My experience as a fellow was extremely transformative, it taught me that I don't always have to code switch and that, in some cases, it's best not to so that I can show up as an authentic leader. During the forums I was able to find parts of myself that I didn't know I was missing and I had the chance to connect with indigenous traditions that felt so true and genuine to me.
RISE gave me a space to look deep within myself, to identify my strengths and shortcomings, and it gave me the courage to own my identity as a leader. As a fellow I was able to identify two of my most cherished values: community and connection, it was invigorating to be in a room full of leaders who were all doing their part to disrupt the systems that limit and oppress our communities.
As a mentor I feel honored to continue to be part of the program and to be witness to how RISE influences and supports today's leaders to grow, connect, and to give back to our communities.
As a Gen9 fellow in the RISE Urban Leadership Fellows program, I can say RISE San Diego stands out for its unique emphasis on deep self-reflection, community engagement, and creating a supportive environment for personal and collective growth. The Urban Leadership program understands that true healing starts from within, and it places a strong emphasis on guiding San Diego leaders through a transformative journey of intimate self-discovery through experiences that ignite healing, making us more equipped to serve our communities with authenticity and compassion.
The caring faculty and mentors at RISE play a pivotal role in creating a safe and healing environment. Each fellow is not just a participant but an individual whose well-being and growth are genuinely invested in. The emphasis on mentorship goes beyond the conventional boundaries, creating a space where fellows feel seen, heard, and supported. This environment allows fellows to delve into the core of our identities so we can not only understand ourselves deeply but also investigate and understand our individual "whys." This introspective journey is crucial for leaders who seek to make a meaningful impact, as it lays the foundation for purpose-driven action.
RISE recognizes the strength that comes from a connected community and actively fosters relationships among past and current fellows. This commitment to building a network of leaders who deeply care about one another, and the San Diego community creates a powerful ripple effect. The shared experiences and stories form a commitment that binds us to a common purpose.
RISE is a beacon for those seeking a transformative journey that goes beyond traditional leadership training. The program prepares leaders who are not only skilled but also deeply connected to the heart of their mission, grounded in authenticity, compassion, and a commitment to healing oneself.
I am a fellow presently engaged in RISE's urban leadership fellowship. Thus far, it has been a challenging and unique experience for me. I can tell that the fellowship is thoughtfully & expertly constructed, and a highly efficient mechanism both for instilling the values of RISE in the fellows and providing a unique networking opportunity.
However, 'networking opportunity' somewhat undersells the utility of the social cohesion which RISE seeks to instill. The fellows may like one another or not – cest la vie – however, the real value is bringing serious San Diegans with diverse values into relation with one another. The fellows have vastly varied life experiences, with varied relations to capital & government, and wholly disparate philosophies; they are all however united by their shared commitment to the public good.
RISE has a role to play in changing San Diego, and I am happy to be a part of it.
RISE San Diego has changed my life for the better in so many ways. I was fortunate enough to be a part of the first cohort of RISE Urban Fellows and continue to be involved in different capacities. They are doing their best to change the face of leadership in our communities and have been able to shape people to become better leaders. They understand that the people closest to the work know the best ways to address the work. They come from, work in, or live in these communities. As they continue their bedrock of programming, they create ripples out into the world with the intentional work they do. They are a great organization and I couldn't be more proud to represent them and also continue to work with them,
RISE empowers leaders in transformative and authentic ways. Unlike most leadership programs that focus on growing the technical and operational skills of their leaders, RISE goes beyond to transform the hearts of its leaders. Their leadership program is focused on deep self-reflection to prepare leaders to ready themselves to truly be able to serve others and their community. RISE encourages leaders to evaluate their impact from an equity lens to bring about true systemic change.
Outside of its Urban Leaders Fellowship program, RISE also seeks to engage and empower the community through an annual community showcase and awards ceremony as well as through training and professional development opportunities.
RISE San Diego has truly invested in me not only to serve better the communities I am part of but also in my own personal growth. Since 2019, RISE has taken a chance on me by accepting me to the most impactful and transforming leadership fellowship I've ever done and now to this day trusting me to be a leader/mentor in that space and other leadership programs they offer. The fellowship made me realize the importance of understanding my past and present and how it relates to the work I do professionally and individually, to better relate myself with the community and how to approach conflict through adaptive solutions. Not only did I get to know amazing people who are still part of my life in beautiful ways but also how I take every single learning from the mentors/coaches at RISE in every area of my life.