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 young women!

Katherine Powell

Our mission is so near and dear to my heart. When I met our students I immediately connected with them because their stories related to experiences I had when I was a student trying to juggle school and home life.

As a teenager my family struggled to the point that I was on free and reduced lunch at school and sometimes we didn’t know how needs were going to be met. When I was 18 I moved out so I could focus on building a better future for myself. I struggled and failed a lot along the way but I never stopped believing that I could make something of myself. I worked really hard to get where I am today, at 24 years old I’m the co-owner of a successful business.

I know our girls can rise above their circumstance if they have someone like us behind them to support, guide and rely on. I’m so thankful to have my past so that I can fully back my beliefs by experience.

Breanna Choat