RISE San Diego

RISE San Diego Fostering urban leadership and civic engagement.

The founders of RISE San Diego are former San Diego City Council President Tony Young and community and nonprofit leader Dwayne Crenshaw. Both are native sons of southeastern San Diego with vast experience in urban communities, government, nonprofit management and public service. The success of RISE is built on our leadership’s long-term commitment to social justice and equity, deep knowledge of the community and proven ability to engage with residents, nonprofits, business and civic leaders.

Panelist Spotlight! Meet Dr. Ryan Fan 📚🌍Dr. Ryan Fan serves as the Advocacy and Campaign Manager at Majdal (Arab Communi...
09/02/2026

Panelist Spotlight! Meet Dr. Ryan Fan 📚🌍
Dr. Ryan Fan serves as the Advocacy and Campaign Manager at Majdal (Arab Community Center of San Diego), where he leads initiatives focused on education access, data equity, and economic opportunities for local Middle Eastern and North African (MENA) communities.
With over a decade of background as an educator, researcher, and two-time Fulbright grantee, Dr. Fan brings incredible expertise on linguistic and cultural liaison work for newcomers and refugees.
Learn how to advocate for data equity and underrepresented communities at RISE Now!
🗓️ Saturday, September 12, 2026 | 9:30 AM – 12:30 PM
📍 Nan Couts Cottage, La Mesa
🎟️ Register today via the link in our bio!

The people with the power to transform San Diego are already in our neighborhoods. ✨Since 2014, has been empowering gra...
08/29/2026

The people with the power to transform San Diego are already in our neighborhoods. ✨

Since 2014, has been empowering grassroots leaders — from youth in our On the RISE program to over 236 fellows leading local organizations, businesses, and government initiatives.

To make sure talent is never limited by financial resources, RISE programs are offered at minimal or no cost. But we need YOUR help to keep this ecosystem thriving!

We’re raising money to fund the next generation of San Diego changemakers, artists, and leaders.

🤝 Here’s what your donation supports:
• $25 🏠 Keeps programs 100% free for participants
• $100 ⚡ Sparks a youth leader's journey
• $250 🌱 Fuels a fellow or artist through a season of growth
• $500 🌐 Strengthens an entire community ecosystem

Investing in one leader creates a multiplier effect that lifts us all. Together, We All RISE! 💛

👉 Tap the link in our bio to donate today or visit givebutter.com/WeALLRISE

Panelist Spotlight! Meet Rosa Olascoaga 🏛️✨A City Heights native, Rosa started organizing at just 13 years old—helping s...
08/26/2026

Panelist Spotlight! Meet Rosa Olascoaga 🏛️✨

A City Heights native, Rosa started organizing at just 13 years old—helping secure a skatepark for her neighborhood and Youth Opportunity Passes for youth across San Diego County! 🛹🚌

Today, she serves as the Deputy Chief of Staff for San Diego Council District 9, advancing initiatives centered on transportation justice, housing, climate equity, and community development.

Rosa understands local government from both the community organizing side and the inside of City Hall. Come learn how decisions get made at the municipal level!

🗓️ Saturday, September 12, 2026 | 9:30 AM – 12:30 PM
📍 Nan Couts Cottage, La Mesa
🎟️ Register now—link in bio!

Calling all RISE grads! 🌟 It’s time to reconnect, share a meal, and celebrate everything our RISE community has built to...
08/25/2026

Calling all RISE grads! 🌟 It’s time to reconnect, share a meal, and celebrate everything our RISE community has built together.

🗓 Date: Sunday, September 13th, 2026
⏰ Time: 12:00 PM – 4:00 PM
📍 Location: Secret spot! (DMs only)
🍽 What to expect: Good food, great conversations, and a whole lot of community love.

How to get the details & location:
Comment your Cohort or Generation Number below (e.g., "Cohort 3" or "Gen 1")! Once you drop your comment, we’ll DM you the venue details and RSVP link.

Tag your fellow cohort members below to make sure nobody misses out! 👇✨

Last week, we held our RISE Fall Community mixer, where leaders, community members, and more gathered and shared space t...
08/21/2026

Last week, we held our RISE Fall Community mixer, where leaders, community members, and more gathered and shared space together. Check out some of the beautiful photos captured by our new Leadership Programs Director, Ale Uzárraga.

Consider being a monthly supporter of RISE San Diego! By contributing to RISE, you are not merely supporting a program; you are investing in an interconnected ecosystem of young people, leaders, artists, neighbors, and organizations who support one another throughout San Diego.

Investing in a single leader, regardless of age or background, generates a multiplier effect that benefits all those they influence.

Contribute today to ensure that RISE continues to advance its mission. https://givebutter.com/WeALLRISE

Panelist Spotlight! Meet J'Nyka Faulkner 🌟📣Since 2014, J'Nyka has served as the Civic Engagement Coordinator at Alliance...
08/18/2026

Panelist Spotlight! Meet J'Nyka Faulkner 🌟📣

Since 2014, J'Nyka has served as the Civic Engagement Coordinator at Alliance San Diego, leading budget education sessions, leadership development courses, and lobby visits aimed at building strong co-governance in our region.

J'Nyka also brings deep cultural grounding to civic work, stepping into leadership for Kumeyaay culture and land acknowledgements across San Diego.

Want to learn how to effectively lobby for your community and build lasting partnerships with local government? You won't want to miss J'Nyka's insights!

🗓️ Saturday, September 12, 2026 | 9:30 AM – 12:30 PM

📍 Nan Couts Cottage, La Mesa

🎟️ Register now via the link in our bio! (https://givebutter.com/risenow26s3)

In every thriving neighborhood, powerful change doesn't descend from distant boardrooms. Change bubbles up from the root...
08/18/2026

In every thriving neighborhood, powerful change doesn't descend from distant boardrooms. Change bubbles up from the roots, driven by residents themselves. We’re thrilled to honor those in our community making changes. Here are the extraordinary 2026 Inclusive Leadership in Action (ILIA) Award nominees across seven categories!

📲 Swipe through the carousel to celebrate the architects of our community.

The Anthony M. Medina People’s Champion: Named in honor of late RISE Fellow (‘18) Anthony M. Medina, recognizing dedicated advocates bringing real change to underserved communities.
• Karrie Gonzales
• Kimberly Grady
• Alejandro Martínez
• Kasandra Valladolid
• Gloria Verdieu

Collective Resilience Advocate: Honors individuals fostering adaptation and unity so communities can respond to and recover from adversity together.
• Brandon Flowers
• Nyisha Green-Washington
• Natalie Legerrette

Community Change Agent: Recognizes leaders creating sustainable, systemic change through innovative programs, policies, or platforms.

• Dilkhwaz Ahmed
• Risa Bell
• Alejandra M. Chaidez
• Ronald Preston Clark
• John W. Edwards, III
• Cynthia Gilliam
• Laurie Magulac, MSW
• Alejandro Martínez
• Tema Mercado
• Courtney Ochi
• Janice Luna Reynoso
• The Saint
• Leland Simpliciano
• Olivia Steadman-Oladipo

Culture Shifter: Celebrates change-makers disrupting outdated norms to help organizations and communities better serve local needs.
• Alejandra M. Chaidez
• Pam Covarrubias
• Nicole Milner, MPH EMBA

Next-Gen Influencer: Highlights young adult leaders (ages 16–25) who are growing into action-driven thought leaders in their neighborhoods.
• Sofia Myabel Cuevas
• Dennise Juarez Aguilar
• Mayte Mercado
• Miyu Oda-Deshotels
• Ashley Ordaz
• Angel Pippins-Lopez
• Diego Sandoval
• Nisa Thomas
• Daniel Zhang

Restorative Practitioner: Honors individuals creating spaces of healing, compassion, and empathy with a strong ethic of care.
• Karrie Gonzales
• Camille Grace Kelly
• Nicole Milner, MPH EMBA
• Pastor Jesus Sandoval
• Mercedes Tiggs, LCSW

Organization for Change: Celebrates organizations delivering exceptional programs and confronting systemic challenges to uplift San Diegans.
• Access, Inc.
• Casa Cornelia Law Center
• Community Resource Center
• Karen Organization of San Diego
• Kind Hearts San Diego
• LKW STEM Foundation
• Project New Village
• San Diego Futures Foundation
• Solpath Counseling & Holistic Wellness
• Think Dignity

Drop a comment below to cheer on these grassroots champions, and visit the link in our bio to learn more! 🔗 bit.ly/RISE-ILIA

In every thriving neighborhood, powerful change doesn’t descend from distant boardrooms. Change bubbles up from the root...
08/18/2026

In every thriving neighborhood, powerful change doesn’t descend from distant boardrooms. Change bubbles up from the roots, driven by residents themselves. We’re thrilled to honor those in our community making changes. Here are the extraordinary 2026 Inclusive Leadership in Action (ILIA) Award nominees across seven categories!

📲 Swipe through the carousel to celebrate the architects of our community.

Drop a comment below to cheer on these grassroots champions, and visit the link in our bio to learn more! 🔗 bit.ly/RISE-ILIA

LeadershipDevelopment

The Anthony M. Medina People’s Champion: Named in honor of late RISE Fellow (‘18) Anthony M. Medina, recognizing dedicated advocates bringing real change to underserved communities.

• Karrie Gonzales
• Kimberly Grady
• Alejandro Martínez
• Kasandra Valladolid
• Gloria Verdieu

Collective Resilience Advocate: Honors individuals fostering adaptation and unity so communities can respond to and recover from adversity together.

• Brandon Flowers
• Nyisha Green-Washington
• Natalie Legerrette

Community Change Agent: Recognizes leaders creating sustainable, systemic change through innovative programs, policies, or platforms.

• Dilkhwaz Ahmed
• Risa Bell
• Alejandra M. Chaidez
• Ronald Preston Clark
• John W. Edwards, III
• Cynthia Gilliam
• Laurie Magulac, MSW
• Alejandro Martínez
• Tema Mercado
• Courtney Ochi
• Janice Luna Reynoso
• The Saint
• Leland Simpliciano
• Olivia Steadman-Oladipo

Culture Shifter: Celebrates change-makers disrupting outdated norms to help organizations and communities better serve local needs.

• Alejandra M. Chaidez
• Pam Covarrubias
• Nicole Milner, MPH EMBA
• Chrystian Smith

Next-Gen Influencer: Highlights young adult leaders (ages 16–25) who are growing into action-driven thought leaders in their neighborhoods.

• Sofia Myabel Cuevas
• Dennise Juarez Aguilar
• Mayte Mercado
• Miyu Oda-Deshotels
• Ashley Ordaz
• Angel Pippins-Lopez
• Diego Sandoval
• Nisa Thomas
• Daniel Zhang

Restorative Practitioner: Honors individuals creating space

Huy is a local San Diego grassroots organizer, q***r Vietnamese immigrant, and Executive Director of Viet Voices. From v...
08/13/2026

Huy is a local San Diego grassroots organizer, q***r Vietnamese immigrant, and Executive Director of Viet Voices. From voter education and criminal justice reform to city budgets and rent stabilization, Huy’s work spans numerous local coalitions, including Indivisible San Diego, We the People SD, and the San Diego API Coalition.
He brings a deep, hands-on knowledge of how grassroots power interacts with local government policy. Come learn how you can plug into local advocacy!

🗓️ Saturday, September 12, 2026 | 9:30 AM – 12:30 PM
📍 Nan Couts Cottage, La Mesa
🎟️ Save your seat! Link in bio. https://givebutter.com/risenow26s3

08/12/2026

Huy is a local San Diego grassroots organizer, q***r Vietnamese immigrant, and Executive Director of Viet Voices. From voter education and criminal justice reform to city budgets and rent stabilization, Huy’s work spans numerous local coalitions, including Indivisible San Diego, We the People SD, and the San Diego API Coalition.
He brings a deep, hands-on knowledge of how grassroots power interacts with local government policy. Come learn how you can plug into local advocacy!

🗓️ Saturday, September 12, 2026 | 9:30 AM – 12:30 PM
📍 Nan Couts Cottage, La Mesa
🎟️ Save your seat! Link in bio (https://givebutter.com/risenow26s3)

Address

404 Euclid Avenue, Ste 329
San Diego, CA
92114

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