About RITE

    Remove Gates. Build Bridges. Expand Opportunity.

    The Rebrand Institute of Tech Equity (RITE) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit operating the first AI-powered university for nonprofit business education. Through Get Grant Ready University and our growing Tech Equity Ecosystem, we've helped communities secure over $20.5 million in funding while delivering 300+ AI workshops to 10,000+ people nationwide.

    Our Philosophy

    Technology isn't just for Silicon Valley—it's for every neighborhood that's been told innovation happens somewhere else.

    Our Approach

    Hands-on training, AI-powered tools, and community partnerships creating pathways to tech careers and organizational growth.

    Our Impact

    $20.5M+ in funding secured by organizations we've supported, 7,000+ people trained through our programs.

    Grandmother and granddaughter learning technology together
    The Challenge

    Why We Exist: The Digital Divide Crisis

    The numbers don't lie—but together, we can change them.

    21 million
    Americans lack access to broadband internet
    30%
    of students can't complete homework due to lack of home internet
    3%
    of tech workers come from underrepresented communities
    $2 trillion
    economy growing without equitable participation

    Your support helps us change these statistics.

    Every donation, every partnership, every act of advocacy brings us closer to digital equity.

    Foundation

    What Drives Us

    The principles that guide every decision and action we take

    Our Mission

    Democratizing Technology & Entrepreneurship. We exist to ensure every entrepreneur, educator, and organization has the tools and training needed to thrive in the AI economy. Building economic opportunity where it's needed most.

    Our Vision

    A future where every community has access to technology entrepreneurship and AI-powered economic opportunity.

    RITE mentor helping student with technology
    Our Principles

    What We Believe

    Accessible

    Practical, hands-on programs designed for real-world application and immediate impact.

    Innovative

    Pioneering AI-powered tools and training models that others can replicate.

    Community-Focused

    Partnerships with local organizations, institutions, and entrepreneurs.

    Results-Driven

    Skills and resources that create tangible pathways to economic opportunity.

    Empowering

    Creating leaders who transform their own communities and economies.

    Leadership

    Meet Our Team

    Dedicated leaders driving change in tech equity

    Staff

    Kayla Life

    Kayla Life

    Founder and Executive Director

    Recognized leader in tech equity with 10+ years advancing digital inclusion

    Sima Parekh

    Sima Parekh

    Chief Operating Officer

    Leading operations and organizational strategy to scale community impact

    Crystal D Life

    Crystal D Life

    Chief of Staff

    Orchestrating leadership priorities and cross-functional initiatives

    Dr. Rhaslyn McGee

    Dr. Rhaslyn McGee

    Development Director

    Driving fundraising, grant strategy, and sustainable organizational growth

    Shawntinique Shepherd

    Shawntinique Shepherd

    Director of Finance

    CFO ensuring transparent, efficient use of every donated dollar

    Java Hardge

    Java Hardge

    Program Director (RITE Vibe)

    Cultivating builders from all backgrounds through hands-on creative tech programming

    Jamiah Alexander

    Jamiah Alexander

    Chief Marketing Officer

    Driving brand strategy and marketing initiatives to amplify community impact

    Board Members

    Shoshana Cabral

    Shoshana Cabral

    Co-founder and Board Chair

    Community development expert specializing in workforce development

    Amber Owens

    Amber Owens

    Board Member (Events Director)

    Driving impactful events and community activation strategies

    Sarah Smith

    Sarah Smith

    Board Member (Volunteer Director)

    Coordinating volunteer programs and community engagement

    Jeneba Wint

    Jeneba Wint

    Board Member (AI Education)

    Advancing AI education and literacy initiatives across communities

    Dontae Tyler

    Dontae Tyler

    Board Member (Technology)

    Former Pentagon cybersecurity expert building innovative learning platforms

    Ready to Make a Difference?

    Join us in building a more equitable future in technology.