MEET OUR FOUNDERS
Robert Gray
Executive Director | Co-Founder
Robert Gray is a visionary leader, social entrepreneur, and community strategist with a deep commitment to criminal justice reform, violence prevention, and economic empowerment. A native of Albemarle County, Virginia, born and raised in Charlottesville, Gray has experienced firsthand both the opportunities and systemic gaps that shape outcomes for marginalized communities. These lived experiences inform his lifelong mission to operationalize socio-economic mobility as a pathway to generational stability, wealth, and community resilience.
Gray is the founding Executive Director of The Uhuru Foundation, where he leads peer-led reentry housing, workforce development, mentorship, and violence prevention initiatives for justice-impacted adults and youth. His work centers on building durable infrastructure around individuals returning from incarceration and those at elevated risk of violence, ensuring access to stable housing, employment pathways, accountability, and community connection. Under his leadership, Uhuru has designed and implemented innovative models that bridge reentry, workforce systems, and community-based violence intervention.
Gray is the architect of the “Peace in the Streets” initiative, a community-centered violence prevention and interruption strategy grounded in credible messenger engagement, conflict mediation, and neighborhood-based outreach. For his contributions to gun violence reduction and community safety, Gray received the Peacekeeper Award from the University of Virginia’s Batten School of Public Policy PEG Lab, recognizing his leadership in advancing evidence-informed violence intervention strategies. He is also a recipient of the United Way of Greater Charlottesville Caring for Community Award (Above and Beyond) for sustained impact and service to vulnerable populations.
In addition to his executive leadership, Gray serves on the Board of Directors of Georgia’s Friends, an all-female recovery housing program providing safe, supportive environments for women in recovery. He also serves on the Commonwealth of Virginia’s Advisory Committee on Juvenile Justice and Prevention, contributing statewide insight on policy, prevention, and system-level reforms impacting justice-involved youth and families. Locally, he serves on the United Way Financial Resilience Task Force and the Charlottesville Black Male Achievement Initiative Steering Committee, supporting cross-sector strategies focused on economic stability and community wellness.
Gray brings over a decade of experience working with high-risk and justice-involved youth and adults, including the application of nationally recognized, evidence-based engagement and accountability models in partnership with schools, courts, and community organizations. His work bridges lived experience, policy, and practice to advance safer communities and long-term economic mobility.
A first-generation college graduate, Gray holds a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science with a concentration in Public Policy from Saint Augustine’s University.
Derek Rush
Deputy Director, Programs & Workforce Development | Co-Founder
Derek Rush, Richmond, VA: Co-Founder of The Uhuru Founder; a visionary leader with a profound background in community development and organizational leadership. Born and raised in Albemarle County, Derek's journey is one of resilience and dedication. Despite facing significant personal challenges, including nearly two years of incarceration, he has emerged as a beacon of hope and transformation, using his experiences to fuel his passion for change.
In 2022, Derek was honored with the Innovator Award from Cities United, recognizing his groundbreaking efforts in addressing systemic issues and fostering community resilience. His commitment to leveraging technology for empowerment has led him to focus on enhancing digital literacy and ensuring equitable tech access through The Uhuru Foundation.
Derek's academic and professional journey is extensive and varied. He is an esteemed graduate of Leadership Metro Richmond and Leadership Charlottesville, where he honed his skills in collaborative leadership and strategic community engagement. Moreover, Derek is currently enrolled in the Sorenson Institute Political Leadership Program, aiming to harness his insights and experiences to become a future lobbyist and advocate for systemic change.
His dedication to service extends beyond his professional endeavors; Derek serves as a board member of the Rotary Club of Richmond, contributing to local and international community betterment initiatives. His leadership journey is underpinned by a commitment to creating inclusive spaces and driving positive change within his community.
Derek has also achieved a Certificate in Federal Grants Management through the Department of Justice and serves as a peer reviewer for federal grants within the same department, showcasing his expertise and commitment to transparency and efficacy in public service.
Despite the challenges he has faced, Derek's leadership journey is marked by an unwavering dedication to fostering community growth and advocating for digital inclusion. Through The Uhuru Foundation, he continues to break barriers and create pathways for underserved individuals and communities, championing the transformative power of technology and digital literacy.
MEET OUR STAFF
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Lashawna Gray
Housing & Peer Support Program Manager
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Jamey Rush
Life Coach