Staff
Ariel Rodriguez-Williams
Executive Director The most inspiring part of my job is that I get to work with our staff, board of directors, community leaders, volunteers, and donors to help amplify our mission and share our story! When I was younger, I was pretty sure I'd be a car salesman. The most important thing I learned in high school was that no dream is too big. Be bold and make it happen. (316) 207-7246 arodriguez@riseupforyouth.org |
Christyn Gunter
Director of Programs The most inspiring part of my job is seeing our students dream bigger and achieve greater. When I was younger, I was pretty sure I'd be in a profession that helps people. The most important thing I learned in high school was to own whatever stage of growth I'm in, while embracing the act of intentionally improving and celebrating others. (316) 308-4688 cgunter@riseupforyouth.org |
David Gilkey
Co-Founder & Program Champion: Brotherhood The most inspiring part of my job is seeing our student's lives change. When I was younger, I was pretty sure I'd be in the NFL. The most important thing I learned in high school was that it gets you ready for life. (316) 833-3035 dgilkey@riseupforyouth.org |
Keyocsha Brown
Youth Champion: Sisterhood The most inspiring part of my job is motivating our students to be the best that they can be. When I was younger, I was pretty sure I would be a professional singer. The most important thing I learned in high school was to be yourself. You don't have to fit in to be popular. (316) 833-7231 kbrown@riseupforyouth.org |
Lee Hurst
Youth Champion: Brotherhood The most inspiring part of my job is the opportunity to positively impact the lives of our students and community. When I was younger, I was pretty sure I'd be an actor/singer. The most important thing I learned in high school was to stay true to yourself and don't be a follower. (316) 833-7150 lhurst@riseupforyouth.org |
Lynn Gilkey
Co-Founder & Program Champion: Sisterhood The most inspiring part of my job is being in a position to make an impact in the lives of our students. When I was younger, I was pretty sure I'd be the person I needed when I was growing up. The most important thing I learned in high school was to stay true to yourself and don't be a follower. (316) 833-3224 lgilkey@riseupforyouth.org |
Parrishon Marshall
Administrative Assistant The most inspiring part of my job is seeing the effort put forth by our youth champions who do not see this as just a job or a paycheck but genuinely are invested in seeing our students succeed. When I was younger, I always knew I would be an Administrative Professional. The most important thing I learned in high school was that it's okay to be different or peculiar. I never went with the crowd, but because I respected the crowd, the crowd respected me. (316) 202-0228 pmarshall@riseupforyouth.org |
Sean Gates
Youth Champion: Brotherhood The most inspiring part of my job is seeing a change in our students. When I was younger, I was pretty sure I'd be a winner at whatever I chose to do. The most important thing I learned in high school was learning about myself. (316) 833-2253 sgates@riseupforyouth.org |
Suzannah Bowden
Community Outreach VISTA The most inspiring part of my job is getting to witness the impact our students make on our program champions. I love to hear testimonies of how this organization has impacted our community as a whole. When I was younger, I was pretty sure I'd be an architect. The most important thing I learned in high school was that it's okay to own your individuality. (254) 723-3334 sbowden@riseupforyouth.org |
Vanessa Rials
Youth Champion: Sisterhood The most inspiring part of my job is being able to play a part in empowering the students we serve. When I was younger, I was pretty sure I'd be the president of the United States of America. The most important thing I learned in high school was to be yourself. (316) 833-7070 vrials@riseupforyouth.org |
