ABOUT US

CO-FOUNDERS

ARIK & MINDY ARMSTEAD

Dedicated to ensuring that every student, no matter their socioeconomic status, has direct access to the resources they need to thrive, the Armstead Academic Project provides youth with positive spaces, tools, and academic support to unlock their potential and achieve their goals.

Founded by San Francisco 49er Arik Armstead and his wife Melinda Armstead in 2019, the Project supports students in Sacramento and the Bay Area of California. The fundamental premise of AAP is that a zip code should not define student opportunity.

Kahlil Keys

Kahlil Keys is the Director of Strategic Initiatives at Gen.G Esports, where he helps create integrated marketing partnerships and cause initiatives that advance the organization’s mission of building a global, inclusive, and cross-cultural future for sports entertainment. Kahlil is also receiving his Executive MBA at UCLA Anderson and will graduate in June 2023.

Michelle Kim

Michelle Kim is a Vice President of Strategic Partnerships at the TGR Foundation, a Tiger Woods Charity. For the past 19 years, Michelle has been shaping the public & private partnerships for the Foundation by engaging cross-sector leaders, establishing strategic alliances across the globe, and building a diverse portfolio of social impact supporters.

Amobi Okugo

Amobi Okugo is a former professional soccer player, entrepreneur, media host, and philanthropist who has been recognized as a Forbes 30 under 30 recipient. Amobi Okugo was drafted in the first round of the 2010 MLS super draft from UCLA and has since played over 200 competitive games for teams including Philadelphia, Orlando, Kansas City, Portland, and Austin.

STAFF MEMBERS

Jared Muela Executive Director

A Bay Area native, Jared is a seasoned corporate philanthropy and social impact leader with over 16 years of experience driving positive change. With a proven track record in strategy, leadership, and collaboration, Jared has left an indelible mark on organizations such as the San Francisco 49ers and Electronic Arts (EA).

Peter Scherr

Peter is a graduate of Syracuse University having earned his BA in Spanish Language, Literature and Culture. After a number of years in the workers’ compensation, Peter returned to school, earning his Juris Doctorate at Brooklyn Law School.

BOARD MEMBERS

Aaron Armstead

Aaron Armstead is a seasoned technology leader with over 10+ years of experience in operationalizing Go-To-Market strategies for over 30+ Fortune 500 companies such as Google, SAP, Intel, Slack, and Snowflake, among others. Born and raised in the Sacramento region with his brother Arik, Aaron is deeply committed to serving marginalized and underserved communities in Northern California.

Christina Puenta Program Director

Cristina Puente is a passionate and inquisitive children’s educator, socio-cultural anthropologist, and artist with 6+ years of experience teaching literacy, math, social studies, science, music, social-emotional learning, and the arts for students in K-12 in Spanish & English at various schools in Northern California.

Vanetta Thomas Development Director

Working within the intersection of equity and public health, Vanetta has over a decade of experience in applied research, advocacy, and project management in both non-profit and academic settings. This includes aiding in organizational, city, and county-wide strategic planning processes; conducting evaluations of community health, policy change, and positive youth development programming.

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CAREER OPPORTUNITIES

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Manage daily operations and maintain impactful relationships with the Board of Directors, donors, clients,volunteers, and the community. Together with Arik Armstead and the AAP team, you will continue to evolve the organizational and fiscal management structure, design and execute program implementation, manage fundraising efforts, prepare comprehensive budgets and act as a community spokesperson, overseeing all written and verbal external communications.