Build meaningful relationships and a sense of belonging.
CONNECT
Every young person deserves to feel connected, valued, and confident in who they are. Yet many youth face challenges that impact their confidence, relationships, and ability to see a positive future. Rising Up Together was created to provide youth with the skills, support, and opportunities they need to develop resilience and thrive.
Why We Are Rising Together
Discover your strengths, passions, and a direction for the future.
PURPOSE
OUR WHY
Develop the skills to overcome challenges and grow stronger through them.
RESILENCE
OUR MISSION
OUR VISION
To empower youth with the tools, relationships, and experiences needed to become confident, connected, and resilient.
A world where every young person has the support and skills to thrive.
MEET THE MOVEMENT BEHIND RISING UP TOGETHER
Built By People Who Believe In The Power Of Youth
FOUNDERS
EXECUTIVE TEAM
CURRICULUM
TEAM
STUDENT INTERNSHIPS
COMMUNITY
HOSTS & LEADERS
Driven by a passion to strengthen youth and communities
Leaders with heart, experience and a shared commitment to youth.
Educators and experts who create engaging, research-based habits proven to build resilience.
Community members who give their time and talents.
VOLUNTEERS
Students learning, growing, and making an impact.
Partners and members who help expand our mission.
Behind every lesson, activity, and experience is a passionate team of educators, professionals, students, volunteers, and community leaders who believe every young person deserves the opportunity to thrive.
How We Create Change
OUR APPROACH
We listen to youth, families, and communities to understand real needs.
We design engaging programs and resources that inspire growth.
We partner with schools, families, and communities to bring solutions to life.
We empower youth to thrive and create a positive impact to their world.
STRONGER TOGETHER
Our Community Partners
Lasting change happens when communities come together. We are grateful for the organizations and individuals who help us expand opportunities for youth.
SCHOOLS
UNIVERSITIES
COMMUNITY
ORGANIZATIONS
GRANT
PARTNERS
SPONSORS
Board of Directors
OUR LEADERSHIP
Shelly Jordan
President
Shawn Gandola
Vice President & Public Relations Director
Heather Hirst
Treasurer
Rachel Gandola
Secretary
Jeff Hirst
Strategic Business Director
Lola Christensen
Philanthropy Director
Marci Monson
Outreach Director
Andy Proctor
Curriculum Professional Advisor
Desiree Winters
Curriculum Professional Advisor
Janae Nelson
Curriculum Professional Advisor
Desiree Winters
Rising Up Together is a non-profit public benefit 501(c)(3) corporation and is operated exclusively for educational and charitable purposes within the meaning of Section 501 (c)(3) of the Internal Revenue code. Rising Up Together is not organized and shall not be operated for the private gain of any person. The property of the corporation is irrevocably dedicated to its educational and charitable purposes and no part of the receipts, or net earnings of the corporation shall be used for any activities other than its mission. Rising Up Together will always retain control over the contributed funds and will provide the relative information regarding its activities on its website.
We practice and encourage transparency and accountability by providing full and accurate information about our purpose, mission, activities, finances, contribution forms, and governance. Documents may be downloaded at no cost upon request.
