For over 20 years, Kimberly has been passionately committed to social justice organizing and advocacy efforts that bring voice and power to youth, LGBTQ people, people of color, and working class communities in the Bay Area. Before coming on as the Executive Director for RYSE, Kimberly served as the Executive Director for Youth Together, the founding organization of the RYSE Center. Kimberly has formerly served on the boards of Lavender Youth Recreation and Information Center, Horizons Foundation, Youth Uprising, Astraea Foundation, and she served as the Advisory Board Chair for RYSE’s planning phase. Kimberly has also been a strong advocate for people of color and youth within the funding community and has served as a community funding panel member of the Women’s Foundation, Horizons Foundation, San Francisco Foundation, San Francisco Department of Children Youth and Their Families, Astraea Foundation, and the California Mental Health Services Administration. She is a former Rockwood Leadership Fellow, LeaderSpring Executive Fellow, and most recently a Stanford University Nonprofit Executive Fellow.

Kanwarpal Dhaliwal (she/hers) is Associate Director and Co-Founder of RYSE in Richmond, CA. Kanwarpal is the daughter of Punjabi immigrants, whose journey to the United States was propelled by global shifts from Post-Colonial British occupation to US empire building. These forces have been both protective and predatory for Kanwarpal, her family, and her community of origin. These axes of privilege and subjugation guide Kanwarpal’s purpose, which is to contribute to movements, communities, and legacies of liberation; to honor and heal the ancestors who fought for her existence and survival; and to forge a world that is just and gentle for future generations. Kanwarpal holds a Master’s Degree in Public Health from San Francisco State University.

Saira is the Finance Director at RYSE, where she focuses on creating clear, people-centered systems to ensure that resources are maximized in support of the organization's mission. With a background in public health and nonprofit finance, Saira’s work is rooted in putting values into practice—whether it’s streamlining financial processes or demystifying complex funding systems. She ensures that RYSE can continue to create opportunities for liberation and growth within the community.

Outside of work, Saira recharges by playing in the dirt—whether that's running with her dog, gardening, or crafting with clay. She holds a Master’s in Public Health and a Master’s in Business Administration, with a focus on healthcare leadership.

Mónica has played many roles at the RYSE Center since joining the team in 2011. As the Director of Operations and Partnerships supports key administrative tasks to sustain the Center. Mónica loves working with people and wants to continue building authentic relationships to help youth navigate the daily traumas they experience in their communities. Mónica was also a former youth member and RYSE intern.

As the Program Administrative Manager, Patty greets and checks in members and visitors who are interested in learning more about what RYSE offers. She is passionate about building connections with young people and working to make sure all their needs are met. Patty strives to create a safe and fun space where youth feel comfortable to explore different programs. Before working at RYSE, she worked and volunteered at nonprofits such as LEAP and Familias Unidas. She was also one of the first youth members at RYSE back when it first opened. Patty has studied at Berkeley City College and received a Recognition of Meritorious Service from the City of Richmond.

As Facilities Coordinator, Chris works with RYSE’s Program Administrative Manager and Operations team to support the administrative and facilities infrastructure for RYSE Commons. This includes helping the front desk staff greet community partners, members, and families who visit RYSE, working with the Member Engagement Team to enroll new members, helping members follow RYSE's House Agreements, and supporting with closing duties. Chris wants to be a role model for Richmond youth, committed to making RYSE feel like a safe space for everyone.

An educator, interdisciplinary artist and activist, Gabriela wants to create a space where young folks are not afraid to take risks in their self expression and can be vulnerable. As Media, Arts, & Culture Director, she oversees RYSE’s MAC programming across the areas of video, music, performing arts, and visual arts. This includes onsite and offsite programming, events, and activities; as well as field building in creative youth development, emerging community arts practice, and youth leadership. Having worked with multiple schools and organizations throughout the East Bay, using the arts as a tool for identity development, generational healing, and understanding social issues, Gabriela is most passionate about creating opportunities for self expression and self exploration.

Helping youth find the powerful connection between the liberating practices of storytelling and creative expression, RYSE’s Video Production Specialist, Pamela, wants to help build the next generation of directors, filmmakers, and digital artists. She started as a muralist, worked her way into digital illustration then script writing and directing animated shorts. She’s created films about immigration for Human Rights Watch, about environmental issues, as well as shorts for QPOC. A first generation Costa Rican, her background includes teaching art at juvenile halls, directing community outreach at an LGBTQ+ center, directing and writing animation, as well as independent filmmaking.

Kuya joins RYSE with over 15 years of music production/audio recording expertise and Youth Development experience. In his role, Kuya will mentor members to create music through programs that focus on creative expression, identity cultivation, and audio production skill building. In his previous experience as a Music Producer, Kuya collaborated with G-Eazy, HBK Gang, Ty Dolla Sign, Kehlani, E-40, Too Short, Wiz Khalifa and P-LO, providing a wide range of services including audio composition, mixing and recording. In Youth Development, Kuya worked at YR Media (FKA Youth Radio) to create music programming and facilitated production sessions with music interns. Through this work, he’s developed partnerships with Washington Post, MacroMedia, PRX’s (AdultISH Podcast), Youth Speaks, Yerba Buena Arts Center, KQED, and East Bay Innovation Awards. Kuya has a degree in Ethnic Studies.

Khairee Clark started out as a member at RYSE at the age of 17 years old. Born and raised in the Bay Area, he found himself enjoying the open space and opportunities that RYSE offered. With the help of musical mentors, he began to build a passion for creating music, and learning the behind the scenes aspects of it. As the Studio Technician, he has the opportunity to work and support the development of members in their musical journey, from beat making and songwriting workshops to recording in RYSE's music studio. Some of the moments Khairee reflects on as powerful in his music career are performing in Time Square in New York City, representing RYSE as part of a music/ arts based convening with MYDA (Music & Youth Development Alliance). He is most proud of his ability to inspire youth with his passion for learning and teaching the craft of music.

As the Visual Arts Assistant, Tearra’s role at RYSE is to emphasize the importance of creativity in a safe environment where all are welcomed in discovering what captivates and encourages them to grow. With past work rooted in creating murals, flyers, graphic recordings, and attending workshops as a former RYSE member and Visual Arts AMP (Advanced Media Producer) intern, Tearra brings artistry, knowledge, and familiarity to her position. She sees inspiring young people to try new things and contribute to their understanding of art as her passion in this work. Tearra is currently taking college level arts courses, and looks forward to completing an advanced degree in studio arts.

Music creation became a love for Quincy as a teenager. Having a large variety of music at his reach since a youth, he describes music as his life, and the Studio Technician role as an opportunity to guide members through their creative journey. Quincy is knowledgeable in piano, guitar, trumpet, trombone, saxophone, as well as various percussion instruments. Formerly in his school’s marching band, he went on to write music in the last 7 years and produce for over 3, becoming proficient in various Digital Audio Workstations. Connecting with young artists is his passion: facilitating a space for creative expression that they will carry for the rest of their lives.

Stephanie Medley has been part of the RYSE team since 2012 and now acts as the Director of Education & Justice. Stephanie leads program development and advocacy and cultivates cross-sector collaborations to address the needs of youth & young adults impacted by education, economic, and criminal & juvenile justice systems. Stephanie is passionate about supporting the development and coordination of youth-friendly and culturally appropriate policies, practices, and supports. She works to create avenues for young people to navigate their own liberation and transform systems. Before joining RYSE, Stephanie worked on housing and eviction defense with Bay Area Legal Aid, serving as a law clerk at San Francisco District Attorney’s Office and Alameda County Public Defender’s Office and clerking for the Honorable Donald S. Mitchell, Superior Court of California County of San Francisco. Stephanie holds a J.D. from John F. Kennedy University College of Law, received her B.A. in Political Science and American Studies from San Francisco State University, and currently sits on Contra Costa County's Racial Justice Taskforce.

As RYSE’s Restorative Practices Specialist, Eddy does advocacy and policy work involving the juvenile justice system. He is passionate about working to serve his community and people, and, as a former RYSE member, empowering youth members to make an impact in the world. Before joining RYSE, Eddy was the garden site manager at Verde Elementary School in North Richmond and an urban agriculture class co-facilitator at Richmond High School through Urban Tilth. In college, he was a Youth Empowerment Program member and volunteered at the YOLO County Detention Center in Woodland, CA. Eddy has done community organizing in Richmond, as well as advocacy and policy work in the Canal District in San Rafael and for the state. Eddy knows how to grow food and has taught beginning silk screen poster printing at Richmond Art Center. He holds a degree in Chicanx studies from UC Davis.

Breon joins us in 2025 as the Youth Justice Coordinator to support in developing RYSE’s youth justice programs and transition and reentry case management. He will have frequent opportunities to work with staff and partners to monitor the development of justice policies and practices impacting youth and their families at the local, state and national levels, with a focus on local transformation. He is most passionate in planting seeds to building connections with youth across the state. With his experience in juvenile incarceration and being system impacted, he wants to give the youth an example of what the outcome can be. Breon brings in institutional knowledge and community organizing experience working previously with CURYJ in creating the Dream Beyond Bars Fellowship that amplifies the political consciousness, political power, leadership and professional development of formerly incarcerated young adults. His skills and talents in interpersonal communication, conflict resolution and de-escalation and Restorative Justice facilitation demonstrates his commitment to creating a safe space and a sense of belonging for youth. 

Chantille Tran, a native of Richmond, CA, currently serves as the RESTOR Program Manager at RYSE. In her role, she oversees the Restorative Justice diversion program, RESTOR, fosters and strengthens relationships with community partners and system stakeholders, engages and supports youth, and contributes to policy development and coalition efforts. She truly believes the power of diversion as it bridges and creates opportunities for youth to get a second chance, share their stories, heal and get the supports they need with the opportunities for survivors of harm to be a part of a powerful experience, because if we don't understand the need, how can we repair the harm? Before her current role, Chantille dedicated her time to educational and nonprofit organizations, where her work in these spaces, centered on advocacy and community, fuels her passion. Chantille holds Bachelor's in Criminal Justice and Ethnic Studies with concentrations in Asian American and Black Studies, as well as an Associate's degree in Psychology from Berkeley City College and Cal State: East Bay.

As the Youth Success Advocate, Nicole’s role at RYSE is deeply embedded in her drive to help adolescents succeed in whatever they put their mind to by helping youth participate in the community in impactful ways. Nicole earned a Bachelors Degree in Psychology and before RYSE, she was an ABA therapist. Organized, dedicated, selfless, genuine, reliable, and warmhearted, Nicole uses her background, skillset, and character toward providing positive outlets for Richmond youth.

Briana Urrutia has been with RYSE since 2017. As Restorative Practices Associate, Briana ensures a successful transition for systems-involved youth returning to the community by providing high quality support. She is passionate about being an advocate for change in the juvenile justice system and promoting social justice. Briana is working toward her Bachelor’s Degree in Social Science and Criminal Justice, which allows her to develop the communication skills and techniques necessary to be a strong ally to young people. Before joining RYSE, she interned at the American Canyon Chamber of Commerce as well as Spark Point, where she encouraged personal development and community growth. She also volunteered in the IMPACT program, which is a youth diversion program dedicated to changing the lives of in-risk youth.

As RYSE’s RESTOR Coordinator, Nashira is dedicated to making a positive impact on the lives of youth affected by the criminal legal system through case management and restorative community conferences under our RESTOR diversion program. Through her commitment to service, she aims to create safe spaces and collaborative opportunities for the empowerment of young people through education and healing. Prior to working at RYSE, she worked as a legal intern and obtained a Bachelors in Criminology and minor in Philosophy from San Jose State University: earning a deep understanding of the social psychological and legal aspects of crime and justice.

As RYSE’s Education Justice Manager, Deysi develops secondary and post-secondary programs including College Access and Employment programs that center the needs and experiences of youth. In this role, Deysi is most energized to work in partnership with youth to learn about how to challenge the inequitable school system & become peer educators for other youth in our community: developing youth leadership skills through a series of storytelling, healing and educational justice workshops. Once a WCCUSD student herself, she went on to receive a BS in Justice Studies and a minor in Human Rights from San Jose State University, bringing such knowledge in restorative justice and social emotional learning practices to RYSE.

As the Clinical Therapist since 2017, Marissa provided and coordinated trauma-informed, healing centered and culturally relevant therapeutic and integrative supports and programs for young people in Richmond and West Contra Costa. This included psycho-social assessments, individual and group therapy, case management, and crisis intervention. Marissa was passionate about making mental health services more accessible to marginalized communities that have been impacted by various traumas and violence. She is interested in utilizing art/theater as a form of resistance, healing, and transformation. Marissa worked to create culturally affirming spaces where folks can express themselves, heal and visualize a better future for themselves and their communities. Before joining RYSE, Marissa worked with survivors of domestic violence and their children in the Bay Area and has 10+ years of serving youth and families in various capacities. She received her BA in Theater from Columbia College Chicago and her MA in Counseling Psychology with a concentration in Drama Therapy from the California Institute of Integral Studies. She was also a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist.  Marissa will be missed dearly by her colleagues, friends, and family, may she rest in power.

As Clinical Director, Jen’s role at RYSE is to support the Community Health Department in building and embodying transformative, healing, and liberatory practices that affirm and support young people. Jen’s passion is disrupting harm and contributing to the collective healing and liberation that RYSE nourishes, providing clinical supervision that centers trauma-informed, abolitionist principles and practices. She wants young people to feel seen, valued, and loved. Jen has served as Co-Founder and Director of Partnerships at Trauma Transformed and worked for over 20 years as a clinician, clinical supervisor, and advocate in various community organizations, county departments, and different groups to disrupt institutional trauma and abuse. She received a Masters in Social-Clinical Psychology and is certified in Psychedelic-Assisted Therapy and Research.

Creating change for embodied souls is how Alicia describes their passions in youth social work. As Clinical Supervisor, they supervise RYSE’s Health Justice clinicians and case managers: bringing honesty, compassion, laughter, irreverence and clinical skills to the space. Alicia has a background in Medical Social Work (ER, HIV+, Home Health), Community (Runaway and houseless family, transitional housing, permanent family housing programs), Foster Care Wraparound Case Management, and as Program Director and Learning and Educating Director for school-based clinical supervision.

Lalis supports youth and young adults in finding a soft landing after experiencing significant trauma. As Mental Health Program Manager, she works to create hope and possibility beyond the trauma young people come with, which often informs their sense of self and access to care they deserve. With an MA in Counseling Psychology and over 15 years of direct services work experience within community, emergency shelters, schools, hospitals and state prison, her eclectic background ranges from community-based therapy, crisis intervention, intensive case management, youth psych emergency services, and drama therapy among much more. At RYSE, her role is split between clinical management, client caseload, overseeing our Restorative Pathways Project (R2P2), and continuing to develop the Health Justice Center.

As RYSE’s bilingual therapist Francesca provides individual and group therapy to support youth’s wellbeing, she loves working with young people and is passionate about supporting them to step further into their power and healing. Francesca’s goal is to create safe, reflective, and brave spaces for youth to be listened to, respected, and encouraged. Over the past eight years prior to RYSE, Francesca has worked as a school-based social worker throughout the East Bay, and as a project manager for Trauma Transformed. Francesca has a B.A. in Psychology from Pomona College, MSW in children and families, and an MPH in Health and Social Behavior from UC Berkeley.

As a RYSE Therapist, Diana conducts and coordinates trauma-informed, healing-centered case management, and therapeutic services tailored to support the young people in Richmond and West Contra Costa. Diana is passionate about providing healing justice and empowering youth to heal from systems of oppression. She provides quality care in safe spaces where young people feel empowered and heard. Prior to working at RYSE, Diana worked as a mental health clinician with Contra Costa County Behavioral Children and Adolescents for a year as an intern. She also worked at Familias Unidas providing monolingual therapy services to children, youth, families, and adults. Diana holds an A.A. from Contra Costa College with a minor in criminal justice, B.A in Social Welfare from UC Berkeley, and M.A in Social Work from Cal State East Bay.

Mozell is one of RYSE’s Therapists. They are most passionate about using ancestral knowledge to get free through movement, art, and clothing. As a Clinical Case manager, they work closely alongside the clinical and Health Justice team to support members in immediate, acute, and ongoing priorities, needs, and opportunities; cultivating a loving, healing, and belonging space for our members. They bring wisdom carried from CSU Monterey Bay as an undergraduate in collaborative health and human services, Washington University in St. Louis with a concentration in Children, Youth and Families, and a specialization in human sexuality education. Working in youth ran nonprofits, college access counseling for first generation scholars, and former and current foster youth services, they bring rainbows, sunflowers and black queer joy in the forms of art therapy.

As Housing Justice Program Manager, Randy supports RYSE members with housing navigation.. Bringing such skills as advocacy, leadership, systems knowledge, and case management among others to the space, Randy recognizes the importance of creating safe and affordable places to live and is passionate about changing the system of how housing is managed in relation to young people. Having shown up at RYSE in different capacities, as Administrative Coordinator, Member Engagement Coordinator, Career Coordinator and Facilities Manager, he has a well-rounded view of what it means to facilitate a space that is safe, fun, and youth-friendly.

Ashanti shows up in their role as a support for youth in developing and sustaining healthy and joyful connections to themselves. As a Health Justice Clinical Case Manager, they provide trauma-informed, creative healing-focused care through case management, activities, and programs to Black and Indigenous Youth of Color. These programs include resource planning, crisis intervention, and support for parents/guardian and families. Ashanti enjoys integrating her outside passions into her work. For example, they deeply believe in one of Octavia Butler’s scripts from Earthseed: “All that you touch you change. All that you change changes you. The only lasting truth is change.” With a ​​BA in Psychology, an MA in progress in Counseling Psychology via Expressive Arts Therapy, they are also an expressive arts therapist in training, deeply valuing and integrating body autonomy centered care with the people they connect with. Ashanti’s passions include identity (re)formation, creative exploration, aesthetics, and the ways most things are all interconnected or have an intersection.

RYSE’s Health Justice Case Manager Gemikia started her youth development at RYSE in 2011 when she was 18. Having always been connected to the youth here, she is motivated to supporting them and creating safe spaces for them to thrive. An active listener, storyteller, and community builder, she also brings skills in crisis intervention, navigating community resources, and trauma-informed, healing-centered case management. Gemikia is currently enrolled in college to receive her AA in Early Childhood Developement.

Alexa joins RYSE in 2024 to develop and implement programs aimed at addressing health disparities and promoting wellness among Richmond youth. Her prior experience with RotaCare Richmond, and participating in the Fung Fellowship, sparked her passion for providing accessible and innovative healthcare solutions to diverse communities. Alexa is currently a Fiat Lux student at UC Berkeley, and has certifications in Mental Health First Aid. In this role, Alexa puts her passion into practice, encouraging young people to advocate for their health and well-being, ensuring they have the resources and knowledge to thrive.

Bryan helps ensure RYSE is a safe space where youth can find health resources they may lack in their community, education about preventive healthcare measures and further interest in becoming healers. Bryan was a RYSE member himself, as well as a school campaign leader. In 2018, along with other interns, he helped RYSE and the community pass the Kids First Richmond bill, which established a fund for youth services from Richmond's annual budget. Bryan is passionate about exposing youth and community members to preventive health resources so they can live their healthiest and happiest life.

Jamileh Ebrahimi has worked at RYSE since 2012. As the Director of Programs & Organizing, she builds a vibrant youth organizing culture both at the Center and in the Richmond community: supporting program integration and alignment across all departments and with our anchor partners. Jamileh also directly supports the Member Engagement, Youth Organizing and Communications team. She is deeply committed to education, organizing, organizational and community sustainability, and movement building, and through her 18+ years of community organizing, she has discovered the importance of community empowerment, healthy living, and justice. She works to ensure that young people serve as key stakeholders and decision-makers on issues and policies impacting their individual and collective health and well-being. Before joining RYSE, Jamileh started organizing for change in Youth Together (YT) at the age of 13. Following high school, she became the Regional Organizer at YT where she worked for seven years organizing the regional Ethnic Studies conference, campaign planning, and doing local, regional, statewide, and national coalition work for educational justice. She was a member of the BSU at Berkeley Community College, Organize Da B.A.Y., Schools Not Jails Coalition, and the Just Act Core Group, where she had the opportunity to travel to Brazil for the World Social Forum.

Dalia J. Ramos-Mucino has been the Culture & Engagement Program Manager since 2019. She was formerly the Member Engagement Coordinator since 2017. Dalia focuses on supporting the leadership development of youth Culture Builders at RYSE with a restorative justice framework. and lifting up restorative justice at RYSE and in the community. Dalia is passionate about creative expression in different forms like dancing, poetry, and storytelling. She will always work to ensure that RYSE is a safe, welcoming, and fun environment where youth feel open to express their thoughts and feelings. Before joining the RYSE staff, Dalia attended RYSE as a 14-year-old member and at 16 became an intern on the RYSE Leadership Team. She has been trained in Non-Violent Communication, Restorative Justice, and more.

Michelle joins the RYSE team in 2024 to strengthen young people’s leadership and organizing skills, encouraging them to be advocates for change. She is most passionate about being alongside the journey of young people growing in their roles as activists and organizers, along with providing them with tools, love, and resources to achieve liberation. Prior to RYSE, Michelle was a Peer Advising Coordinator at MECha Xinachtli de UCLA, a Liberation School Program Coordinator at Nopal Stockton, and a Troublemaker for Liberation Fellow with the Gathering for Justice. Michelle joins RYSE with a wealth of experience in youth and campaign organizing, with degrees from UCLA and San Joaquin Delta College.

As the Youth Power Building Coordinator, Ann supports youth in organizing and power building. She creates workshops and further speaks on social justice issues within the community while also supporting the department’s campaign efforts. A former RYSE member and intern, Ann wants to hold spaces for youth to connect, use their power and build growth as individuals, while finding themselves and find their own passions, through love and solidarity. Ann Graduated from Richmond High School from the Law Academy and is currently a student at CCC.

As Member Engagement Assistant, Isaiah’s role is to help new and returning members navigate through the many facets of life. This is a personal pursuit for him, having spent years as a RYSE member and intern himself, before bringing his passion for film to the Video Production Assistant role, and then expanding that passion to his current role. Exploring fashion, sewing, & modeling among other creative pursuits, Isaiah understands first-hand what it means for young people to self actualize in this space. Isaiah considers the outcome of his work to be young people growing into the leaders they are. He also conducts tours and orientations with any new youth signing up to become RYSE members and is most passionate about curating an amazing RYSE experience.

As a Youth Power Building Assistant, Clover creates space for youth to learn about organizing and how to show up for their community. Understanding that young peoples’ voices have the power to change the world, Clover was previously a RYSE member and Youth Organizing intern, and also worked with Community Violence Solutions in San Pablo as a student representative, StudioFIve10's youth panel, which touched on mental health services on campus for students, organized a walkout in solidarity of students who have been assaulted on campus, and was the founder of Hercules High School's Mental Health Advocacy. They want to encourage youth to learn and be curious about who they are, teaching them how to be open-minded and to lead with compassion.