Our Team
Metta World Peace
Co-Founder
Metta World Peace was born William Artest Jr. on Nov. 13, 1979, in Queensbridge, New York. He changed his name in September 2011 in an effort to inspire love, kindness, goodwill towards all. Metta is a NBA World Champion, entrepreneur, philanthropist and mental health advocate. He has participated in numerous Mental Health Awareness campaigns and shared his own experiences in his documentary “Quiet Storm: The Ron Artest Story.” Metta serves on Congresswoman Napolitano’s Mental Health Task Force and has worked with many organizations to reduce the stigma surrounding Mental Health and to encourage others to seek help. In all that he does, he seeks to better his community and the lives of others.
Brittany Kennedy
Executive Director
Brittany Kennedy is the Executive Director of Artest University. Kennedy is a Model, Actress, Artist, and Activist from South Africa who is passionate about making a difference. She studied Art at The University of Texas at San Antonio obtaining a Bachelors in Fine Arts in 2010. Kennedy grew up as an orphan and has dedicated her time to helping children overcome obstacles so that they can reach their full potential. In addition to her contribution to Artest University she is a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc. where she devotes her service to all of mankind.
Heidi Buech
Board Of Director
Heidi Buech is a seasoned executive with over 20 years of multi-functional experience across Business Development and Operations, Media Production, Crisis Management, and Public Relations. She served as President of Metta’s former nonprofit, Xcel University, where she worked on numerous mental health awareness campaigns, lead the fundraising raffle of Metta’s 2010 NBA World Championship ring, served on Congresswoman Napolitano’s Mental Health in Schools Act Task Force, and helped bring the branding of mental health awareness with the color lime green to a national level.