By Denise Raquel Dunning, Founder + Executive Director What’s the first thing that comes to mind when you think about northern California? For some, it’s the rolling hills and vineyards of the Napa wine country, Silicon Valley’s tech industry, and the natural wonders of the Monterey Bay. …

By Denise Raquel Dunning, Founder + Executive Director I was teaching my last class of the quarter at UCSF, when my phone rang during the lecture. Our nanny called to tell me excitedly that my three-year old son had just pooped on the potty (a journey long in the making)…

By Denise Raquel Dunning, Founder + Executive Director 2019 marks ten years for Rise Up — ten years of ensuring that girls and women can finish school, stay healthy, overcome violence, access economic opportunity, and achieve their potential. Ten years of global impact. As I look back, it’s hard to…

By Denise Raquel Dunning, Founder + Executive Director As we look forward to celebrating International Day of the Girl on October 11, I am continually inspired by the power and resilience of Rise Up girl leaders around the world. Meet Peris (pictured), a 14-year-old Masai girl who is a powerful…

By Denise Raquel Dunning, Founder + Executive Director India was recently named the world’s fastest-growing large economy and is projected to become the fifth largest economy overall by 2020. Yet India’s economic growth is limited by widespread gender inequality, violence, and cultural norms that devalue women’s roles in society and…

By Denise Raquel Dunning, Founder + Executive Director “You need to use your pain, and craft it into something worthy.” These powerful words have echoed in my ears since I interviewed Tanzila Khan, a Pakistani disability rights activist who is part of Rise Up’s Youth Champions Initiative. …

By Josie Ramos, on behalf of Rise Up Rise Up stands in solidarity with our allies, partners, and grantees in opposing the “zero-tolerance” immigration policy that included separating children from their migrant parents when they cross the U.S. border. This policy negates the basic human rights, safety, and well-being of…

By Denise Raquel Dunning, Founder + Executive Director Having children has given me a completely different perspective on motherhood and a much deeper appreciation for my own mom. As I struggle along with so many women to balance family and work, I have increasing gratitude for my mom’s priorities, choices…

By Denise Raquel Dunning, Founder + Executive Director In light of recent controversies at Facebook, Uber, Wells Fargo, United Airlines and many other companies, I’ve been thinking a lot about corporate responsibility lately. Specifically, what is the role of private companies in advancing social good? …