Our Leadership
MEET OUR FOUNDER
Makeda Weeks-Titus, Esq. is the founder of Ayaba Rising. With a passion for healing and self-care, she is committed to holding space for women and girls, and provide the tools to restore themselves.
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Makeda is no stranger to this calling. She witnessed her mother’s life-long battle with mental health, trauma and unstable living; she understands personally how this can deeply impact one’s family. This is why Ayaba Rising was created. Ayaba means "Queen" in African dialect.
Makeda's interest in serving the community began in college, when she volunteered as a student counselor at a 24/7 therapy and crisis hotline. For years, she continued as a mentor for girls and a volunteer at homeless shelters and transitional houses in the DC area. For the past 6 years, Makeda has hosted Women's Groups, Vision Boards, Creative journaling sessions and Paint nights in transitional housing. Additionally, Ayaba Rising has donated planners, laptops, self-care items, food and toiletries to women in transitional housing.
Ayaba Rising answers the silent call from ladies in need of support.
Makeda Weeks-Titus
MEET OUR BOARD MEMBERS
Alrue Callands is a dedicated wife and mother who values family. She understands the valuable role that women play in the home and the community. With a nurturing spirit, she enjoys helping others and serving the community.
Alrue Callands
Grace A. Gyemfi is a dynamic DMV native and the creator of The Arrivista Planner. As a former elementary and middle school educator, Grace spent years dedicated to educating and empowering the next generation of leaders. She is currently an event planner and entrepreneur whose sole desire is to build a community of women who are purpose-driven and intentional with their time, energy and talents. Grace launched The Arrivista Planner in 2019 with her 2020 self-care planner and accessories. Her SELF-CARE Collection, featured in Essence Magazine, has sold out and her most recent 2021 INSPIRE Collection is currently featured in Vanity Fair UK and Glamour UK. Through her work, Grace continues to empower women to live intentionally and create a life with purpose.
Grace A. Gyemfi
Kimi Farrington
​Kimi Farrington is a Human Resource Business Partner with over 10 years of experience in the nonprofit section. She is passionate about mental health and the overall wellbeing of Black Women and is dedicated to supporting the organization's mission.
Keemie Mariah Titus
Keemie Titus is an Applied Mathematician in the Force Projection Sector at Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory and an honorary board member of the Black Faculty and Staff Association at APL. She received her bachelor’s degree in Applied Mathematics from the University of Maryland College Park and received her master’s degree in Applied and Computational Mathematics from the University of Washington in Seattle.
Throughout her professional and academic career, she has dedicated herself to creating opportunities for young students of color to become more engaged and empowered in STEM.
