Be A Pro At Being You
Founders who care
Rise Above was founded in 2015 by Jaci McCormack and Brad Meyers, two servant leaders with decades of experience working with Native youth. Both wanted to establish a program that equips Native youth with the tools to overcome the challenges they face at disproportionate rates.
Rise Above is a 501c3 nonprofit
Our blueprint for change is based on the evidence-based Behavior-Image Model—integrating the prevention of harmful behaviors with the promotion of healthy habits in brief, locally designed interventions.
Core Values
Education for real life
Our health and wellness activities include education on topics important to local Native youth—such as alcohol, tobacco, and drug abuse; suicide prevention; healthy relationships; combating bullying and understanding diabetes.
Ongoing engagement
After event participation, we continue to build on the relationship within the community. Following conversations with youth, parents, community participants and leaders, we find creative ways to continue to engage based on specific needs based on feedback.
Powerful data
We survey youth participants on important issues identified by tribal and community partners. The data helps educators, mental health professionals, policymakers and tribal leadership build programs for positive change.
Partners
- Seattle Storm
- 3-Time Hall of Famer, Lenny Wilkens
- NBA Veteran, Craig Ehlo
- NBA Hall of Famer, Gary Payton
- NBA Hall of Famer & NBA Champion, Jack Sikma
- NBA Veteran, Detlef Schrempf
- NBA Champion, Fred Brown
- NBA Hall of Famer, George Karl
- NBA Veteran and Coach, Nate McMillan
- NBA Veteran and Milwaukee Bucks Assistant Coach, Vin Baker
- NBA 3 Point Champion, Dale Ellis
- NBA Veteran, Spencer Hawes
- WNBA Veteran and NCAA Champion, Carla McGhee
- WNBA Veteran, Ruthie Bolton
- Professional basketball player, Analyss Benally (Navajo)
- Professional basketball player, Lakota Beatty (Caddo Nation)
- NFL Veteran, Doug Baldwin
Ambassadors
Emoni Bush
University of Washington Volleyball, Wei Wei Kum First Nation
Freddy Brown III
University of Providence Basketball Graduate, Makah Tribe
Emma Worgum
Western Washington University Golf, Tlingit Tribe