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Rakeda L. Ervin has been writing and producing broadcast television, digital series, and specials for over twenty years. She earned a BA in Mass Communications from Quinnipiac University in Hamden, CT. After completing UCLA's professional producing program, she began her career in television and feature production at Warner Bros. Throughout her career, she has produced countless episodes of award-winning series airing on networks such as NBC Universal, VH1, CNN, and A&E. Among her independent films is "The N Word," which won a Peabody Award, as well as a documentary short focused on Generation X politics. Rakeda has also produced digital series for clients including Essence, BET, and SXSW.

 

From Los Angeles to Austin, TX, she became an educator to inspire the next generation of creative leaders. Rakeda developed a media program and taught audio and video production courses at Austin and Manor Independent School Districts. During that time, she served as a Connected Educator with the PBS NewsHour Student Reporting Labs program and supported professional opportunities for creative youth. 

 

In her current role at the Austin Film Society, Rakeda oversees training and education programs, including AFS Creative Careers, a workforce development initiative. She is passionate about supporting emerging creatives and helping them prepare for the workforce. Additionally, Rakeda is an entrepreneur who enjoys solving problems and making a difference through community investment