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Rakeda L. Ervin has been writing and producing broadcast television and digital content for over twenty years.  She earned a BA degree in Mass Communications from Quinnipiac University, in Hamden, CT. After completing UCLA's professional producing program, she began her career in TV and feature production at Warner Bros. She has produced countless episodes of award winning series, airing on NBC Universal, VH1, CNN, and A&E Networks.

Among her independent films are "The N Word", which won a Peabody Award, and a short documentary about Generation X politics. Rakeda has produced digital series for clients such as Essence, BET, and SXSW.

 

Rakeda moved from Los Angeles to Austin, TX, where she became an educator to inspire the next generation of creative leaders. She developed a media program and taught audio and video production courses at Manor ISD.  During that time, Rakeda served as a Connected Educator with the PBS NewsHour Student Reporting Labs program. She supported professional opportunities for creative youth as an educator and member of E4 Youth's Executive Board. Rakeda is an active member of the SXSW EDU Advisory Committee.

 

 In her current role at the Austin Film Society, Rakeda oversees training and education programs, including AFS Creative Careers, a workforce development program.   She is passionate about supporting emerging creatives  and ensuring that diverse voices are heard. Rakeda finds joy and gratitude in putting together each piece of life's puzzle along with the people she loves and respects.