News
An Important Message from the Rise Up For Youth Executive Director
I hope you are well and staying warm wherever you are! I have spent the last few years at Rise Up For Youth to help grow the impact we provide to our students by expanding and solidifying the mission and vision of our founders, staff, board, and community. I have truly treasured this time and every opportunity I have been given with you. I write to share with you that effective March 10th, I will be stepping down from my position and I will assume the role of executive director for a nonprofit here in Wichita called Empower Evergreen.
I truly believe in Rise Up For Youth and everything we stand for because I know our students will continue making the world a better place. This decision was made, not because I want to leave a mission I love, but because I have an opportunity to take what I’ve learned and help our Wichita community in other ways.
Sometimes when people hear of an executive director transition, their mind goes to the state of the organization because they profoundly care, as we do, that this mission continues to thrive.
Here’s what you should know: We’re ready to end this fiscal year in a strong financial position; an amazing community of board leadership, staff, alumni, and students; a vibrant mission that has stretched in new and meaningful ways during these last few years; and most importantly a community ready to embrace our students with new opportunities so they can reach their fullest potential.
Rise Up For Youth truly is heading in the right direction because we have stayed true to what our mission is – empowering students. I know this organization will continue, as it always has been, to be a leader in youth mentoring in Wichita and beyond.
I owe each and everyone a thank you for allowing me to play a part in your story with Rise Up For Youth. Together, we make a vibrant community that brings this mission to life, and together the best is yet to come.
Empowering Together,
Ariel Rodriguez-Williams
I truly believe in Rise Up For Youth and everything we stand for because I know our students will continue making the world a better place. This decision was made, not because I want to leave a mission I love, but because I have an opportunity to take what I’ve learned and help our Wichita community in other ways.
Sometimes when people hear of an executive director transition, their mind goes to the state of the organization because they profoundly care, as we do, that this mission continues to thrive.
Here’s what you should know: We’re ready to end this fiscal year in a strong financial position; an amazing community of board leadership, staff, alumni, and students; a vibrant mission that has stretched in new and meaningful ways during these last few years; and most importantly a community ready to embrace our students with new opportunities so they can reach their fullest potential.
Rise Up For Youth truly is heading in the right direction because we have stayed true to what our mission is – empowering students. I know this organization will continue, as it always has been, to be a leader in youth mentoring in Wichita and beyond.
I owe each and everyone a thank you for allowing me to play a part in your story with Rise Up For Youth. Together, we make a vibrant community that brings this mission to life, and together the best is yet to come.
Empowering Together,
Ariel Rodriguez-Williams
A Statement from Rise Up For Youth Founders and Board
It is with a mix of sadness and gratitude that the Board of Directors announces Ariel Rodriguez’s departure as the Executive Director of Rise Up For Youth, effective March 10, 2021.
Since 2017, Ariel has played a critical role in the development and success of the organization, and while we will miss him and his leadership, we wish him the best of luck in his new endeavor as the Executive Director of Empower Evergreen. We want to thank Ariel for his 3.5 years of dedicated service which involved many significant accomplishments.
While we have experienced several staff changes over the past few months, we want to assure you that our organization remains strong and our focus remains on the mission to serve our students and community in excellence. Our Board and staff are continually working to provide the essential services we have always provided to our students and community.
Over the next few months, we will be conducting a search to find a new Executive Director. During this transition period, it is our priority to find the best individual to lead long-term, while still maintaining a stable and effective organization.
We are immensely grateful for all the contributions that Ariel has made and cannot thank Ariel enough for the dedication, passion, and enthusiasm he has given to Rise Up For Youth over the past 3.5 years.
If you have any questions or concerns during this transition process, please do not hesitate to reach out to Board Co-Chairs Coleen Tabor ctabor@emprisebank.org or LaShonda Garnes lashonda.garnes@wichita.edu.
We appreciate your continued support and look forward to continuing to work with you in the future.
Onward,
David and Lynn Gilkey, Founders
Rise Up For Youth Board of Directors
Since 2017, Ariel has played a critical role in the development and success of the organization, and while we will miss him and his leadership, we wish him the best of luck in his new endeavor as the Executive Director of Empower Evergreen. We want to thank Ariel for his 3.5 years of dedicated service which involved many significant accomplishments.
While we have experienced several staff changes over the past few months, we want to assure you that our organization remains strong and our focus remains on the mission to serve our students and community in excellence. Our Board and staff are continually working to provide the essential services we have always provided to our students and community.
Over the next few months, we will be conducting a search to find a new Executive Director. During this transition period, it is our priority to find the best individual to lead long-term, while still maintaining a stable and effective organization.
We are immensely grateful for all the contributions that Ariel has made and cannot thank Ariel enough for the dedication, passion, and enthusiasm he has given to Rise Up For Youth over the past 3.5 years.
If you have any questions or concerns during this transition process, please do not hesitate to reach out to Board Co-Chairs Coleen Tabor ctabor@emprisebank.org or LaShonda Garnes lashonda.garnes@wichita.edu.
We appreciate your continued support and look forward to continuing to work with you in the future.
Onward,
David and Lynn Gilkey, Founders
Rise Up For Youth Board of Directors
