Rakeda L. Ervin founded R. Concepts and has spent more than twenty years writing and producing television and digital series. She holds a BA in Mass Communications from Quinnipiac University in Hamden, CT. After finishing UCLA's professional producing program, she started her career in television and feature production at Warner Bros. Over the years, she has produced many episodes of award-winning series for networks like NBC Universal, VH1, CNN, and A&E. Her independent films include "The N Word," which won a Peabody Award, and "X= A Generation Evolved," a documentary short about Generation X politics. Rakeda has also produced digital series for clients such as 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.