Alika Hope is the founder and primary performer for the Ray of Hope Project. Alika is originally from Oregon (where she grew up immersed in nature and music). Alika earned a B.A. in sociology from The University of Notre Dame with a minor in dance from St. Mary’s College.

She received her M.A. in early childhood special education from Teachers College, Columbia University. Alika is a Certified Clinical Trauma Professional (CCLP) and holds a certificate in Diversity & Inclusion from Cornell University. Alika has a variety of experiences as an educator, including working with Head Start, private and parochial schools and New York City public schools. She is a published author, an award-winning singer, and was previously a full-time faculty member for CUNY.

Alika is also a professional opera singer, a performer in children's theatre, actress, and choreographer. Her work has been featured in The New York Times, EWTN, New Yorker Magazine, Time Out NY, Opera News, and Opera Now. Alika was the co-host of "Perspective TV", which aired on ABC, Fox, and CW in Connecticut.

Alika was Ms. New England 2019, and participated in the 2019 Ms. America pageant. Her platform “The Laugh of Hope Project”, allowed her the opportunity to work in underserved communities throughout New England by spreading the importance of laughter as a vital tool for physical and mental health. Alika has also homeschooled her children for 13 years and works as a private consultant around issues of homeschooling, remote learning, and family/work balance for individuals and organizations both in the U.S. and abroad.