October 1st, 2025 marks a defining moment in our organization’s journey. After 16 years of advancing gender justice as a fiscally sponsored project of the Public Health Institute, we’re proud to announce that Rise Up is now officially Rise Up Together – an independent 501(c)(3) nonprofit.
This evolution reflects the organizational maturity, stability, and strength we have built since our humble beginnings in 2009, when we launched with 1.5 staff members, a single $67,000 grant, and an innovative, scalable model for community-driven change. Today, we have grown into a $7M+ a year, global organization with a growing team of 30 members, having hosted 38 Leadership and Advocacy Accelerators in 14 countries with 882 Rise Up Leaders.
“For the past 16 years, the Public Health Institute (PHI) has been honored to serve as the home for Rise Up, supporting its growth from a bold idea into a globally recognized leader advancing gender justice in health, education, and economic opportunity. As a fiscal sponsor, our role has been to nurture and strengthen that idea, providing the foundation and support that allowed Rise Up to grow, experiment, and ultimately thrive independently. We celebrate Rise Up Together’s accomplishments, we are deeply proud of their continued evolution, and we look forward to seeing the next chapter of their leadership in building a more just and equitable world for all.”
— Melissa Stafford Jones, MPH, President and CEO, Public Health Institute
“During my 16 years leading PHI, it was an incredible privilege to witness Rise Up’s evolution from a promising new program into a powerful global force advancing gender justice. Rise Up embodied the very best of PHI’s model of incubation: bold vision, strong leadership, and the ability to create meaningful, systemic change. From its earliest days, Rise Up’s impact was clear — amplifying the voices of women and girls, influencing policies, and building movements that continue to improve lives around the world. Watching Rise Up grow and ultimately prepare for independence has been one of the true highlights of my tenure at PHI. I could not be more proud of their journey, and I am excited to see how Rise Up Together will continue to shape a more just, equitable future for generations to come.”
— Dr. Mary A. Pittman, Past President & CEO, Public Health Institute (2007–2023)
The addition of “Together” to our new name is both intentional and essential. It embodies our core belief that lasting change happens through collaboration – with visionary Rise Up Leaders and their organizations, our global allies, and the champions and supporters who fuel our mission. Real change never happens alone; it is forged in partnership with leaders, partners, funders, and individuals who share our vision for a more just future.
As an independent 501(c)(3), we now have greater flexibility and capacity to deepen our global impact, build strategic partnerships, and expand our community of supporters. This milestone enables us to lead with greater agility while strengthening our long-term sustainability – ensuring we’re even more effective and efficient in delivering on our mission.
“This is a defining moment for our organization – and for our powerful global network of leaders who lead change in their communities every day. As Rise Up Together, we remain grounded in our values and ready to lead boldly into the future.”
— Dr. Denise Raquel Dunning, Founder & Executive Director, Rise Up Together
What remains unchanged is what Rise Up Together does best: partnering with women, girls, allies, and organizations who are transforming their communities and countries as part of a global movement for gender justice. We will continue to build power with these local leaders as they work for equity in education, health, and economic opportunity, and continue to hold ourselves to the highest standards of transparency, equity, and impact.
Our proven Accelerator model, comprehensive technical support, global programming, and catalytic funding remain at the heart of everything we do. We hold firm to our commitment to centering the voices, leadership, and lived experiences of those most impacted by inequality – ensuring that our work remains community-led, inclusive, and grounded in the realities of local leaders, and that the solutions we elevate and amplify are led by the women, girls, and allies we serve.
We’re ensuring a strong foundation – technically, operationally, and organizationally – to support a smooth transition and future growth. Our team is prepared, our systems are ready, and we are excited for this next chapter. As Rise Up Together, we’re maintaining the same high standards of financial transparency, operational excellence, and ethical accountability – now with more direct control and strategic guidance as an independent entity with a governance board.
We’re deeply grateful to the Public Health Institute for their meaningful support over the past decade and a half. PHI has been a strong partner for many years, and as we have grown, we have developed our own systems and processes to function most effectively independently.
“I am so grateful to the Public Health Institute for being the place where both Rise Up Together and I were able to grow, dream, and find our footing, always surrounded by care and encouragement. From my very first job after graduate school to Rise Up Together’s journey into independence, PHI gave us the roots and support we needed to become who we are today. With their guidance, what began as a small seed has flourished into strong roots and abundant fruit, and we now step forward carrying that legacy of growth with us.”
— Claudia L. Romeu, Director of Programs, Rise Up Together
“I am deeply grateful for the learning opportunities and strong foundation that PHI has provided through its operations and systems. Rise Up’s work has been well supported by PHI’s departments – particularly finance, human resources, and contracts – whose guidance ensured the effective and high-quality implementation of our programs. With this strong backdrop, Rise Up Together is well positioned to embark on a new chapter, building on past experience and renewed innovation to make a lasting impact in advancing gender equity.”
— Lwazi Mdlopane, Africa Program Manager, Rise Up Together
Together, we are building a stronger, bolder, and more sustainable future for all – and the best is yet to come. Thank you for being with us on this journey, for believing in our mission, and for standing alongside us as we rise up together.
