The Start

When I think about how The Rise Project began, it feels less like a single decision and more like a journey that had been unfolding for years. Looking back, so many small experiences, lessons, and moments of inspiration quietly built the foundation for what would eventually become this project.

Growing up, I learned early on that community is everything. It's the feeling of people coming together to support each other, even when resources are limited. It's seeing people share what little they have, lift each other up, and celebrate every small victory together. Those lessons were woven into my life from the very beginning  through family traditions, cultural values, and the everyday examples of resilience and kindness I witnessed around me.

As I got older, I started to notice the gaps , the places where opportunities were missing, where voices were unheard, and where so much potential was left untapped simply because there wasn't enough support. It wasn't just something I saw in one place; it was something I noticed everywhere. It made me realize that change doesn't always have to come from massive gestures , sometimes it starts with small, consistent actions.

The Rise Project was born from a simple but powerful idea: that everyone deserves the chance to rise. To rise above their circumstances, to rise into their dreams, to rise into a life they're proud of. I wanted to create something that wasn't just about giving, but about building , something that empowers people to take charge of their own futures with pride, dignity, and hope.

This project is deeply connected to my own roots as well. My West African heritage taught me that strength isn't just about standing tall by yourself; it's about lifting as you climb, bringing others with you. It's about community, faith, and resilience  and those values are at the heart of everything we do at The Rise Project.

Starting this journey hasn't always been easy. There have been moments of uncertainty, of learning, of growing. But every step reminds me why this work matters so much. Every story, every person we connect with, every small victory  it's all part of something bigger.

The Rise Project is about more than just aid. It's about sustainable change. It's about planting seeds that grow into something lasting. It's about showing people , no matter who they are or where they come from  that they are seen, supported, and capable of so much more than they may have been told.

This is just the beginning. I am excited for everything still to come and grateful for every person who believes in this mission. If you're reading this, know that you're part of the story too. Thank you for being here. Thank you for rising with us.

— Aminata