ABOUT US : OUR TEAM
We are passionate about working with communities to create real change.
Join our team
Ready to rise to the challenge and make a difference?
Let’s create social change together
Meesha Brown, the first woman and person of color to lead the organization, brings 20 years of experience in education, communications, and transformative leadership. Among the many initiatives Meesha has spearheaded is the award-winning #ISurvivedEbola campaign, which reached over 10 million people with lifesaving information during the Ebola crisis.
Previously, Meesha served as Director of Literacy for New York City Public Schools, influencing policies impacting over 1.1 million students. Meesha is on the boards of Calvert Impact Capital, Climate United, and David and Dovetta Wilson Scholarship Fund. She holds a B.A. in education from the University of Texas, and an MSc in urban policy at the New School. A proud West Texan and one of 11 siblings, she brings a deeply personal commitment to education and equity.
Graciela Leal combines 15+ years of expertise in Social and Behavior Change (SBC) strategy with a passion for cross-cultural understanding. She ensures that all programs have rigorous Learning, Monitoring, and Evaluation frameworks, driving measurable impact and transformative change.
Graciela leads global initiatives, from clean energy advocacy in India to gender-based violence campaigns in the Caribbean. Her work on Unstained, a groundbreaking Entertainment-Education series, addresses sexual health among teens in the juvenile justice system. Is a native Spanish speaker, bilingual in English, and holds an MSc in Sociology of Education from NYU and a BA in Communication Studies from Mexico. Beyond work, she enjoys hiking and quality family time.
Sarra Mulugeta brings over seven years of expertise in financial reporting, contract management, and operations within international nonprofits. Sarra excels at tackling complex challenges and driving sustainable growth through her creative, relationship-focused approach.
With an MS in finance from American University, she combines technical expertise with a people-centered strategy to achieve operational excellence. Beyond her professional role, Sarra enjoys cooking, exploring new destinations, and engaging in competitive games with friends and family.
Lisa Duvernay brings a dynamic background in entertainment, music, and employee health benefits to her role. Beginning her career as an actress before transitioning to the music industry, Lisa worked with LOUD Records and All Def Digital, honing her storytelling, audience engagement, and creative strategy skills to advance Rising Impact's mission.
With a Bachelor of Science in Corporate Video Communications from Southern Connecticut State University, Lisa is an expert at crafting impactful stories and fostering organizational effectiveness. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with family, exploring meaningful stories through reading, and learning American Sign Language with her nephews.
Tony has built a remarkable career in the insurance and brokerage industry, establishing himself as a leader and innovator. Known for transforming Dickerson Insurance Services into the largest minority-owned brokerage firm in the U.S. as its CEO. Now a Managing Partner at Alera Group, Tony continues to drive growth and innovation. A passionate advocate for health equity and diversity, he champions inclusion across workforces and supports the success of minority-owned businesses.
Tony’s dedication to social impact is rooted in his upbringing as the son of a senior member of Congress. He serves on the boards of the Los Angeles Urban League, St. Joseph Center for the Homeless, and the Public Counsel Law Center, among others. Tony holds a degree from the University of California, Santa Barbara. His leadership and advocacy reflect his unwavering dedication to building a more inclusive, just, and thriving society.
Luis Orozco is a visionary entrepreneur specializing in artist management, multicultural content development, and representation in children’s music, literature, and multimedia. With a people-centered approach and big-picture instincts, he excels at leading creative teams, championing diversity, and empowering learning. His work with organizations like Scholastic, Disney, and Nickelodeon has shaped bilingual early learning initiatives, including the national Pre-K program Pre-K on My Way.
Luis represents Grammy-winning children’s artists like 123Andrés and Alphabet Rockers and brings expertise in business development, partnerships, and marketing. He holds an MBA from USC and a BA from UC Berkeley, where he was named Alumni of the Year. A dedicated advocate for education, diversity, and community, Luis has served on nonprofit boards like Farm Worker Justice, furthering his commitment to meaningful change.
Judy Friedman is the founder of Audacious Philanthropy, where she helps organizations integrate philanthropy with social entrepreneurship to drive sustainable impact. With expertise in philanthropic capital, equity initiatives, and community empowerment, she is a trusted advisor in creating meaningful social change.
Previously, as VP of Business and Legal Affairs at Saban Capital Group, Judy managed diverse portfolios spanning real estate, private equity, venture capital, media, and telecom. She also serves as General Counsel of the Impact Guild and Vice President of Safe Place for Youth. Judy holds a J.D. from Loyola Law School, a B.A. from the University of Pennsylvania, and executive certification in social impact strategy. Her innovative approach bridges philanthropy, business, and social change to empower organizations to achieve lasting progress.
Bob Allen’s career began as a teenage musician and flourished at Walt Disney Imagineering, where he contributed to EPCOT’s iconic attractions. Over two decades, he held leadership roles such as Director of Film and Tape Production for Disney-MGM Studios and Vice President of Disney Production Services, mastering media innovation and storytelling.
In 2001, Bob founded Integrity Arts and Technology (IDEAS), using purposeful storytelling and design thinking to craft impactful brands, produce media, and design immersive experiences across industries like entertainment, hospitality, and healthcare. A community builder, Bob serves on multiple boards, teaches mindfulness in Central Florida, and is an ordained member of the Zen Buddhist Order of Interbeing. His unique blend of creativity, leadership, and mindfulness continues to inspire transformative change.
Dr. Lynne Yeannakis is an expert in organizational development, strategic planning, and change management, with a career spanning education, government, and nonprofits. As president of Decision Management Associates, USA, she leads transformative projects for diverse clients, including healthcare and nonprofit organizations. She began her career as a human resource specialist with the U.S. Department of Health, Education, and Welfare and is a Ford Foundation Fellow.
Lynne has held roles as Director of Organizational Development at Kaiser Permanente and faculty member at the University of Hartford. She teaches and advises graduate students internationally and holds degrees from Pennsylvania State University and a doctorate from the University of Massachusetts. Her dedication to empowering women and fostering innovation reflects her lifelong commitment to leadership and social impact.
Adisa Septuri is an award-winning director, producer, and philanthropist whose work highlights critical social issues and celebrates African heritage. His documentary ifine (beauty), which explores skin bleaching in Sierra Leone, earned an African Movie Academy Award nomination. In 2023, Netflix recognized his exceptional storytelling by inviting him to their prestigious Directors on the Rise Masterclass. His feature film Skin in the Game premiered at Urbanworld in 2019, earning him Best Director at the Pan African Film and Arts Festival. A graduate of NYU’s Tisch School of the Arts, Adisa is also a passionate humanitarian.
He is currently developing a Sports and Arts Academy for underprivileged youth in Sierra Leone, set to open in 2025. For his contributions to empowering Sierra Leone’s youth, Adisa received the Humanitarian Leadership Award from The Brothers and Sisters of Sierra Leone. His work continues to bridge art and advocacy, inspiring meaningful change.
Terry Mollner is a pioneer in socially responsible investing, co-creating the Calvert Social Funds, now managing $6 billion, and the Calvert Foundation, which has loaned over $1 billion globally to reduce poverty. In 2000, he played a key role in the sale of Ben & Jerry’s to Unilever, ensuring the preservation of its independence, social mission, and board structure. He continues to serve on Ben & Jerry’s board, championing corporate responsibility.
Terry is the founder of Stakeholders Capital, a socially responsible asset management firm, and Trusts for All Children, a crowdfunding charity creating financial security for underserved families. His book, Common Good Capitalism Is Inevitable, showcases his dedication to ethical business and social impact.