BUILDING FUTURES TEAM

Jay Reeves is an architect and builder who loves to teach and share his joy of making with young people. Prior to his role as Executive Director, Jay has been a long time Building Futures Board Member and Volunteer Instructor in our workshop. He is sometimes known as “The Wood Boat Guy” for leading our popular boatbuilding summer camps.

When away from our workshop, Jay is a principal at REVEL Architects serving commercial and residential clients and is active in shaping his neighborhood as the Chair of the Fox Park Development Committee.

Jay was first introduced to Building Futures when his two bright daughters began taking our Saturday Design Build Classes in North City and he has been committed to the organization ever since.

Felicia Kennedy is Founder/Chief Executive Officer of the FL Kennedy Group. Also, she is the contracted senior fundraiser/grants operations leader for Building Futures. She has a Bachelor of Science Degree from the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff and a Master of Public Service for the University of Arkansas Clinton School of Public Service. Felicia is an accomplished professional with more than 30 years of leadership experience. She has expertise in program and project management, program evaluation, facilitating community dialogues, grant writing/management, and youth leadership development.  Also, she served in the Peace Corps from 2018-2020 in the Republic of Georgia as an English teacher.

Since 1992, Felicia has served in many capacities for Youth Motivational Task Force at the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff. From 2009-2011, she was a founding board member and Vice President of the Board for Visions Academy Charter School in Newark, New Jersey. In the past, she has supported several youth focused leadership and development programs as either fundraising director, board member or strong advocate. Her life’s goal is to support youth development and success all over the globe.

Raemese returned to St. Louis from San Diego where she attended college for Business and Administration. She raised a family where she honed her skills in domestic engineering. Managing a full family of 8 was no small task. She eagerly accepted the challenge and was successful in her endeavors.

After building a plumbing and maintenance company with her husband, she returned to St. Louis a few years ago to help care for her parents. She joined the YMCA as a member specialist. She loved engaging with members and looked at them as extended family going the extra mile to make sure their needs were met.

Raemese is determined to not only help keep operations at Building Futures running smoothly, but take it to the next level. She wants to help make Building Futures a pathway for as many kids as possible.

Leo is a Master Carpenter.  He was educated through the Carpenter District Council Union School.  Leo brings over 35 years of experience in carpentry.  He has operated his own construction company and has subcontracted with several local construction companies where he participated in the construction of many houses and commercial buildings.

 Leo is excited to bring his wealth of knowledge and work experience to Building Futures in hopes to inspire young builders.  He serves as Building Futures’ Workshop Director and Classroom Instructor.

Brayon received his Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) from Southern Illinois University of Carbondale (SIUC) where he majored in Cinema and Photography with a Minor in Art and Design. While at SIUC, he was active in the Photography Club and served as Treasurer. Brayon also attended the St. Louis Community College (Florissant Valley Campus) where he received his Associate in Fine Arts (AFA). 

 While attending STLCC, he served as Vice President and President of the Photography Club. He was a member of the Student Government Association where he helped organize “Chalk For Peace” to stop violence in the community. 

 Brayon believes exposure leads to expansion which is why he enjoys instructing the children that Building Futures serves, both in the schools and during the free Saturday workshops.

Huilin graduated from Kansas City Art Institute in Kansas City, Missouri where she received a Bachelor’s degree in Animation. Specializing in 2D animation, she brings a unique blend of skills and artistic flair to the table. 

At Building Futures, Huilin is more than just a team member – she’s a dedicated instructor committed to creating a positive and enjoyable learning environment. Her passion for animation extends beyond the screen, as she actively contributes her creative imagination to enhance the student learning experience at Building Futures.

Quincy Moore is a 29 year old Recording Artist and Radio Personality from St. Louis, Missouri. He graduated with an Associates Degree in Recording Engineering & Business Management.  He attended Varttorete The Extreme Institute By Nelly. Quincy has over 8 years of experience working with children both in school and afterschool programs. 

 Quincy describes himself as fun, energetic, intelligent, charismatic and enlightened.  He is creative, musically inclined and passionate about helping to inspire the next generation.  

 He decided to join Building Futures because he enjoys instructing youth and giving back to his community.