The Rise Collective
Where stories, advocacy, and action converge.
Where Empowerment Takes the Mic.
This is your hub for advocacy, achievement, and awareness. Through news, stories, and sisterhood, The Rise Collective amplifies the voices of women rising in the community, legal profession and in higher education.
Here, we honor the power of Her Story, elevate the bold Voices of Her Rise, and share real-time updates on the work we're doing—and the women we're doing it for.
From scholarships to spotlights, impactful news to community highlights, this is where the movement meets the moment.
💬 Read. Rise. Repeat.
2025 Rise Scholarship Recipient Dariana Mallet: Resilience, Leadership, and Community Impact.
Dariana Mallet, a Detroit native and rising junior at Delaware State University, is the inaugural recipient of The Rise Scholarship. A passionate leader and future criminal defense attorney, Dariana embodies resilience, academic excellence, and a commitment to uplifting others. Through mentorship and leadership opportunities, she is rising and helping others rise with her.
Meet Our 2025 Legacy in Motion Awardee: Cameron Smith —Honoring Heritage and Building for the Future”
Cameron Smith, our 2025 Legacy in Motion Awardee, is a student leader, policy advocate, and community builder whose work honors the past while shaping the future. From leading Black Students United to strengthening the legacy of Wari House, her story is a powerful reminder that legacy lives in how we show up for others every day.
Laila Newton | 2025 Leadership of the Community Award Recipient
Laila Newton, a Wayne State University alumna and rising J.D. candidate is the 2025 Heart of the Community Award recipient. As Empower Her Rise’s Director of Programming & Outreach, Laila leads expanding community connections and creating impactful opportunities that uplift and empower women of color.
Jeanelle Angus | 2025 Voice & Vision Award Recipient
Jeanelle Angus, a first-generation Cuban-Jamaican law student, is breaking barriers with her nonprofit Lawyers With Melanin®, Inc. and her commitment to equity, justice, and representation in the legal field. As the 2025 Voice & Vision Award recipient, Jeanelle’s powerful story of resilience and advocacy.
Our Change Maker: Amaya Banks – Founder & Executive Director
Meet Amaya Banks, the visionary behind Empower Her Rise, Inc. A first-generation college graduate from Detroit, Amaya’s journey sparked a movement rooted in community, action, and empowerment. Through mentorship, leadership development, and advocacy, she is building a space where women of color can rise—together.
Voice of Impact – Purpose in Action
The RISE Collective is the official newsletter of Empower Her Rise, Inc. Spotlighting the voices, victories, and vision of young woman of color pursuing careers in the legal profession and rising in leadership. Each issue features inspiring member stories, powerful community impact, and exclusive opportunities to grow, lead, and rise.
HerStory - Why We Empower
The RISE Collective is the official newsletter of Empower Her Rise, Inc. Spotlighting the voices, victories, and vision of young woman of color pursuing careers in the legal profession and rising in leadership. Each issue features inspiring member stories, powerful community impact, and exclusive opportunities to grow, lead, and rise.