Rev. Robert Trimble is a Christian leader and community activist who promotes civic and human rights. In 2021 he retired after serving as pastor of Mount Hope Baptist Church. Prior to his formal ministry, Trimble enjoyed a career of service as a professional educator, teaching in the Yakima School District as well as teaching and mentoring in the OIC of Washington alternative school system.  

Kerrie Cavaness is responsible for overseeing all aspects of instruction and programming in general education and transfer, workforce education degrees and certificates, and adult basic education and English language acquisition. Before her current role, she spent 15 years as the dean of arts and sciences, managing diverse disciplines, including English, humanities, life sciences, mathematics, physical sciences and social sciences. With 24 years of experience at YVC, Kerrie has held various positions, including dean of basic skills, WorkFirst and community education and training, director of basic skills, and adjunct faculty member. She holds a master’s degree in education from Heritage University and a bachelor’s in community health education from Central Washington University.

Anthony Peterson, Chief Executive Officer of OIC of Washington, began helping people early when he participated in the Boys and Girls Club in Tacoma, where he grew up. After a decade of work starting youth programs, managing housing and writing grants for nonprofits in Yakima, Peterson was named CEO of Opportunities Industrialization Center of Yakima in November 2022.

Genius Potential is comprised of Bert Gervais (Bert G) and David Horne (Det). Their entertainment-style programming engages students while educating them with real gems to help them thrive in college. The group has toured over 200 schools nationwide and their signature approach of infusing education with hip hop has reached over 100,000 students in 40+ states.

Bert Gervais (Bert G)
Recognized by USA Today, Entrepreneur Magazine and Fox News as one of the top youth leaders in the country, Bert Gervais (a.k.a. “The Hip Hop STEM Guy”) is one of the top speakers on removing mental barriers to academic student success and has been recognized by President Obama for his work with young people. He is a tech entrepreneur who has collaborated with companies such as Google and Facebook in his mission to “make tech cool.” Gervais has also performed songs from his upcoming rap album on the same stages as Drake, J. Cole and John Legend. Gervais is a best-selling author and the executive producer. His travels have allowed him to speak to over 60,000 students in over 40 states.

David Horne (Det)
Det is an in-demand hip hop artist from New York. He holds a master’s degree in mechanical engineering, and musically, he has toured the country. An engineer by day and motivational rapper by night, Det lives his message of balancing his day job with his daydreams. His witty wordplay and vivid lyrical imagery represent those who choose to pursue their life's passions. He's living proof that one can be smart and look really cool doing it.