our team
Emmanuel Ellerbee
Emmanuel Ellerbee is the Founder/CEO of Bee’s Believers. As a young child, Emmanuel knew that he wanted to play in the NFL. However, his parents stressed the importance of having a good education as well. Growing up he developed an interest in science and math and knew that when he hung up the cleats that he wanted his next career to be in STEAM. Emmanuel attended high school at Strake Jesuit College Preparatory and was able to continue his athletic and academic career at the prestigious, Rice University in his hometown of Houston, TX. Emmanuel attained his degree in Civil Engineering while simultaneously becoming an All-Conference player. Emmanuel then went undrafted in 2018 and continues to pursue his dreams today as a NFL Linebacker. “It’s important for me to show the youth that being a college athlete isn’t synonymous with getting a general studies degree but can be a vehicle for launching a STEAM career while also chasing your dream of playing professionally.”
Rakiya Cunningham
Rakiya Cunningham is Bee’s Believers Finance Chair. Rakiya graduated from John Horn High School in Mesquite, TX. She then attended the University of Texas at Austin, where she was a member of the Texas All-Girl Cheer Squad her freshman year and graduated with a degree in Finance and a minor in Accounting. Rakiya is now a CPA and a Finance Advisor at Shell. “I joined Bee’s Believers to teach kids how to tap into all dimensions of their potential. I believe early access to STEAM can be a game changer.”
samuel stewart ii
Samuel Stewart II is Bee’s Believers Fundraising Chair. Samuel graduated from Cypress Woods High School in Cypress, TX and then went on to continue his education and football career at the prestigious, Rice University in Houston, TX . During his tenure at Rice, Samuel double majored in Economics and Managerial Studies with a minor in Business. Unfortunately, his playing career was cut short due to injury and led to his career as an Insurance Broker for the largest agency in Texas, the Goosehead Insurance Agency. “I joined Bee's Believers because I want kids to know that they should never put a ceiling on their potential. You truly can be great athletically and academically, and there is more than just one way to be successful in life.”