Celebrate inclusive leadership across San Diego at RISE’s 10th Annual Inclusive Leadership in Action (ILIA) Awards on Monday, October 12, 2026. 

Established in 2017, RISE San Diego’s Inclusive Leadership in Action (ILIA) Awards honor individuals and groups or organizations that are doing the work to make a real difference in the San Diego region.

Each year, RISE seeks nominations from the community of individuals and organizations that are doing the work to make a real difference in the San Diego region. ILIA honorees are selected from these nominations and then announced and celebrated in October at the RISE ILIA Awards event. The awards recognize community members and organizations across eight award categories:

• Collective Resilience Advocate

• Community Change Agent 

• Culture Shifter

• Next-Gen Influencer

• Restorative Practitioner 

• Organization for Change 

• The Anthony M. Medina People's Champion

• The Legler Benbough Legacy Award 

Established in 2017, RISE San Diego’s Inclusive Leadership in Action (ILIA) Awards honor individuals and groups or organizations that are doing the work to make a real difference in the San Diego region. Learn more on our program page.

4:30–5:30PM — in English / en Inglés

Business owners, join RISE San Diego and U.S. Bank for these free, one-hour sessions on building business credit. The sessions will be facilitated by Claudio Burgin, Assistant Vice President and Bank Business Access Advisor at U.S. Bank. We'll review different banking products and services for business.

5:45–6:45PM — in Spanish / en español

Propietarios de negocios, únanse a RISE San Diego y U.S. Bank para estas sesiones gratuitas de una hora sobre cómo construir crédito empresarial. Las sesiones serán facilitadas por Claudio Burgin, Vicepresidente Asistente y Asesor de Acceso Bancario para Empresas en US Bank. Analizaremos diversos productos y servicios bancarios para empresas.

This training is made possible by our community partners at US Bank.

Esta capacitación es posible gracias a nuestros socios comunitarios de US Bank.

4:30–5:30PM — in English / en Inglés

Business owners, join RISE San Diego and U.S. Bank for these free, one-hour sessions on building your banking relationship. The sessions will be facilitated by Claudio Burgin, Assistant Vice President and Bank Business Access Advisor at U.S. Bank. We'll learn about the components of business credit, how personal credit can impact business credit, and how lenders evaluate creditworthiness.

5:45–6:45PM — in Spanish / en español

Propietarios de negocios, únanse a RISE San Diego y U.S. Bank para estas sesiones gratuitas de una hora sobre fortalecer su relación bancaria. Las sesiones serán facilitadas por Claudio Burgin, Vicepresidente Asistente y Asesor de Acceso Bancario para Empresas en US Bank. Aprenderemos sobre los componentes del crédito comercial, cómo el crédito personal puede afectar el crédito comercial y cómo los prestamistas evalúan la solvencia.

This training is made possible by our community partners at US Bank.

Esta capacitación es posible gracias a nuestros socios comunitarios de US Bank.

Join RISE San Diego on Thursday, September 24 at the Bonita Museum & Cultural Center for our next RISE Arts Talk on arts and culture in our South Bay communities with:

• Edwin Magbanua: Cultural Arts Manager and Principal Librarian for the City of Chula Vista

• Francisco Eme: music composer and multimedia artist; Arts and Culture Director at Casa Familiar; and Gallery Director at The FRONT Arte y Cultura

• Marisol Alvarado: Executive Director at ARTS (A Reason to Survive)

• Sarah Boyer: Program Development Officer at IBArts

• Moderated by Wendy Wilson, Director at Bonita Museum & Cultural Center

Admission is free. Light refreshments will be provided. Register online and let us know we’ll see you there.

RISE Arts Talks is a community dialogue series offering community members, artists, cultural practitioners, arts organizations and administrators, advocates, and others working within San Diego’s often overlooked and under-resourced art and culture communities and audiences a dedicated platform for critical dialogue and action towards greater equity in the arts. Learn more on our RISE Arts program page.

Connect with community leaders, advocates, and fellow residents committed to strengthening local democracy at RISE Now, a transformative, four-part quarterly series designed to strengthen democratic participation through education, collaboration, and action.

Session 3 focuses on Navigating the System: A Community Guide to Engaging with Government Structures, where you’ll learn:

• How to connect with local, state, and federal government with confidence

• How to identify who makes decisions and how to reach them, and

• When your input matters most

For more information and to register, please visit our event page on Give Butter.

RISE Now’s facilitated dialogues are designed to highlight the issues and needs of impacted community members and identify solutions from those actively engaged with the communities. RISE Now is centered around emerging leaders who are leaning into the work of real systemic change. Learn more on our program page.

Join us for a fun-filled evening at the RISE San Diego Community Mixer featuring the 2026 ILIA Nominees! This in-person event is the perfect opportunity to connect with like-minded individuals who are passionate about making a positive impact in our community.

Join RISE San Diego on Thursday, July 30 at heARTspace for our next RISE Arts Talk—"We survived: reflections on the threat to defund San Diego’s arts ecosystem"—when we'll be in conversation with Monica Delgadillo Hernandez (Executive Director, Chicano Park Museum and Cultural Center), Leah Goodwin (CEO, Leah Goodwin Creations), and Bob Lehman (Executive Director, San Diego ART Matters).

RISE Arts Talks is a community dialogue series offering community members, artists, cultural practitioners, arts organizations and administrators, advocates, and others working within San Diego’s often overlooked and under-resourced art and culture communities and audiences a dedicated platform for critical dialogue and action towards greater equity in the arts. Learn more on our RISE Arts program page.

Join RISE Arts + Kendrick Dial of Creative Engagement for this in-person, two-part workshop developed to help creatives get clear on your creative journey along with the mindset, tools, and approach needed to build a thriving, purpose-driven creative career.

Together, we will:

• Explore our personal relationship around creativity & our mindset around being creative

• Define purpose and success in relationship to our creativity

• Examine and practice communication and conflict resolution skills.

Part 1: Tuesday, June 23, 2026 (5:30–7:30 pm): Defining Your Creativity (Foundation)

Part 2: Tuesday, June 30, 2026 (5:30–7:30 pm): Navigating Communication & Conflict Resolution

RISE Arts supports the leadership development, advocacy, and capacity building of BIPOC and historically underrepresented artists, cultural practitioners, and arts and culture organizations in pursuit of a strong and vibrant regional arts and culture ecosystem.

Learn more on our program page.

Join RISE Arts and Cr34tive Gathering for an evening by the water where we will review the first half of 2026, set goals and intentions for the second half, and build community with one another.

RISE Arts supports the leadership development, advocacy, and capacity building of BIPOC and historically underrepresented artists, cultural practitioners, and arts and culture organizations in pursuit of a strong and vibrant regional arts and culture ecosystem.

Learn more on our program page.

The 2026 RISE Arts Showcase “Rooted in Community” takes place this June at Queen Bee’s Arts and Cultural Center in North Park!

The afternoon will feature:

ARTWORK

ale uzárraga · berenice badillo · chikle! · giselle rocha · monét nyree · sandra carmona · selina calvo · thao french · yvette roman

PANEL CONVERSATION

blake dye (the old globe) · giselle Rocha (heARTspace) · michael angelo camacho (sd art matters) · susanna peredo swap (vanguard culture) · moderated by kendrick dial

FEATURING

cultural art + compassion w/ale uzárraga · mindful movement w/latoya mckelvin (movement matters collective) · sound healing w/arielle cook · storytelling + community w/yolanda marie franklin (common ground theatre)

Let us know you’ll be there—register on our GiveButter event page and receive event details and updates.

RISE Arts supports the leadership development, advocacy, and capacity building of BIPOC and historically underrepresented artists, cultural practitioners, and arts and culture organizations in pursuit of a strong and vibrant regional arts and culture ecosystem.

Learn more on our program page.

Join us for an evening filled with inspiring presentations, delicious food, and valuable networking opportunities as our RISE Urban Leadership Fellows of Cohort 11 celebrate the conclusion of its program year.

The event will begin with a welcome address, followed by the recognition and presentations on the fellows' Community Action Projects—initiatives designed to drive positive change and make a real difference in the communities they serve. Your presence will make this event even more memorable as we come together to celebrate their accomplishments and hear about their visions for positively impacting their communities. It promises to be an inspiring and uplifting experience.

For more information and to register, please visit our event page on Give Butter

Join RISE Arts + Kendrick Dial of Creative Engagement for this in-person, two-part workshop developed to help creatives get clear on your creative journey along with the mindset, tools, and approach needed to build a thriving, purpose-driven creative career.

Together, we will:

• Explore our personal relationship around creativity & our mindset around being creative

• Define purpose and success in relationship to our creativity

• Examine and practice communication and conflict resolution skills.

Part 1: Tuesday, June 23, 2026 (5:30–7:30 pm): Defining Your Creativity (Foundation)

Part 2: Tuesday, June 30, 2026 (5:30–7:30 pm): Navigating Communication & Conflict Resolution

RISE Arts supports the leadership development, advocacy, and capacity building of BIPOC and historically underrepresented artists, cultural practitioners, and arts and culture organizations in pursuit of a strong and vibrant regional arts and culture ecosystem.

Learn more on our program page.

Connect with community leaders, advocates, and fellow residents committed to strengthening local democracy at RISE Now, a transformative, four-part quarterly series designed to strengthen democratic participation through education, collaboration, and action.

Session 2 focuses on Policy by the People: Turning Community Needs into Legislative Action, where you’ll learn:

• How policies are made, and

• Where community voices can shape decisions on education, environment, children and families, and other regional priorities

For more information and to register, please visit our event page on Give Butter

RISE Now’s facilitated dialogues are designed to highlight the issues and needs of impacted community members and identify solutions from those actively engaged with the communities. RISE Now is centered around emerging leaders who are leaning into the work of real systemic change. Learn more on our program page.

Connect with community leaders, advocates, and fellow residents committed to strengthening local democracy at RISE Now, a transformative, four-part quarterly series designed to strengthen democratic participation through education, collaboration, and action.

Deepen your understanding of voting rights and the civic process, including:

• Practical guidance on voter registration

• Election information, and

• How to arrive at the polls informed and prepared for November 2026

For more information and to register, please visit our event page on Give Butter

Moderator:

Panelists:

RISE Now’s facilitated dialogues are designed to highlight the issues and needs of impacted community members and identify solutions from those actively engaged with the communities. RISE Now is centered around emerging leaders who are leaning into the work of real systemic change. Learn more on our program page.

It's spring again! We invite you to come together with your RISE Familia for an evening of connection, reflection, and community at Mujeres Brew House!

Let's get together on Friday, April 17, 2026, from 6-8pm for the RISE Spring Mixer and celebrate our shared accomplishments. Come and build meaningful relationships with fellow community members.

Your ticket* includes a beer, a taco, and fresh churros!! Get your tickets online on our GiveButter event page.

*Kindly note that tickets are required for entry

Join professional development trainer/coach and creative Kendrick Dial of Creative Engagement for Real Artists Don’t Starve, a three-part workshop reshaping the "starving artist" myth where you’ll explore the mindset, tools, and approach to build a thriving, purposeful creative career. Sessions are held on Saturdays starting January 24 from 9:45 am – 2:00 pm at San Diego Made Factory.

• For more information and to register visit Eventbrite

Kendrick Dial of Creative Engagement is highly esteemed for his expertise and involvement in the landscape of the arts while bridging the worlds of mental health, and social justice. He’s a poet, songwriter, producer, film-composer, filmmaker, actor/ voice over actor, and playwright.

Learn more at kendrickdial.com and follow him on LinkedIn and Instagram.

DETOUR’s F.A.N.C.Y. Teen Girls Expo is back on Saturday, March 7!

Join over 300 girls of color in grades K–12 from across San Diego for a powerful day of: Empowerment panels with real-world changemakers · Hands-on STEAM + leadership activities · Live performances, visual art, and community celebration · Career, college, and wellness resources · Sisterhood, culture, and unstoppable self-love!

• For more information and to purchase tickets visit Eventbrite

DETOUR’s mission is to increase access to education and employment opportunities for girls of color.

Learn more at detourempowers.org and follow them on LinkedIn and Instagram.

Join professional development trainer/coach and creative Kendrick Dial of Creative Engagement for Real Artists Don’t Starve, a three-part workshop reshaping the "starving artist" myth where you’ll explore the mindset, tools, and approach to build a thriving, purposeful creative career. Sessions are held on Saturdays starting January 24 from 9:45 am – 2:00 pm at San Diego Made Factory.

• For more information and to register visit Eventbrite

Kendrick Dial of Creative Engagement is highly esteemed for his expertise and involvement in the landscape of the arts while bridging the worlds of mental health, and social justice. He’s a poet, songwriter, producer, film-composer, filmmaker, actor/ voice over actor, and playwright.

Learn more at kendrickdial.com and follow him on LinkedIn and Instagram.

If you are a young person from South Bay (ages 12–18) interested in creating art to build stronger communities, apply to the Community ARTS after-school program that takes place twice a week at the ARTS Center in National City from February 23–May 19.

You'll meet other young creatives, experiment with different artistic media, work with professional artists, and present your artwork at a final exhibition open to the public!

Learn more and fill out the interest form, then join us at our orientation event Spring Jam 2026 on Saturday, February 7 from 11:00 am to 3:00 pm to save your spot in the program.

• For more information and to apply visit their program page

ARTS lifts young people in the South County region of San Diego to become confident, compassionate, and courageous community builders through the transformative power of creativity.

Learn more at areasontosurvive.org and follow them on LinkedIn and Instagram.

Join Greater Than Tech for our Third Annual Tech Over Tapas Fundraiser

Be part of an evening built for corporate leaders, community partners, innovators, and supporters of equitable STEM education. Tech Over Tapas brings together decision-makers and advocates for a night of innovation, power networking, and real community impact.

Your attendance fuels STEM programs, scholarships, and mentorship for underserved students — helping open doors, create opportunities, and build a more diverse tech leadership pipeline.

• For more information and to purchase tickets: visit their event page

Greater Than Tech is aiding the next generation of innovative technology leaders by introducing immersive educational programs at the intersection of STEM and business.

Learn more at greaterthantech.org and follow them on LinkedIn, Instagram, and Facebook.

Join professional development trainer/coach and creative Kendrick Dial of Creative Engagement for Real Artists Don’t Starve, a three-part workshop reshaping the "starving artist" myth where you’ll explore the mindset, tools, and approach to build a thriving, purposeful creative career. Sessions are held on Saturdays starting January 24 from 9:45 am – 2:00 pm at San Diego Made Factory.

• For more information and to register visit Eventbrite

Kendrick Dial of Creative Engagement is highly esteemed for his expertise and involvement in the landscape of the arts while bridging the worlds of mental health, and social justice. He’s a poet, songwriter, producer, film-composer, filmmaker, actor/ voice over actor, and playwright.

Learn more at kendrickdial.com and follow him on LinkedIn and Instagram.

Join Alliance San Diego at the 38th Annual All Peoples Celebration 
on on Monday, January 19, 2026
 at the Balboa Park Activity Center. This year, we invite you to Choose Courage; to decide, with intention, to do what is right even when the fear and opposition are loud. Now more than ever, our voices must rise above hesitation. We must claim our dignity and echo the notion that any attack on one, is an attack on us all.

• For more information and to purchase tickets: Visit their event page

• Interested in a volunteer opportunity? Sign up and share your time to support the Alliance team with event set up, flow, and breakdown.

Alliance San Diego is a community organization whose mission is to build collective power to create an inclusive democracy where everyone can participate fully with dignity. 

Learn more at alliancesd.org and follow them on LinkedIn, Instagram, and Facebook.

African American Writers & Artists San Diego’s annual artist exhibition, The Color of Us, takes place on Saturday, January 10, 2026 at PANA in City Heights. This vibrant showcase features visual art and creative works by AAW&A member artists over the past year, reflecting the richness, diversity, and shared stories of our community. Guests are invited to experience powerful artistic expressions in an uplifting and welcoming space.

• For more information and to RSVP: Visit their event page

African American Writers & Artists San Diego (AAW&A) aims creates safe spaces where Black art can grow and inspire. Through programs like S.O.S. Saving Our Stories, AAW&A uses the arts as a powerful tool for healing, empowerment, and connection.

Learn more at aawasd.org and follow them on Instagram and Facebook.

Join RISE San Diego on Thursday, November 20 for our final RISE Arts Talk of 2025 for a conversation on The Art of Wellness: Storytelling as Healing.

• 6:00 - 6:45 pm — Interactive hands-on art activity, networking, and light refreshments

• 6:45 – 8:00 pm — Panel discussion and community dialogue

Our panel of artists and storytellers will be moderated by Ramel J. Wallace and feature Thelma Virata de Castro, Yvette Roman, and Shugri Salh.

Celebrate inclusive leadership across San Diego at RISE’s 9th Annual Inclusive Leadership in Action (ILIA) Awards on Monday, October 13, 2025. 

Established in 2017, RISE San Diego’s Inclusive Leadership in Action (ILIA) Awards honor individuals and groups or organizations that are doing the work to make a real difference in the San Diego region.

Each year, RISE seeks nominations from the community of individuals and organizations that are doing the work to make a real difference in the San Diego region. ILIA honorees are selected from these nominations and then announced and celebrated in October at the RISE ILIA Awards event. The awards recognize community members and organizations across eight award categories:

• Collective Resilience Advocate

• Community Change Agent 

• Culture Shifter

• Next-Gen Influencer

• Restorative Practitioner 

• Organization for Change 

• The Anthony M. Medina People's Champion

• The Legler Benbough Legacy Award 

Sponsor the 2025 ILIA Awards—review our sponsorship deck to learn more

For more information, visit: https://www.risesandiego.org/programs/ilia

Established in 2017, RISE San Diego’s Inclusive Leadership in Action (ILIA) Awards honor individuals and groups or organizations that are doing the work to make a real difference in the San Diego region. Learn more on our program page.

Join us for a fun-filled evening at the RISE San Diego Community Mixer featuring the 2025 ILIA Nominees and RISE Cohort XI Fellows! This in-person event hosted at the University of San Diego is the perfect opportunity to connect with like-minded individuals who are passionate about making a positive impact in our community.

Date: Thursday, September 25, 2025

Time: 5:30 pm - 7:30 pm

Location: MRH West Plaza (SOLES) 5998 Alcalá Park San Diego, CA 92110

Food and beverages will be provided

Come and network with fellow change-makers, share ideas, and discover new ways to collaborate on projects that will uplift our community. Enjoy a delightful selection of food and beverages that will be provided throughout the evening.

At the RISE San Diego Community Mixer, you'll have the chance to engage in lively conversations, build meaningful connections, and learn about exciting initiatives happening in our city. Don't miss this opportunity to be a part of something bigger!

Mark your calendars and get ready for an evening of inspiration and community building. We can't wait to see you there!

Join RISE San Diego on Thursday, August 21 for the next RISE Arts Talk on Creative Youth Development as a pathway to change in San Diego.

• 6:00 - 6:30 pm — Interactive, hands-on art activity, networking, and light refreshments

• 6:30 – 8:00 pm — Panel discussion and community dialogue

Moderated by Shayla James (San Diego Creative Youth Network), with panelists Adrian Cantero (David's Harp Foundation), Lucy Eagleson and Addie (A Reason to Survive—ARTS), and Samira Hassan (Back Alley Poets)