RISE 2026
Connection, Confidence, and Creativity: Our First Empowerment Week in NYC
RISE 2026 Components
Restorative Justice Training
Through our partnership with the Morningside Center for Teaching Social Responsibility, we offered Tier 1 Restorative Justice Training to participants in the early morning. Our training included topics on reclaiming identity, conflict resolution, and emotional regulation.
Mentorship
Each day, participants had mentors who engaged in discussions. The discussion topics varied, ranging from subjects including time management, building healthy relationships, emotional wellness, and more. These mentor-led discussions fostered a safe and supportive environment that encouraged self reflection, growth, and connection.
Career Panels
RISE Empowerment Week 2026 included daily career panels with various professionals within the fields of law, government, healthcare, finance, public service, and entrepreneurship. Our panelists addressed the need for intentional professionalism and shared insights about how to stay culturally grounded in a diverse workforce. On Wednesday, April 8th, participants participated in a financial literacy workshop on adapting an abundance mindset.
Testimonials
“Participating in the RISE program has significantly shaped the meaning of leadership for me. I viewed leadership as being the loudest voice or those always taking initiative. However, while doing the program, it taught me that leadership is not only about being the loudest or always taking initiative, but about collaboration, empathy, and consistency.”
—Cristal R.RISE 2026 participant
Posse Foundation nominee
“On the first day, we participated in a breathing exercise, and for the first time in a while, I felt completely grounded. The room was calm, unified, and intentional. In that moment, I truly understood what power within us looked like. The sisterhood created within the program showed me that leadership is not about standing above others, but growing alongside them. This is a lesson I plan on taking to college.”
—Jada H.RISE 2026 participant
Posse Foundation nominee
“ Serving as a the Youth Healthcare Panel facilitator brought me new perspectives on what it was like to facilitate a conversation with healthcare professionals as an aspiring nurse. I learned that leadership is also the art of listening. RISE gave me the opportunity to engage with women who inspired me.”
—Makayla D.R.RISE healthcare panel facilitator