KaKY - Kollege and Kareer 4 Youth

04/27/2026

20 years. Thousands impacted. One mission—serving our community with purpose.
For two decades, KaKY’s Community of Hope has addressed more than immediate needs—we’ve built pathways forward. From providing meals and non-perishable food to clothing and essential resources, we meet families where they are. But we don’t stop there.

Through workforce development, professional development, and life skills training, we equip individuals with the tools to sustain stability, secure employment, and grow with confidence. Our partnerships with community organizations, career and vocational programs, and workforce agencies turn support into opportunity.

This is more than service.
This is access. This is empowerment. This is generational impact.
And we’re still building. 💛

ProfessionalDevelopment CommunityImpact StrongerTogether RichmondVA

04/12/2026

Our future leaders!

04/11/2026

Future leaders aren’t just learning AI—they’re learning how to lead through it.
From Hampton University to Virginia State University, Norfolk State University, William & Mary, Old Dominion University, and Richard Bland College—I’ve had the privilege of engaging with students navigating the realities of AI in real time.
Here’s what’s clear:

👉 Some are excited about AI’s potential
👉 Others are concerned about what it means for their future

Leadership today requires both technical awareness and human-centered intelligence.
✔ Lead with empathy
✔ Protect integrity
✔ Build real relationships in a digital world
Because while technology evolves rapidly…
authentic leadership remains timeless.

04/10/2026

Artificial intelligence is showing up in our homes, schools, and phones faster than many families realize. 🏡
🏫📱This month on NBC12, I’ll share practical tips for parents on how kids are using AI, the opportunities it creates for learning, and the safety conversations every family should be having.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦AI Is Everywhere: What Families Need to Know Now
🌍
🔒👨‍👩‍👧‍👦💻

04/10/2026

Social media can organize hundreds of people in minutes — but it can also escalate situations just as quickly.

This weekend’s incident at Short Pump Mall tied to a trending “takeover” event is a reminder of how online trends can quickly spill into the real world. What may begin as a viral post or group chat invitation can turn into large crowds, safety concerns, and even legal consequences.

For many teens, these gatherings feel like harmless fun. But the reality is that digital actions have real-world impact.
Parents and families should be aware of a few warning signs:
• Posts encouraging people to “pull up,” “link up,” or attend large meetups
• Viral event invitations circulating on TikTok, Snapchat, or Instagram
• Plans that intentionally ask teens to keep information from parents

The most important tool families have is conversation. Talking with young people about digital responsibility, peer pressure, and the permanence of online behavior helps them make safer decisions.

For more than 20 years, I’ve worked with schools, families, and community organizations teaching youth about social media safety, cybersecurity awareness, and digital citizenship. One lesson remains constant:
Technology moves fast, but education and communication are still our best safeguards.
Let’s continue working together — parents, educators, and community leaders — to help young people navigate the digital world safely.

OnlineSafety Kym Grinnage Gray Media 12 On Your Side

04/10/2026

Helping the next generation navigate the digital world safely is super important work.

I got to teach elementary students about Social Media Safety at the Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc. Annual Youth Symposium—and I was really impressed.😊🔎

These young ladies didn't just listen—they got involved.🌐
They shared great ideas on what to do and what not to do on social media, showed they knew about online risks, and understood more about protecting their digital identity.
💻That's why early education is so key. When we give kids the right info and tools, we're not just teaching safety—we're building confidence, responsibility, and digital leadership.

So thankful for groups like Iota Sigma Alumnae Chapter of
Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc. that keep investing in our youth in awesome, forward-thinking ways.

CommunityImpact STEMEducation OnlineSafety 12 On Your Side The Metropolitan Business League

04/09/2026

This award is for the youth.. 🤎🏆🏅
For over 20 years, I’ve been committed to education, advocacy, and mentorship—making sure young people have the knowledge and confidence to navigate technology safely and successfully. 💻📚

Through Kollege and Kareer 4 Youth, workshops, and my role as a 12 On Your Side Social Media Safety & Cybersecurity Consultant, I’ve had the opportunity to educate students, families, and communities on digital safety, workforce readiness, and real-world skills. 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦🎓

This recognition is a reminder that the work matters—and our youth are worth it every single time. ✨🌟
🚀

03/10/2026

I’m feeling incredibly honored and a little emotional to share that I’ve been nominated for the 2026 RVATECH - Margaret Lyn McDermid Women in Tech Award.

For more than 20 years, I’ve been passionate about helping young people and families navigate technology safely through social media safety and cybersecurity education.

Through my work and through Kollege and Kareer 4 Youth, we’ve worked to equip students with the knowledge and digital awareness they need to thrive in today’s connected world.

This nomination represents the many schools, parents, community partners, and young people who believe that technology education can open doors and protect futures.

I would love for you to join me for a night of recognition and celebration.

📅 April 8, 2026
📍 Jepson Alumni Executive Center
🕠 5:30 – 7:30 PM
Thank you to everyone who has supported this journey.

01/22/2026

Honored to join 12 On Your Side+ NOW STREAMING on AppleTV, GooglePlay, Roku and FireTV to discuss one of the most urgent issues facing families today: keeping children safe online.

🛡️💻 From gaming platforms to social media, digital spaces are evolving faster than many safety protections. Parents must be informed, engaged, and proactive. 🧑‍💻 Grateful for the opportunity to continue this work—educating families, empowering youth, and advocating for safer digital environments. 🤝

🔗 Watch the segment: https://youtu.be/pDu-nbgqv5c?si=9drBjI1Bb5P5HmKp

Enjoy the videos and music you love, upload original content, and share it all with friends, family, and the world on YouTube.

12/08/2025

**KaKY Community of Hope, CozyMe Crochet Designs, Mrs. Marcy’s Homemades** are proudly partnering to support our homeless community!

🤝 Join our Warmth for the Homeless Winter Drive from December 7 – December 31. For every $10 purchase at Mrs. Marcy’s Homemades, CozyMe Crochet Designs will knit a hat for the homeless.

🧶 We're even committing to knit 15 hats by December 15 in celebration of our Program Director Maya Criss’ Birthday!

🎂 You can also participate by donating drawstring backpacks or grocery tote bags, or send donations via Zelle to [email protected]. These items will help us package and distribute supplies to individuals experiencing homelessness.

🎁 **Three Brands. One Mission, Give Hope to the Community.** ✨

11/27/2025

At KaKY Community of Hope, our mission is simple: touch the people. 🤝 This season, our team came together to prepare meals and deliver them to our unhoused neighbors, reminding our community that compassion is action.

💖 As we continue sharing digital safety education and support for families, we remain committed to serving those who need hope the most.
💫Community is our audience.
💪Service is our calling.
😇Touching the People is our ministry. ✨