Team

Meet Our Team

Dedicated professionals committed to creating opportunities and empowering students through education.

Free Animation Training Available Through Our Springboard Partnership

Leadership

Our leadership team brings decades of combined experience in education, technology, and community development.

Quittman Farmer

Founder & Executive Director

Quittman Farmer is the Founder and Executive Director of QUED-UP, a nonprofit organization dedicated to expanding access to STEAM education, workforce development, and emerging technology opportunities for students and underserved communities. As an animator, creative technologist, and entrepreneur, Quittman has spent over a decade building programs that blend animation, virtual reality, game design, cybersecurity, and digital media into engaging career-focused learning experiences. Through partnerships with schools, community organizations, and industry leaders, he has helped create pathways for students to gain hands-on training, certifications, and exposure to high-growth careers in technology and the creative industries.

Kyle Rickards

Director of Programs

Kyle Rickards serves as the Director of Programs at QUED-UP, where he leads the development and execution of educational initiatives focused on STEAM, cybersecurity, animation, virtual reality, and workforce development. He works closely with schools, community organizations, and industry partners to create impactful learning experiences that help students gain real-world skills, certifications, and career opportunities in technology and creative industries.

Educators & Staff

Our instructors and coordinators are industry professionals passionate about mentoring the next generation.

Jasmine LeFlore

Social Media Manager

Jasmine LeFlore is the Social Media Manager for QUED-UP and one of the newest additions to the team, bringing creativity, energy, and a strong voice to the organization’s growing digital presence. She helps lead QUED-UP’s social media strategy by creating engaging content, increasing community awareness, and showcasing the impact of QUED-UP’s programs, students, and initiatives across multiple platforms.

Dr. Renita Davis

Board Member

Dr. Renita D. Davis is a best-selling author and Professional Concept Executioner with over two decades of experience in social work and community leadership. She uses trauma-informed and solution-focused practices to create safe spaces that help people and organizations move ideas into action, navigate challenges, repair harm, and build sustainable outcomes. She is the creator and host of the upcoming MENTAL WEALTH podcast and has led the Faith Café livestream series for more than three years.

Shamika Brown

Board Member

Shamika Brown, holding a master’s degree in early childhood education with a specialization in Administrative Management and Leadership, has dedicated several years to the field of early childhood education. Her exceptional contributions have been recognized through her inclusion in the Book of Who’s Who and winning the NAEYC Spotlight award.

Doug Rideout

Partner | Public Relations

Doug Rideout serves as QUED-UP’s Public Relations Partner, helping strengthen relationships with community organizations, businesses, educators, and strategic partners. With a passion for building meaningful connections, Doug works to expand QUED-UP’s impact by fostering collaborations that create new opportunities for the communities we serve.

As the Founder of M1 Enterprises, Doug brings extensive experience in business development, strategic partnerships, and community engagement. His commitment to connecting people with resources and creating purpose-driven initiatives aligns closely with QUED-UP’s mission to provide equitable access to technology, education, and workforce development opportunities.

Doug believes that lasting change is built through strong partnerships, open communication, and a shared commitment to empowering individuals and communities. Through his leadership and collaborative approach, he continues to help advance initiatives that promote education, innovation, and long-term community success.

Shammi Carr

Networker | Advocate

Shammi Carr is a dedicated advocate and community connector who works alongside QUED-UP to expand opportunities for individuals with disabilities. Through her passion for advocacy and relationship-building, she helps connect people with valuable resources, programs, and support services that promote independence, education, and career success.

Shammi plays an important role in supporting initiatives such as Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) and other workforce development and accessibility programs. Her commitment to empowering individuals and strengthening community partnerships helps ensure that more people have access to the technology, training, and opportunities they need to thrive.

Driven by a belief that everyone deserves the opportunity to succeed, Shammi continues to champion inclusive programs and collaborative partnerships that advance QUED-UP’s mission of creating equitable pathways to education, employment, and personal growth.

M1 Enterprises

Education Partner

M1 Enterprises partners with QUED-UP to expand access to career-focused education, industry-recognized certifications, and workforce development opportunities. Together, we help students and young adults build practical skills, explore in-demand career paths, and gain the confidence needed to move from learning into real-world employment and advancement.

Carol Bradley

Community Partnerships

Carol Bradley serves as QUED-UP’s Outreach and Community Partnerships leader, helping build meaningful relationships with organizations, community leaders, and strategic partners who share a commitment to expanding educational and technology opportunities. Through her outreach efforts, she helps connect communities with the resources, programs, and collaborations that create lasting impact.

Carol is also the Founder of PIIOC (Proud Intelligent International Organization of Chicago), where she is dedicated to strengthening communities through service, leadership, and collaborative initiatives. Her experience in community engagement and partnership development has been instrumental in creating opportunities that benefit individuals, families, and nonprofit organizations alike.

With a passion for service and a belief in the power of collaboration, Carol works to advance QUED-UP’s mission by fostering partnerships that promote education, workforce development, technology access, and community empowerment.

Join Our Team

We’re always looking for passionate educators, industry professionals, and community advocates to join our mission. If you’re interested in making a difference through technology education, we’d love to hear from you.