Meet the Team

Founder & Executive Director

Remi Odunsi is Founder and Executive Director of House of Futures, a professional hair and makeup artist, creative entrepreneur, and multimedia artist. She holds an MS in Industrial-Organizational Psychology and brings more than a decade of experience across the creative industries, youth development, and education. Remi founded House of Futures to equip young people from historically underserved communities with the skills, confidence, and leadership mindset to build meaningful careers, strengthen their communities, and shape the future through creativity

Founding Contributor

KyNaisha Severe is a Founding Contributor to House of Futures and played an important role in the early development of House of Futures. Beginning as an intern with Makeup by Remi, she went on to become Remi Odunsi’s makeup assistant and worked alongside her both nationally and internationally for several years, contributing to the creative ideas and early vision that would eventually become House of Futures. Among her lasting contributions was helping define the organization’s identity and coining the name House of Futures. Her creativity, perspective, and early collaboration remain an important part of the organization’s history.

Community Outreach Specialist

Katherine Ann Cacho is the Community Outreach Specialist at House of Futures and has been part of the organization since its founding. She leads community engagement and digital storytelling initiatives that amplify the organization’s mission and impact. As a creative content strategist, writer, and video editor, Katherine is passionate about connecting young people with the resources, inspiration, and opportunities they need to pursue creative careers and become leaders in their communities. Her deep commitment to the organization’s mission and her experience growing alongside House of Futures bring a unique perspective to her work.

Founding Board Member

Donald Stephens is a Managing Director and Head of Applied AI at JPMorgan Chase & Co., with more than 25 years of experience in data, analytics, technology, and financial services. As a Founding Board Member of House of Futures, he brings expertise in leadership, innovation, and emerging technologies to the organization. Donald is passionate about supporting underserved youth and creating opportunities for young people to explore their talents, build confidence, and prepare for the future.

Advisory Board Member

Lynn Gonzalez is Partner at Granderson Des Rochers, LLP and former Executive Vice President, Head of Business & Legal Affairs and Business Development at Def Jam Recordings. A respected entertainment attorney, she has represented some of the industry's most influential artists and executives and is committed to helping young people navigate pathways to success through mentorship and education.

Advisory Board Member

LaRon Johnson is Vice President of Inside Sales, Americas at Iron Mountain, where he leads high-performing sales teams and drives strategic growth across the region. With more than 20 years of leadership experience in technology and enterprise sales, he is dedicated to mentoring future leaders and expanding access to career opportunities for young people.

Founding Board Member

Taketia Eddings is Chief Executive Officer of Top Avenues and a Founding Board Member of House of Futures. An accomplished executive and community leader, she brings strategic vision, operational expertise, and a deep commitment to youth empowerment to the organization's leadership. Through her service on the board, Taketia helps guide House of Futures' long-term growth while championing initiatives that expand educational opportunities, strengthen communities, and create pathways for the next generation of leaders.

Founding Board Member & Staff Photographer

Deborah Raji is a Founding Board Member and Staff Photographer at House of Futures, as well as founder of Deborah Raji Photography, a New York–based portrait, lifestyle, and documentary photography studio. As a member of the founding board, she has helped shape the organization's vision while using her talent for visual storytelling to document its growth and impact. Passionate about capturing authentic moments, Deborah uses photography to celebrate creativity, preserve meaningful experiences, and amplify the voices of young people and the communities they serve.