“Just like moons and like suns, with the certainty of tides. Just like the hopes springing high, still I’ll R.I.S.E.”
— Maya Angelou
Building A Brighter Future
WE ARE R.I.S.E. Inc. is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that was established in South Los Angeles, CA. Our mission is to empower pre-adolescent to adolescent girls of color through equipping them with social emotional and developmental skills they can use in their everyday lives. Areas of focus are self-awareness, personal health and well-being, education, and community philanthropy. The R.I.S.E. Acronym (Resilient, Intelligent, Successful and Empowered) is used as a mantra to provide our mentees with a number of affirmations to hold on to for the rest of their lives.
—
Dr. Ebone Smith
Founder and President
Safe Space Summit 2025
This event is hosted in collaboration with KRS Training and Upward Bound.
Join us for a one-day summit for youth and caregivers to connect, learn, and grow together. Explore the gaps that create distance, including trust, communication, identity, technology, and emotions, through interactive workshops, open conversations, and hands-on activities.
Date: Saturday, November 8, 2025
Location: Cal State Long Beach – School of Business, 1250 N. Bellflower Blvd, Long Beach, CA 90815
Time: Breakfast & Registration: 8:30 AM | Summit: 9:00 AM – 2:30 PM
Parking: Lot G5 (Merriam Way) – $10
🌱 Summit Goals
Strengthen communication and trust
Share experiences across cultural and generational lines
Learn strategies for emotional wellness, social media, and independence
Build stronger family bonds rooted in understanding, respect, and care
👥 Who Should Attend
Youth ages 11–18
Parents, guardians, and caregivers
Community mentors and leaders who support youth
✨ Summit Highlights
💡 Engaging workshops
🎨 Interactive activities
🫂 Family reflection sessions
💬 Open conversations
🎁 Take-home resources
📝 Register Now
Secure your spot today and join us for a day of growth, connection, and empowerment!
Individual and Group Mentoring
Through weekly individual and group mentoring, mentors and mentees focus on positive self-esteem, coping skills, healthy living, and awareness of self-power.
Workshops
WE ARE R.I.S.E. mentees participate in a series of workshops that are geared toward the strengthening of their social, emotional and personal development. Examples of workshops provided are etiquette, self-advocacy, leadership, and goal setting.
2025 Initiatives
We will strengthen our mentees by emphasizing the following areas:
Self-Awareness
Personal Health and Wellness
Education
Community Philanthropy
Follow Our Journey
RESILIENT
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INTELLIGENT
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SUCCESSFUL
•
EMPOWERED
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RESILIENT • INTELLIGENT • SUCCESSFUL • EMPOWERED •
Testimonials
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"RISE has increased her self awareness because she is more confident in her own skin."
R.I.S.E. Parent
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"It let me believe in myself and that your strong to do anything."
R.I.S.E. Mentee
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"RISE has increased her self awareness because she is more confident in her own skin."
R.I.S.E. Parent
Contact us.
Want your child to be a part of R.I.S.E.?
Would you like your school to partner with us as an after school program?
Are you looking to volunteer with us?
Interested in becoming a long-term donor?
We invite you to fill out the form below!
Please note that we are based in Los Angeles, CA
