Rideback RISE is an accelerator—
of talent, of community, of opportunity, of change.

Blurry image of a dog with a collar sitting on a patterned rug
Diverse group of friends laughing together while studying or working
Three people standing in grassy field, looking down at hands
Blurry image of a dog with a collar sitting on a patterned rug
Diverse group of friends laughing together while studying or working
Three people standing in grassy field, looking down at hands
Blurry image of a dog with a collar sitting on a patterned rug
Diverse group of friends laughing together while studying or working
Three people standing in grassy field, looking down at hands
Blurry image of a dog with a collar sitting on a patterned rug
Diverse group of friends laughing together while studying or working
Three people standing in grassy field, looking down at hands
Blurry image of a dog with a collar sitting on a patterned rug
Diverse group of friends laughing together while studying or working
Three people standing in grassy field, looking down at hands
Blurry image of a dog with a collar sitting on a patterned rug
Diverse group of friends laughing together while studying or working
Three people standing in grassy field, looking down at hands
Blurry image of a dog with a collar sitting on a patterned rug
Diverse group of friends laughing together while studying or working
Three people standing in grassy field, looking down at hands
Blurry image of a dog with a collar sitting on a patterned rug
Diverse group of friends laughing together while studying or working
Three people standing in grassy field, looking down at hands

On a mission to change the landscape of commercial filmmaking

RISE supports and empowers mid-career POC creators and artists to make commercial film and television across genres that reflects our multicultural society — to propel narrative change, promote equity, and create cultural impact.

Great stories influence hearts & minds. RISE delivers a pipeline of market-ready commercial projects and generates career opportunities over a larger than average impact target.

"I think holistically if I could distill my experience in RISE I would say that I have both grown and become more confident as a filmmaker through the support of a remarkable community that has made me feel less alone."

Y2 Fellow
This is some text inside of a div block.

"RISE has made me a better writer, a better filmmaker and a better friend to my fellow POC creatives. With the help of fellow RISE members and the instruction of the talented folks who teach at RISE, I’ve finally found the confidence and resources to make my first feature."

Y2 Circle
This is some text inside of a div block.

"During these uncharted times, the RISE events have been a huge morale booster and reminder that I have the talent to succeed and that people notice and appreciate my work."

Y1 Circle
This is some text inside of a div block.

“I am so grateful to RISE! It has helped me stay hopeful in a time that has been very challenging for creatives.”

Y2 Circle
This is some text inside of a div block.

“The Robert Rodriguez talk was just the most inspiring event — every person in there felt that spark to create, complete and push forward through obstacles.”

Y2 Circle
This is some text inside of a div block.

"I am literally in awe of the RISE program...I have been floored by the tools I've learned that have shaken me out of stagnation and pushed my skills to the next level.”

Y2 Circle
This is some text inside of a div block.

“RISE has genuinely been the most practical, useful program for mid-level writers I’ve ever participated in. The panels have been candid and instructive, the resources game-changing, and Jessica’s rewrite workshop completely changed the way I think about my writing.”

Person with curly hair wearing orange-tinted sunglasses and denim jacket
— 2024 Cohort member, Writer/Director —
Position, Company name

The RISE Impact to date

1

$1.8m in GRANTS  

2

1000+ PROGRAMMING HOURS

3

50% of RISE Fellows’ projects set up & sold

Funding Partners

Brand Partners

Financials

Our goal is to be responsible stewards of our funds. We also believe in transparency and accountability to our donors, supporters, and the communities we serve. Please use the links to review financial documentation.

See the 2024 Audited Financials
See the 2024 990 Filings

The RISE Team

Diana Mogollón
Diana Mogollón
Chief Executive Officer
April S. Chang
April S. Chang
Manager, Creative and Talent Development
Caroline Rugo
Caroline Rugo
Program Coordinator
Betty Hang
Betty Hang
Fundraising Coordinator
Jessica Sharzer
Jessica Sharzer
Head of Screenwriting
Rob Spera
Rob Spera
Head of Directing
Krissey Nardecchia
Krissey Nardecchia
Event Producer
Chris Day
Chris Day
Head of Communications

Our Board

Dan Lin
Dan Lin
Founder & Chairman of the Board, Rideback RISE
Andrea Cherng
Andrea Cherng
Chief Brand Officer, Panda Express
Brickson Diamond
Brickson Diamond
Partner, Spencer Stuart, Founder of The Blackhouse Foundation
Michael LoFaso
Michael LoFaso
Co CEO, Rideback
Alice Rhee
Alice Rhee
Head of Investor Relations & Social Impact, PHAROS Capital Group, LLC Board Member, Nathan Cummings Foundation
Strauss Zelnick
Strauss Zelnick
Chairman & CEO, Take 2 Interactive, Managing Partner, Zelnick Media Capital