Staff
Ariel Rodriguez-Williams - Executive Director
Ariel joined the Rise Up For Youth team August 2017 after many years in Lawrence, KS. He was born and raised in Wichita and holds a Bachelor of Elementary Education degree. His passion for youth development came from working seven years at the Boys & Girls Club of Lawrence in various capacities. Ariel believes that mentoring can truly change a life forever and is very dedicated to making sure all students have an opportunity to be a part of Rise Up For Youth.
(316) 207-7246
arodriguez@riseupforyouth.org
(316) 207-7246
arodriguez@riseupforyouth.org
Lynn Gilkey - Program Director for CLASS
Lynn Gilkey knows well the pain and isolation many young people face in our community. She has dedicated herself to mentoring and helping young people not end up on a similar path as her. After years of substance abuse, Lynn Gilkey turned her life around and was given a chance to rewrite her story.
In 2008 Lynn was able to execute her vision for a program she personally created; Caring Ladies Assisting Students to Succeed (CLASS). CLASS is dedicated to helping teenage girls avoid going down the wrong road, a road Lynn knows all too well. She mentors teen girls in the Wichita Kansas public school system, motivating them to graduate high school and choose healthy lifestyle behaviors. With the support of generous sponsors and dedicated volunteers in 2014 , Lynn and David created Rise Up For Youth, Inc. to better serve the youth in the Wichita, KS community.
(316) 440-9232
lgilkey@riseupforyouth.org
In 2008 Lynn was able to execute her vision for a program she personally created; Caring Ladies Assisting Students to Succeed (CLASS). CLASS is dedicated to helping teenage girls avoid going down the wrong road, a road Lynn knows all too well. She mentors teen girls in the Wichita Kansas public school system, motivating them to graduate high school and choose healthy lifestyle behaviors. With the support of generous sponsors and dedicated volunteers in 2014 , Lynn and David created Rise Up For Youth, Inc. to better serve the youth in the Wichita, KS community.
(316) 440-9232
lgilkey@riseupforyouth.org
David Gilkey - Program Director for Do You Want to Live or Die?
David Gilkey is a long-time advocate for adolescents in the Wichita community. He works with young males to reduce violence, prevent gang involvement and promote healthy lifestyles.
Mr. Gilkey is a member of the Wichita Gang Coalition and Real Men Real Heroes. From 2010 until 2012, he served on the State of Kansas Crime Prevention Council. Mr. Gilkey was honored with the Wichita NAACP Person of the Year award in 2008 and has been honored by the Sigma Gamma Rho Panhellenic Council for his work with Wichita’s youth. He frequently speaks to community organizations on gang prevention and reducing gang involvement.
(316) 312-5705
dgilkey@riseupforyouth.org
Mr. Gilkey is a member of the Wichita Gang Coalition and Real Men Real Heroes. From 2010 until 2012, he served on the State of Kansas Crime Prevention Council. Mr. Gilkey was honored with the Wichita NAACP Person of the Year award in 2008 and has been honored by the Sigma Gamma Rho Panhellenic Council for his work with Wichita’s youth. He frequently speaks to community organizations on gang prevention and reducing gang involvement.
(316) 312-5705
dgilkey@riseupforyouth.org
Gwen Duggins - Program Coordinator for CLASS
Gwen is a native Wichitan who graduated from Wichita High School North. She attended college at Wichita State University, California State University Dominguez Hills and Southwestern College. She holds Bachelor of Arts degrees in Education and Liberal Studies. As an educator, Gwen has over 30 years of experience working with young people in various capacities. She is humbled and excited to join the Rise Up For Youth team because she is passionate about mentoring, encouraging and expanding opportunity to ALL students, but especially those who have been challenged by life's circumstances.
gduggins@riseupforyouth.org
gduggins@riseupforyouth.org
Kareem Collins - Program Coordinator for Do You Want to Live or Die?
Kareem joined the Rise Up For Youth team January 2016. He brings over 13 years of experience working with youth; including careers at the Urban League of Kansas, Child Start, Inc., Judge Riddle Boys Ranch, and education practicums in the Prince Georges County school district. He is a graduate of Wichita Northwest High School and holds a Bachelors of Arts in Sociology from Wichita State University. Kareem's responsibilities include program developer and coordinator for Rise Up For Youth mentoring program Do You Want To Live Or Die. He serves as a student adviser, data analyst and program facilitator. He is also serves as the Post-Secondary college and university tour coordinator and leads the annual Rise Up For Youth Spring Break College Tour. He believes all young people have a purpose, they just may need a little help finding it.
kcollins@riseupforyouth.org
kcollins@riseupforyouth.org
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Quentin Roberts - Practicum Student
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Quentin joined the Rise up for Youth team as an intern for the 2017-2018 school year. He is a senior at Wichita State University and is scheduled to graduate in May of 2018 with a Bachelor of Social Work degree. He has over four years of experience working in the social services field with the Mental Health Association of South Central Kansas (MHA) and other local organizations. Quentin's experience also includes working in the mental health field with homeless veterans and at risk teens. Quentin is excited for the opportunity to learn and grow in his role at Rise up for Youth. His long term goal is to head his own non-profit organization focused on teen boys.
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