CEO GREETINGS
Dear Community Partner,
I am energized by the momentum we’ve built and the impactful work ahead. At RISE Together, we remain committed to shifting the narrative, challenging systemic barriers, and driving meaningful change in Franklin County.
We recently hosted our 2nd Annual Black History Month Intergenerational Mixer, where we celebrated the strength, wisdom, and contributions of Black leaders across generations. It was a powerful reminder that progress is rooted in community, shared experiences, and a collective vision for the future.
Looking ahead, we are gearing up for our 2025 RISE Together PIVOT Summit a space where innovation meets action. This event continues to be a driving force for new ideas and collaborations that help shape solutions to the challenges our community faces.
A core part of our work is advancing six pilot projects at various stages of implementation, each designed to disrupt poverty and inequity in Franklin County. These include two guaranteed income pilots supporting single mothers and homeless families, the development of a community-owned food co-op in Bronzeville, and initiatives focused on housing stability, emergency financial assistance, and improving coordination among human services providers. Through these efforts, we are testing bold solutions that can drive long-term systemic change.
As we continue to advance these pilots and collect valuable data, we are eager to share insights that will help inform policy and expand opportunities for families across Franklin County.
Through it all, we remain steadfast in our mission—to push forward, disrupt outdated systems, and create a Franklin County where equity and opportunity are realities for all. Your continued partnership is invaluable, and I am excited for all that we will accomplish together.
RISE TOGETHER WELCOMES THREE NEW POWERHOUSES TO THE TEAM
Exciting news at RISE Together Innovation Institute! We are thrilled to welcome three dynamic professionals who are ready to bring their expertise, passion, and energy to our mission of building stronger communities. Please join us in giving a warm welcome to Keryna Johnson, Deja Dunning, and Abby Palcic.
MEET DEJA DUNNING
Project Director
Deja is a dedicated leader with a strong background in addressing critical community health issues. She previously worked to decrease infant mortality rates with Nationwide Children’s Hospital, demonstrating her commitment to improving outcomes for vulnerable populations. As an alum of Franklin County Children’s Services, Deja brings a deep understanding of the challenges facing families and youth. Her strategic approach and passion for community well-being will be instrumental in advancing RISE Together’s initiatives.
MEET KERYNA JOHNSON
Director of Housing and Community Partnerships
Keryna brings a wealth of experience from her time working with the Columbus City Council, where she played a key role in impactful housing and community development projects. She has successfully led initiatives that have improved access to affordable housing and strengthened neighborhood partnerships. At RISE Together, she will be expanding these efforts, bringing in valuable projects that align with our mission to create sustainable and thriving communities. We are excited to see her expertise in action!
With gratitude and determination,
Danielle Sydnor CEO, RISE Together Innovation Institute
MEET ABBY PALCIC
Executive Administrator
With years of experience at the Ohio Pharmacists Association, Abby is no stranger to managing complex operations with precision and efficiency. Her background in organizational administration makes her a vital asset to our team, ensuring that RISE Together runs smoothly behind the scenes.
We are beyond excited to have Deja, Keryna, and Abby on board. Their talent and dedication will be invaluable as we continue our mission to create transformative change in our communities. If you see them around, be sure to give them a warm welcome!
Here’s to new beginnings and a bright future with our growing RISE Together family!
A Night of Unity and Impact:
Recapping the 2nd Annual Black History Month
Intergenerational Mixer
By Rohnesha M. Horne
OnFebruary 27, 2025, RISE Together
Innovation Institute, in partnership with The King Arts Complex, hosted the 2nd Annual Black History Month Intergenerational Mixer, bringing together an inspiring mix of thought leaders, elected officials, and community advocates to celebrate Black excellence and build bridges across generations.
This year’s event was a powerful evening of connection, reflection, and action, reinforcing the importance of collective efforts in shaping a more equitable future. As we honored the contributions of past and present leaders, we also uplifted the next generation of changemakers committed to advancing equity, justice, and unity in our communities.
HONORING EXCELLENCE
A highlight of the evening was celebrating our esteemed 2025 honorees, individuals whose impact continues to shape the cultural and civic landscape:
Janet Jackson – 2025 Legacy Connector
Robert Lee & Dawn Tyler Lee – 2025 Bridge Builder
LC and Sheldon Johnson – 2025 Bridge Builder
Kimberly Agyekum – 2025 Emerging Connector
Their dedication and leadership remind us that Black history is not only about honoring the past but also about actively shaping the future.
A COLLECTIVE EFFORT
This event would not have been possible without the unwavering support of our host committee, whose efforts ensured a room filled with leaders of every generation. Their commitment to fostering meaningful conversations and connections exemplifies the power of community-driven change.
LOOKING AHEAD
At RISE Together Innovation Institute, we believe that true progress happens when we come together, exchange ideas, and work collaboratively toward a shared vision of justice and opportunity for all. Thank you to everyone who joined us—we look forward to building with you throughout the year and beyond. Together, we rise! n
Will Petrik, Director of Policy & Advocacy at RISE Together, testified before the Ohio Department of Medicaid to oppose the implementation of work requirements for Medicaid. While the policy is framed as a way to promote economic stability and improve health outcomes, Petrik emphasized that, in reality, it would take healthcare away from thousands of Ohioans who are already struggling to make ends meet.
“No one should have to choose between paying for groceries, rent, or seeing a doctor,” Petrik stated. “All of us should have the healthcare we need when we get sick.”
Research and real-life experiences show that work requirements do not help people find or keep jobs. Instead, they create bureaucratic hurdles that lead to eligible people losing their healthcare. Many people who rely on Medicaid already work, care for family members, or face significant barriers to employment, such as chronic illness or disabilities.
In March, the Ohio Department of Medicaid asked the federal Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services to approve work requirements as part of its 1115 waiver application. If approved, this policy could take effect in the coming months, but legal challenges or federal intervention could delay or block implementation.
No one should have to choose between paying for groceries, rent, or seeing a doctor...”
If implemented, this policy would result in thousands of Ohioans losing healthcare coverage. Without access to care, health outcomes will decline, making it even harder for people to work, support their families, and achieve economic stability. Instead of removing critical healthcare, Ohio should focus on policies that ensure everyone can get the care they need to stay healthy and thrive.
Ohioans deserve a healthcare system that supports their well-being and economic security, not one that creates more barriers. We encourage advocates, community leaders, and residents to speak out and demand healthcare policies that work for everyone.
Innovating for an Inclusive Future
By Rohnesha M. Horne
The 2025 RISE Together PIVOT Summit is set to take place on May 29th at Columbus State Community College Center for Workforce Development (315 Cleveland Ave, Columbus, OH 43215) from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM. PIVOT stands for Poverty Innovation Voices of Transformation. This highly anticipated event will bring together thought leaders, entrepreneurs, community advocates, and changemakers to explore innovative strategies for building a more inclusive and equitable future.
This year, we are honored to feature Heather McGhee, a renowned author, policy expert, and advocate for racial and economic justice. McGhee, best known for her New York Times bestselling book The Sum of Us: What Racism Costs Everyone and How We Can Prosper Together, will engage in a Fireside Chat that challenges attendees to reimagine systems, policies, and business practices that foster inclusive economic growth.
With a lineup of engaging breakout sessions, solution circles, and networking opportunities, attendees will have the chance to connect with community leaders, share innovative ideas, and develop actionable solutions to drive systemic change.
The RISE Together PIVOT Summit is more than just a conference—it’s a movement toward building a society where everyone has the opportunity to thrive. Whether you are a business leader, educator, policymaker, or community advocate, this summit offers valuable insights and networking opportunities to help you drive meaningful change.
Don’t miss this transformative day of inspiration, collaboration, and action. Register and join the movement toward an inclusive future! n
CULTIVATING HOPE AND HEALTH THROUGH COMMUNITY:
The Bronzeville Food Co-op
By Keryna Johnson
(originally printed in the Dec 18, 2024, Broad Street Presbyterian Church Blog.)
Nestled in the historic Near East Side of Columbus, Bronzeville is a community rich in culture, history, and resilience. Once a thriving hub for Black-owned businesses, the neighborhood has faced decades of systemic disinvestment. Despite these challenges, Bronzeville remains a beacon of pride and possibility, with its residents working tirelessly to restore its legacy of prosperity and equity.
In the heart of Bronzeville, a vision of resilience, empowerment, and hope is taking root. The Bronzeville Food Co-op is more than a grocery store—it is a symbol of what can be achieved when a community comes together to reclaim its power and invest in its own future.
This vision is born out of necessity and determination. For years, the Bronzeville community has been classified as a food desert, where access to fresh, affordable, and nutritious food is scarce. But the people of Bronzeville have never been defined by scarcity. Instead, they are defined by their rich history, vibrant culture, and unshakable resolve to create something better for themselves and future generations.
The Bronzeville Food Co-op will be a place where community members are not just customers but owners, decision-makers, and stewards. It represents a new model of economic empowerment—one that prioritizes people over profits and invests in the health and well-being of the entire community.
Yet, this work is about more than food. It’s about restoring dignity and fostering connections. It’s about creating a space where neighbors can gather, share stories, and dream of a brighter future. It’s about
showing what’s possible when we choose collaboration over competition, hope over despair, and action over complacency.
As we delve into the research and planning for the co-op, we are reminded that this work is not without its challenges. Like the seeds planted in rocky soil, this project requires care, attention, and faith. But the Bronzeville community has always been a testament to the power of perseverance. The co-op will a tangible expression of the gospel of discipline and gratitude. It reminds us to give thanks for the hands that plant and harvest, for the neighbors who show up to meetings and share their ideas, and for the local leaders and partners who have offered their resources and expertise to make this dream a reality.
Gratitude is a practice, and so is community-building. It requires us to recognize the interconnectedness of our lives and to act on that recognition. Just as the Bronzeville Food Co-op will nourish the body, it will also nourish the soul of this community by reminding us of our shared humanity and our collective responsibility to care for one another.
We invite you to join us on this journey. Whether it’s through volunteering, becoming a member-owner, or simply spreading the word, your support can help ensure the success of the Bronzeville Food Co-op and the lasting impact it will have on this community.
In this season of gratitude and hope, we give thanks to all who have walked with us on this path. Together, we are sowing the seeds of change, and together, we will reap a harvest of abundance, equity, and joy. n
BOOK OF THE QUARTER
DYING OF WHITENESS: How the Politics of Racial Resentment is Killing America’s Heartland
AUTHOR: Dr. Jonathan Metzl
This quarter’s book recommendation is “Dying of Whiteness: How the Politics of Radical Resentment is Killing America’s Heartland.” Our mission at RISE Together focuses on fostering equity, innovation, and systemic change to uplift marginalized communities. Dr. Jonathan M. Metzl’s book aligns with this mission by exposing how policies driven by racial resentment not only harm communities of color but also negatively impact the broader society. His analysis of “backlash governance” highlights structural barriers to health, education, and economic opportunity, which directly connect to the inequities we seek to address. By advocating for policies that promote inclusivity and dismantle racial hierarchies, the book reinforces RISE’s goal of creating sustainable, equitable solutions for all communities.
