Sarasota has been my home for the majority of my life. I feel indebted to this city for the opportunities it has provided me to live the life I desire.

However, when I was in high school I became close friends with someone on the other end of the spectrum. My friend, a fellow classmate, shared her story which was my first insight into youth hardship. Along with the issues that come along with high school, she was facing hardships I could never imagine – living under the Ringling Bridge, a landmark of Sarasota. The shocking realization that youth my age were not awarded the same opportunities that were accessible to me has remained with me over the years.

In 2018, I began meeting at foster homes to speak with Sarasota youth experiencing similar circumstances. Considering the scale of my teams’ research, I feel compelled to give back to the community I consider so dear to me. Everyone deserves a solid foundation to build the lives they desire and that is exactly what She Rises is designed to do. We appreciate your help in creating a better future for underprivileged youth!