee University! I am a passionate and energetic leader in whatever community I am involved with. I am a former high school teacher, who taught Biology to ninth graders in the inner city of Sacramento, as a teacher my hope was to encourage students of all socio-economic backgrounds to develop an interest in Science, Technology, and Agriculture; as Sacramento is the Farm to Fork Capital of the Country. Because I am also dedicated to improving the maternal and infant mortality rates in my community, I became a doula as well as a midwife assistant, and have been servicing pregnant women and - families around the United States since 2019. I am a double HBCU Graduate, I also attended Morehouse School of Medicine where I earned a Master of Science degree in Biotechnology December of 2022. I am elated to return to my alma mater to start my Doctoral studies in Integrative Biosciences, where my research will be surrounding Maternal and Child Health. As a leader, I am passionate about exposing young students to STEM and am leaving a legacy for future scientists (my former students) to follow! 

E'Licia is an alumna of Tuskegee University and currently helps to make the world a better place as a Doula! E'Licia graduated from Tuskegee University in May 2015, earning her Bachelors of Arts. She is currently a Student Midwife. 

Kayla-Marie, Kayla, was always a leader, an encourager, a friend, a light, most importantly she was family. Kayla was a walking angel and a true blessing to anyone she came in contact with. You could feel her love and warm smile wherever she went. Kayla was passionate about making a positive difference in her community and understood the importance of bringing awareness to mental health and well being. RISE will honor Kayla by continuing to push the work that she helped to create RISE. Kayla's spirit is alive and she continues to help us push our mission. 

WE LOVE YOU KAYLA-MARIE!

"Kayla-Marie Denise Jones passed away on October 25, 2020, in Tuskegee, AL at the age of 28 years old. Kayla-Marie dedicated her life to the Lord at House of Praise Worship Center in Lafayette, IN and was baptized at Jesus Christ for all Nations in Fremont, CA. Kayla was a transfer student from Fremont, CA and graduated from Tuskegee University in May 2018 with a Bachelor of Science in Animal, Poultry and Veterinary Sciences. She received her Master of Science in Animal Sciences in the 2020. Kayla conducted undergraduate research over four years in the lab of Dr. Deloris Alexander, Director, Integrative Biosciences, Ph.D., Program and Professor, Department of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences in the College of Agriculture, Environment, and Nutrition Sciences. Kayla's research experience was focused in the various areas of companion animals, soils, food animals, human physiology and health. Kayla was certified as a Veterinarian Assistant, worked part-time with the Alabama Cooperative Extension System at Tuskegee University, and served as a Veterinarian Technician with the Uni Pet Clinic, the Banfield Pet Hospital, and the Newark Pet Clinic.  Kayla enjoyed playing basketball, walking, reading, singing, cooking, traveling, entertaining guests, gardening, painting and writing."

Justin is an alum of Tuskegee University, he currently helps to make the world a better place as a budding scientist. Justin graduated from Tuskegee University in May 2019, earning his Bachelors of Science. He is currently earning his Masters of Science at Tuskegee University.

Maxine is an alumna of Tuskegee University and currently helps to make the world a better place as an Occupational Therapist! Maxine graduated from Tuskegee University in May 2019, earning her Masters of Science in Occupational Therapy degree.