Become a Rise Ambassador

Become a Rise Ambassador and make a lasting impact in the lives of vulnerable children. Join forces with like-minded volunteers who share your passion for creating positive change. Engage in social activities, participate in small fundraisers, and embark on exciting adventures such as the TD Five Boro Bike Ride. Your commitment will not only enrich your own life but also contribute to a brighter future for those in need. Take the first step towards making a difference today.

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Meet the Ambassador Team

Constantine “Conner” Kechriotis

Rise Ambassadors Chair and Development Committee Member and Business Transformation Consultant

“As someone who is very passionate about building communities centered around helping others learn, grow, and experience the joys of a full life. I am drawn to Rise's innovative approach to childhood development that keeps empathy, compassion, and joy at the core of its approach and helps instill these values into the communities it aims to unite around a shared mission!”

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Omair Alam

Public Health Professional, NYC Health + Hospitals

"Early intervention changed my daughter’s life. I support Rise because every child—no matter where they are—deserves the same chance to heal, play, and grow."

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Carolyn Chang

Senior Portfolio Manager, & Lead Digital Investment Product Manager, Goldman Sachs

“I support Rise because they turn compassion into action, giving children around the world the chance for a brighter future. I believe in their mission to focus on incorporating play and positive development, leaving a lasting impact on the lives of these children.”

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James Feder

Rabbi

“Recognizing that everyone's needs are unique, Proverbs teaches that every child should be educated according to their own way. The children that Rise supports have been dealt a difficult hand; through no fault of their own, they have faced hardships no child should ever endure. By responding to each child’s particular circumstances with care and intention, Rise gives them a real chance to live the life they deserve—the life every person deserves simply by virtue of being human. I can think of no work more holy, and no calling more urgent.”

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Linda I. Gonzalez-Sarinana, MD, MPH.

“As a medical doctor and passionate advocate for public health, I firmly believe that early childhood education is fundamental to helping children reach their full potential. Rise’s mission to support underserved children in vulnerable communities by addressing their developmental, psychosocial, and educational needs is a powerful step toward creating lasting impact. By investing in early stage interventions, we can empower children to make healthier lifestyle choices later in life, ultimately contributing to the prevention of long-term health issues within their communities.”

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Nealy Griffith

Lending Specialist, J.P. Morgan Private Bank

“Having been adopted from Bulgaria at a young age and now raising twin toddlers, I support Rise to help ensure children—regardless of circumstance—have a chance to thrive through play, care, and connection.”

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Raisha Hernandez

Health Equity Program Manager

“As an educator and parent, I support Rise’s vision of empowering children through play, a fundamental necessity, every child should experience. ‘Play is our brain’s favorite way of learning’ - Diane Ackerman”

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Nick Hura

VP - Growth Strategy at JPMorgan Chase

“I support Rise because I am passionate about education and want to help scale their offerings and help support more underserved children around the world.”

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Ben Hwang

Gen AI Engineer

“I support Rise because I believe in their mission to serve and empower children in need. I am proud to support their cause and passion for creating a brighter and more just future for all children.”

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Ashley Leger

Manager, Strategy & Analytics at Forum Brands

“Rise understands the importance of childhood development, and has curated programs that produce a lasting positive impact for underserved children, families and ultimately their communities.”

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Himani Seth

Ophthalmology Technician

“Rise is an organization that is very close to my heart and I am honored to be able to support its cause in any way I can. As an aspiring physician, I deeply value WWO’s evidence-based approach in addressing developmental challenges faced by vulnerable children. WWO acts as a beacon of hope for thousands who have been traumatized by the unimaginable horrors that plague our world.”

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Julia Weaver

Preschool Teacher & WWO Development Committee Member

“As preschool teacher, I know firsthand how deeply important it is for young children to feel loved, secure, and supported in their early years. Rise’s programming not only provides for the basic needs of vulnerable children, but also supports their learning and social development. I could not be more proud to support such a champion of young children.”

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Ram Tan

Photo Re-Touching Service Manager

“A quote by Ralph Emerson resonates with me, ..“The purpose of life is not to be happy. It is to be useful, to be honorable, to be compassionate, to have it make some difference that you have lived and lived well.” So, when an opportunity to support Rise came along, there was no doubt in my mind in immediately joining the cause.”

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VOLUNTEER

Element of Play Storyboarding Kit

Volunteer to craft and assemble the storyboard kits for our young children.

CLICK HERE TO LEARN MORE
CLICK HERE TO LEARN MORE
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A young woman with long dark hair, wearing an orange sleeveless top, sitting at a table in a restaurant. She has earrings, a watch, and a bracelet. In front of her is a children's coloring sheet with colored animal figures, a glass of water, and some coloring supplies.
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