Kassy Alia Ray is the founder and CEO of Serve & Connect. Under her leadership the organization has grown from a simple hashtag to a valiant movement dedicated to creating change.

A clinical-community psychologist by training and graduate of the University of South Carolina, Kassy has been the recipient of numerous awards and recognitions, including the Midlands Fatherhood Coalition’s Hero of the Year; Columbia Business Monthly’s Top 35 under 35; The State Newspaper’s Top 20 Under 40; the Post and Courier’s Golden Pen Award; the Central Carolina Community Foundation’s Individual Philanthropist of the Year; Columbia’s Best Local Hero Award; and the South Carolina Law Enforcement Citizen of the Year.

She speaks regularly to service providers, law enforcement agencies, organizations, and corporations across the U.S. on topics related to collaboration, grief, empathy, and reimagining police and community relationships.

“When I give talks, I say my fight has been for police and community relationships,” she said. “But I do think there’s a bigger message here. If we can find the strength to be open and find empathy; when we are willing to walk in someone’s shoes and seek understanding of the world through their eyes, that’s when we can find real solutions.”

Kassy married Mitch Ray in 2018. Their son, Sal, is a thriving four-year-old.

David’s commitment to Serve & Connect is strategically focused on the organization’s long-term growth and sustainability.

His responsibilities include program management, grant management, budgeting, governance, and strategic planning.

He holds undergraduate and master’s degrees in social work with concentrations in program and agency administration.

David’s professional background includes leadership roles at the Central Carolina Community Foundation and the Children’s Trust of South Carolina, as well as Voices for America’s Children and the Child Welfare League of America in Washington, D.C.

He currently serves as Board Chair for Able SC, South Carolina’s leading Center for Independent Living for Individuals with Disabilities.

Jose has a passion to serve, which makes his role as our Partnership Liaison, a win-win.

Jose works with organizational and community partners to ensure successful implementation of our COMPASS initiative.

A native of Philadelphia, Jose served in the United States Air Force and holds an undergraduate degree in criminal justice. He’s currently pursuing a master’s degree in criminal justice with a focus on behavioral health.

When he’s not working, Jose loves spending time with his family and taking interesting road trips.

“I started out as a volunteer for Serve & Connect because I believed in the work they were doing and what was being accomplished.”

Giving back to her community is what drives Macey.

As our Community Outreach Coordinator, she provides front-line support to neighborhoods and organizations we work and partner with.

She holds an undergraduate degree in psychology and is currently pursuing a master’s degree in social work.

Macey is happily married to a law enforcement officer and is the mother of three active children. Her downtime is typically spent watching them participate in a variety of extracurricular activities.

“I’m passionate about my work and love being part of something bigger than myself.”