Our Mission
Rising Sun Development Center’s mission is to promote community well-being and long-term resilience by strengthening public health, economic stability, youth development, and sustainable agriculture in communities with need. RSDC partners with local, national, and international community-based organizations, NGOs, and public agencies to provide research, technical assistance, training, capacity building, and direct support that helps communities identify challenges, build assets, and implement practical, culturally grounded solutions. Through innovative approaches to health infrastructure development, policy-informed practice, youth empowerment, and sustainability planning, Rising Sun supports communities in advancing opportunity, shared prosperity, and self-determined pathways to thriving families and healthy futures.
Our Founder
OUR TEAM
Tika Afofie Maat Aya
Project Manager
Tika Aya brings a global perspective and deep commitment to community empowerment through her work with Rising Sun Development Center. Having lived abroad for many years, she has worked and continues to collaborate with international NGOs focused on education, health and wellness, food security, and food sovereignty initiatives. A Certified Nutritional Health Coach and herbalist, Tika integrates holistic wellness and traditional knowledge to help promote healthier, resilient communities and support sustainable, culturally grounded food systems. Her work is rooted in a passion for service and a commitment to creating access to opportunities, resources, and support systems for individuals and families in underserved communities. Tika actively supports the organization’s mission while advocating for cultural responsibility, community awareness, and empowerment as essential elements of sustainable development.
Tierica Berry
Board Member
Tierica Berry is an award-winning author, speaker, and founder of A Woman’s Standard. With a heavy emphasis on literacy, emotional intelligence, and self-efficacy, Tierica has managed to motivate and redirect some of the most troubled youth with her engaging and relevant programs. She has authored multiple books for teen girls and her passion for empowering girls can be summed up in one statement, “If you want to elevate a community start with its women because it is through women that all communities are born.”
Dr Dana Dennard
Board Member
Dr. Dana Dennard is a licensed clinical psychologist, adjunct university professor, psychotherapist, forensic examiner, substance abuse specialist, certified hypnotherapist, yoga instructor, author, musician, film maker and educational consultant to schools and government agencies. He was initiated into a kundalini yoga discipline by Shri Amrit Desai and is a teacher of various yoga and meditation techniques for human enhancement. Currently, he is the program director and co-founder of the Aakhet Center For Human Development (a mental and holistic health community center) and past owner/director of the Sakkara Youth Institute Independent School (African-centered advanced education) where he was also an of instructor of yoga, humanities and fine arts, and a co-founder/owner of Nefetari’s Fine Cuisine and Spirits Restaurant, and Amen-Ra's Book Shop and Gallery. He founded The Aakhet Press publishing company, founder and CEO of Aakhet Film Studio, founder and CEO of Aakhet University Online, and the co-creator (along with his wife) of the Sma Em-Abu Male/Female Relationship Retreats. In addition to these duties, he is a consultant to the State of Florida's Office of Disability Determination. He was an adjunct instructor of psychology at Tallahassee Junior College & Florida A&M University from 1987 - 1989, and assistant professor at FAMU from 1990 - 1996. He returned to FAMU as an adjunct instructor of psychology since 1998, and has also taught courses in the FAMU’s Department of Education, and also Black Studies and Social Work departments at Florida State University.
Oronde Yero MS, LPC, NCC
Board Member
Oronde Yero, MS, LPC, NCC, is a professional counselor and life coach based in Atlanta, Georgia. He is the founder of Ascensions Personal Empowerment Services, established in 2010, and the author of *Self-Rule: Reclaiming Your Inner Life, Light, and Sovereign Self*. He earned his Master’s degree in Mental Health Counseling from Georgia State University in 2015.
A multi-disciplinary creative, Oronde is also a visual artist, poet, writer, and martial artist who channels his talents into service and transformation. As a life coach, he supports clients in achieving personal and professional goals by helping them embrace authenticity and develop the skills necessary for success.
Oronde integrates spiritual wisdom, personal insight, and evidence-based practices to empower those he serves. As a mental health counselor, he works with individuals navigating anxiety, depression, and PTSD. His therapeutic approach includes Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Mindfulness-Based Therapy, and Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, all grounded in a client-centered framework.
At the heart of his work is the belief that healing and answers reside within each individual. Oronde is dedicated to guiding others in unlocking their inner wisdom and discovering the path to lasting healing and self-mastery.
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www.risingsundevelopmentcenter.com/