Our Team
Erica Raggett
Founder & Executive Director
With degrees in Animal Science and Ecology and Systematic Biology from Cal Poly, Erica jumped into the field of educational equity with Teach For America, a national non-profit organization aimed at closing the achievement gap in America. She remained in the field of education working for YES College Prep as a teacher, Dean of Instruction and District Content Specialist, until she heard about the issue of human trafficking.
With this newfound knowledge and an entrepreneurial spirit, Erica launched Houston’s first and only non-profit coffee shop working to fight human trafficking in the city. Erica is dedicated to ensuring that A 2nd Cup become a major hub of anti-trafficking education and action and a beacon of light to those still trapped in modern-day slavery.
Brooke Evans
Operations Director
Brooke Evans is the Operations Director here at A 2nd Cup. She has a heart for justice and has worked to plant new churches, educate about food justice and advocate for the less fortunate in her community. With over 20 years of experience working in both nonprofit and for-profit organizations, she has managed projects from local to a national scale, and her career has spanned from accounting to HR to communications. She loves to throw a good party and has chaired and organized dozens of fundraising campaigns. As a San Diego native, she finds solace on the ocean shore and has moved cross country with her husband and three amazing children several times and now calls Houston home.
Kathryn Rogers
Director of Development
Kathryn serves as the Director of Development for A 2nd Cup, by managing community relationships and coordinating fundraising efforts. As an LMSW, Kathryn has worked to serve others in both community level and direct service roles, in the fields of political advocacy, economic development, fundraising and capacity building, and child welfare. She came to A 2nd Cup with a strong passion to educate and build up the Houston community with a mission-minded focus in fighting human trafficking together. Outside of the shop, Kathryn loves spending time with her husband and two fur babies - Hank the dachshund and Amelia the tabby cat. As a native Houstonian, Kathryn enjoys visiting our community parks and biking trails, eating tacos, and drinking coffee.
Kaylen Simpson
Brazen Table Program Manager
Kaylen brings a rich background of culinary experience and education to Brazen Table. From the Outback Culinary Program, to being the youngest pastry chef at Tiny’s No. 5., Kaylen has gained experience managing a kitchen and staff through her work as Executive Chef at A 2nd Cup.
Her experience of curriculum development and teaching youth while on staff with the Vineyard Church as the Children's Director brings her past experience full circle into this new role. Kaylen has planned, executed, and managed Brazen Table since it’s conception giving her the valuable experiential knowledge of the inner workings of the program.
Olivia Palacio
A 2nd Cup General Manager
Olivia serves as A 2nd Cup General Manager, organizing the day-to-day shop operations, coordinating events and catering, and connecting with customers. She has a passion for serving the community as evidenced by her background in outreach and youth ministry. These passions coupled with her 15 years in the food and beverage industry enable her to take on this unique position at A 2nd Cup. When she is not at the shop, Olivia enjoys cooking for her family or lounging in the sun with a good book.