Edna is the Founder and Executive Director of RIZE Youth Arts Organization, a nonprofit dedicated to fostering arts as a tool for healthy living, violence prevention, and criminal justice reform. She also founded Not One More: A Peace & Justice Project. Her vision has inspired impactful programs such as Berks Salsa Fest, D.O.T.S. Fest, The Solidarity Project, Live to Read Campaign and the Berks4Peace Campaign and the Berks Youth Civic Action Project.
Ameer Andé Couvertier, born in Brooklyn, New York and of Puerto Rican descent Ameer’s story began when he moved to Reading Pennsylvania at 11. Ameer Couvertier has a passion for cooking and is a big comic fan as well as gaming. He also is passionate about hospitality and uniting people together for a good cause, and that is precisely what RIZE is as a nonprofit organization.
After graduation, he aims to become a personal chef and travel the world helping others by volunteering. Through his volunteer work with RIZE, the lesson he aims to teach the kids is to believe in yourself and if you have a dream to chase it and learn all about it. Ameer RIZE’s up to see a change in his community. To help youth become better human beings conscious and wise so that they can continue to lead future generations.
Ashanique Monlynn, born in New York City, dance runs through her veins as an escape from the world around her. She faced a life of many struggles and battles and triumphantly survived and beat the odds that were once against her. Her journey with RIZE began with instructor James and they would team up and create choreographies the community loved while also experiencing the bond between two amazing friends. She is a mother to two handsome boys and is a creative and talented choreographer who exemplifies kindness and patience through all she does.
Ashanique RIZE’s up because she is strong and confident and no matter what comes her way, she’ll stand with her head held high ready to conquer another day.
James Williams, originally born in California and raised in Reading, Pennsylvania. His passion for dance began when he was six and had since then blossomed and become stronger with time. He learned about RIZE when asked to teach a dance class after a performance he had, and the rest was history.
Growing up James never had a place to express his love and creativity for dance and that’s why he does it for the kids in his community.
James RIZE’s up because he wants to be there for someone who needs help. James wants to be that person for the kids by building a bond in the classroom.