Our Team

We are led by a dedicated team of professionals and volunteers who have an affinity for the Southeast
Raleigh community. Some currently live in Southeast Raleigh, grew up in Southeast Raleigh, and have family
who live in Southeast Raleigh or are connected through partnerships and service to the community.

Staff

Yvette Holmes

Bio

Yvette Holmes

Yvette serves as the CEO for Southeast Raleigh Promise. In her role, Yvette is responsible for leading a highly effective and dedicated team of professionals and overseeing the fiscal and operational management of the organization. As CEO of a quarterback organization, Yvette’s work involves shaping and leading strategies, attracting and leveraging investment, building relationships with residents and the community, and cultivating cross-sector partnerships to improve the quality of life and create opportunities for Southeast Raleigh residents, small businesses and non-profits. As a thoughtful leader, Yvette comes to SERP with over 30 years of experience as a nonprofit administrator, fund raiser, and public and civic engagement specialist.

As a resident of Southeast Raleigh for over 20 years, Yvette has been instrumental in providing leadership and technical support in the start-up and growth of small non-profits and community-based coalitions focused on improving neighborhoods and addressing the needs of residents. Yvette cares deeply about issues and inequities impacting residents of Southeast Raleigh and views SERP as the conduit through which impactful solutions can be identified and implemented.

Yvette attended Morgan State University, where she majored in Computer Science. She later completed her undergraduate studies at William Peace University, where she earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration. She returned to her HBCU roots where she earned an Executive Master of Public Administration degree from North Carolina Central University. Yvette is a Goodmon Fellow and in 2022, was selected as a Triangle Business Journal Peak 25 inaugural honoree. Yvette is married and has three sons and three granddaughters. She enjoys spending time with family, creative writing, and trips to the beach. She believes in hopeful possibilities and in the promise that we hold as individuals and as a community.

CEO

Renada Jackson

Bio

Renada Jackson

Renada Jackson serves as Office Manager with Southeast Raleigh Promise. She is a native of North Carolina and is pursuing a Bachelor’s in Business Administration with a focus on Project Management at Liberty University. Renada has 5 years of administrative experience, but has also been an advocate for change. Over the years, Renada has expressed her passion for giving back to her community by bringing awareness to issues such as domestic violence and being involved with various community-based organizations. In her free time, Renada loves being with her children. She loves attending her children’s’ sporting events, serving in leadership at her church, and the beach. She also has a green thumb when it comes to indoor plants.

Office Manager

Mary Ann Ottaviano

Bio

Mary Ann Ottaviano

Mary Ann Ottaviano is an accomplished fundraising professional with over five years of experience driving corporate philanthropy and community engagement. With a proven track record of exceeding fundraising targets, she has demonstrated her ability to create innovative revenue opportunities that foster sustainable growth. Mary Ann is known for her strong communication skills and her talent for cultivating lasting business relationships that produce impactful results.

In her most recent role as Manager of Corporate Philanthropy at the United Way of the Greater Triangle, Mary Ann consistently met or exceeded her fundraising quotas from 2019 through 2023, showcasing her commitment to relationship management. A graduate of the College of Mount Saint Vincent with a Bachelor of Arts in Communications, Mary Ann has a strong foundation in project management and customer service. She is adept at using Salesforce for account management and data analysis, further enhancing her effectiveness as a fundraising leader.

Beyond her professional achievements, Mary Ann is actively involved in her community. She served as a swim instructor at the Kerr YMCA and as Secretary for the Wakefield Schools Foundation from 2020 to 2023. Her commitment to fostering community connections and promoting philanthropy underscores her passion for making a difference.

Senior Development Officer

Charles McCall

Bio

Charles McCall

Charles is a native of North Carolina who has had a passion for helping others since he was young. He is a strong advocate for racial equality, social justice, and inclusion.

He has more than 10 years in human services, economic development, social work, system change, and non-profit leadership. In his former roles, he has partnered with various organizations in the private and public sectors to evaluate, initiate and implement initiatives for the people he has served.

In his role with Southeast Raleigh Promise, he will focus on seeking out new alliances with the goal of improving the quality of life for Southeast Raleigh residents.

Director of Community Partnerships & Engagement

Christy Austin

Bio

Christy Austin

Christy uses a results-oriented approach in overseeing daily operational functions, financial planning, grant writing, and fundraising activities. She is driven by a deep commitment to organizational mission and impact, and uses those skills, coupled with leadership experience in both nonprofit and for-profit sectors, to help organizations strengthen themselves and to create positive impact in the community.

Christy seamlessly navigates daily operations. Her expertise extends to financial reporting, budgeting, strategic planning, and the development and execution of comprehensive financial plans. Her commitment to driving social impact is evident through leadership rroles in which she has spearheaded community outreach programs and consistently secured funding through state, federal, and private sources.

Christy is a native of Texas. She holds an MBA in Nonprofit Management from Johnson & Wales University and a BFA in Studio Arts from Texas A&M University Commerce.

Director of Finance and Operations

Richard Johnson

Bio

Richard Johnson

Born and raised in Raleigh, Richard brings more than two decades of experience in the nonprofit realm to the table. He's a proud alum of Enloe High School and North Carolina Central University, which paved the way for his initial role as a District Executive for the Boy Scouts of America in Florence, SC. His career path took him to Newport News, VA, and Wilmington, DE, where he undertook the responsibility of steering annual fundraising and capital campaigns. After moving back to Raleigh, Richard contributed his expertise to the Institutional Advancement office of NCCU and held the position of Development Director for the Community Music School. Growing up in Southeast Raleigh has inspired him to join Southeast Raleigh Promise, an opportunity that combines his professional skills with his sincere passion.

Development Officer

Brenda Williamson

Bio

Brenda Williamson

Brenda believes that adversities in one’s life are merely challenges. A graduate of Shaw University with a BA degree and an MA degree from NCSU, says that “controversy and challenges are nothing new – it’s been my life story.” She spent 35 years as a public servant with the NC State Government, Wake County, and the City of Raleigh. Brenda spent years advocating and empowering women and their families through her work with public policy and non-profit organizations, she also served as a substitute teacher.

She has been active in politics on the local and state level. Over the years, Brenda has been active in community, civic, and church activities. She served on numerous local, state, and national boards, including the local and national Shaw University Alumni Associations. Brenda is a Fellow of the NC Institute of Political Leadership and the NC Rural Economic Development Institute. She is a native of LaGrange, NC, grew up in Brooklyn, NY, and has lived in Southeast Raleigh for 51 years.

Community Relations Ambassador

ReTasha Moore

Bio

ReTasha Moore

A Raleigh native and proud Shaw University alum, ReTasha was raised on the southeast side before moving to western North Carolina post-graduation. There, she raised her family and spent over 15 years working in corporate America. Upon returning to Raleigh, she settled back in the southeast side where she currently resides.

Currently serving as a Community Relations Ambassador at Southeast Raleigh Promise, ReTasha focuses on organizing meetings for long-time residents in the Southeast Raleigh area. Her role involves coordinating informative guest speakers that are meaningful to the community.

In her free time, she volunteers at her daughter's high school, arranges family gatherings, and enjoys reading, traveling, and listening to music. ReTasha's preferred book genre is action with a hint of mystery, and her favorite author is Eric Jerome Dickey. Among her travels, Anaheim stands out as her favorite destination, and she particularly enjoys listening to R&B music.

Community Relations Ambassador

Isaiah McNeely

Bio

Isaiah McNeely

Isaiah McNeely, originally from Jamaica Queens, New York, now resides in North Carolina, serving as the Senior Project Manager at Southeast Raleigh Promise. His journey in social change began in 2016 when he taught trade skills to youth at a local non-profit, focusing on automotive education. After graduating from Saint Augustine University, Isaiah transitioned to working with at-risk youth as a behavioral specialist for the state of North Carolina.

As the Senior Program Manager at Southeast Raleigh Promise, his objective is to provide comprehensive information and resources that can positively impact the lives of the community members. Isaiah prioritizes service to others and believes in fostering strong connections and trust within the community.

Senior Project Manager

Shanita Bridges

Bio

Shanita Bridges

Shanita Bridges serves as the Senior Project Manager of Special Initiatives for Southeast Raleigh Promise (SERP). In her role, she is responsible for managing and leading strategic opportunities and special projects that align with SERP’s role as a community quarterback organization. The special projects and initiatives will focus primarily on our economic vitality pillar with an emphasis on small business and workforce development; supporting SERP’s affordable housing and real estate initiatives; and event management.

Shanita has worked with various public, private, and nonprofit organizations to build business and community connections. As a result, she has curated opportunities for these entities to network and interface to gain long-lasting partnerships. She is a strong advocate for equal opportunity for underrepresented populations in the areas of housing, small business, and entrepreneurship. She also believes in fostering community empowerment and strong relationships that will bridge gaps by sharing information and providing resources.

Shanita is a Southeast Raleigh native and grew up working in her family’s small business. This experience bolstered her skills and fueled her passion for supporting small minorityowned businesses. She also has experience in construction project management and event management.

Shanita earned her A.A. in Business and her B.A. in Business Administration from The University of Phoenix.

Shanita is married and has three daughters. She enjoys spending time with her family and friends, cooking, and visiting the beach.

Senior Project Manager of Special Initiatives

Mikayla Cunningham

Bio

Shanita Bridges

Mikayla Cunningham believes that community is the foundation of thriving lives and is dedicated to advocating for equitable opportunities for individuals who share her experiences.

A graduate of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Mikayla is originally from South Carolina and a former resident of southeast Raleigh. She is passionate about fostering empowerment and support for those around her. In her previous role, Mikayla supported families experiencing homelessness, guiding them on their journey to secure permanent housing.

As the Resident Services Coordinator, Mikayla will work to advance the Purpose Built Communities model at the Beacon Site, with a particular focus on supporting the residents of Beacon Ridge. She will work closely with families and collaborate with anchor partners to better understand the daily lives, needs, and aspirations of Beacon Ridge residents. She will identify and maintain partnerships with the aim of promoting economic mobility, facilitating holistic health and wellness, and supporting high-quality education investment and outcomes for the residents we serve.

In her free time, Mikayla enjoys solo travel, nurturing her plants, and practicing therapeutic horticulture

Resident Services Coordinator

Board of Directors

This initiative takes strong leadership, unprecedented partnerships and strong support from community leaders and organizations. Our Board of Directors are vital to reaching our goals.

Ben Young, Chair
Biogen

Sondra Collins, Vice Chair
North State Bank

Crawford Crenshaw, Vice-Treasurer
Founder, HomeReach

Astrid Taylor, Vice-Treasurer
Truist Bank

Barry Malone, Secretary
Wake Tech Community College

Asa Fleming, Immediate Past Chair
Allen Tate Realtors

Dr. Elena Ashburn
Education Policy Advisor

Mia Bailey
Charter Communications

Taylor Dewberry
Smith Law

Evan Covington Chavez
Capitol Broadcasting/Rocky Mount Mills

Ebony Pittman
NC Department of Transportation

Tom Bradshaw
Retired/Real Estate Development

Yvette Holmes, Ex-Officio