Meet the Founder & Executive Director
In 2026, Lynniah Grayson leads RISE’s next chapter—education, awareness, research, and capacity building through storytelling and systems leadership.
Founder & Executive Director, RISE
Lynniah Grayson
RISE Founder & Executive Director
I’m Lynniah Grayson—Founder and Executive Director of Resilient In Sustaining Empowerment (RISE). I’m a systems-focused, people-centered executive leader with a background in People Operations/HR and organizational leadership, known for building scalable operations, cross-sector partnerships, and strategy-to-execution systems that help mission-driven work run with clarity and credibility.
RISE began as a response to what I saw—and what I knew—about what communities need to heal after violence. Over time, that vision evolved into a larger commitment: not only to support healing, but to strengthen the infrastructure that makes healing sustainable—education, awareness, research, and capacity-building that shifts outcomes at scale.
Still We RISE Documentary
“Still We Rise” is a powerful documentary showcasing how communities heal after violence. Led by Lynniah Grayson, this project combines storytelling and research to raise awareness, inspire action, and strengthen public understanding. Discover how RISE’s vision translates into real-world impact through narrative and community engagement.
The 2026 Focus:
In 2026, RISE is entering its next chapter. Our work is centered on strengthening communities through:
Education & Awareness
Public learning experiences that deepen understanding, reduce stigma, and expand community readiness
Research & Translation
Partnering with research leaders and translating evidence into accessible, actionable insights
Capacity Building
Developing the people, practices, and systems that help organizations and communities respond effectively
Narrative Change
through Storytelling
Using media to move hearts and shift systems
This chapter is not about direct-service delivery. It’s about scaling impact through knowledge, visibility, and stronger community and organizational capacity.
Still We Rise: Healing Beyond Gun Violence
I serve as the Executive Producer and Creative Director of the documentary Still We Rise: Healing Beyond Gun Violence. This project is both a storytelling platform and a strategic tool—built to expand awareness, strengthen public understanding, support workforce development, and mobilize investment in community-led solutions.
At its core, the film is designed to do what RISE has always done: translate complexity into something people can understand, feel, and act on.
Leadership Background
Leadership That Inspires Change
My leadership approach sits at the intersection of systems and storytelling—building the operating structure that makes work sustainable, and the narrative clarity that makes it fundable, adoptable, and scalable.
Connect with RISE
If you’re a partner, funder, organization, or community leader interested in education, research translation, capacity building, or narrative change through storytelling, RISE is here to collaborate and make a difference.
