Who We Are

RISE is an initiative and committee with Leadership McKean, bringing together the next generation of leaders who live or work in McKean County. We are a diverse and passionate group dedicated to leaving a lasting impact on our community's future. Through events like our annual golf scramble, professional development opportunities with experienced speakers, and social gatherings, RISE creates spaces for meaningful connections and growth. ​We believe that every individual plays a crucial role in shaping the future. 

Our Mission

​To promote and enhance the vitality of the area by creating a strong community culture for the next generation of McKean County's leaders.


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Our Vision

To empower and inspire the next generation of emerging young professionals to create a more innovative, inclusive, and impactful world by fostering personal growth, community collaboration, and public service.


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Our Pillars

  1. Networking and Social Events
  2. Personal and Professional Development
  3. Civic Volunteerism
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Become a Member!

By becoming a RISE Member you get exclusive access to select events throughout the year, a free T-shirt, and provide input for events throughout the year. 

Stay Updated!

Follow RISE on Facebook and Instagram to get notifications on news and events!​
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2025 Event Calendar
February 23rd - RISE & BOWL
April 9th - RISE Off The Clock with Iris & Ivy Boutique
April 23rd - Lunch & Learn Series - Personal Branding with Carolyn Boser Newhouse, Executive Director with Bradford Area Alliance.
May 15th - Trivia Night at Cosmos' Lounge
June 14th - 5th Annual Golf Scramble
July 16th - Lunch & Learn Series - Effective Candor with Kindness: How to Have Difficult Conversations at Work with Holly McCully Jobe, Partner & COO with protocol 80 Inc. (Members Only)
July 19th - NPP Neighborhood Cleanup Volunteering
September 27th - Pumpkin Festival Volunteering
October 9th - Leadership & Management Talk with Bill Cox and Ray Kuneli of the High Performance team. (Members Only)
November 14th - 2nd Annual Pottery Painting Social with Groovy Glaze
December 5th - Christmas Parade

RISE Testimonials


"When I moved back to Bradford in 2018, I thought what most did... there’s nothing to do here. Then I attended the first mixer held by the Rising Leaders of Bradford… I realized that there was an entire community of like minded individuals looking to help each other succeed and grow. It started with me standing in the corner at a RISE event as a shy person to leaning forward to participate in Leadership McKean. I went from someone lacking confidence in a big way, to now [serving as] the President of RISE. Among other things, Leadership McKean taught me what it was like to be an elected official when I had to debate the benefits of a KOZ program and I made a lot of friends who are here in this room. Between RISE and Leadership McKean, I’ve grown more than I thought possible!"

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​Patrick Hollenbeck

"RISE has been one of the most impactful journeys I have ever had the honor of experiencing. I have taken tremendous strides in my professional life since joining RISE and that is no coincidence. RISE serves the younger workforce in the Bradford Area greatly. It's exciting to see RISE flourishing in its mission to promote and enhance the Bradford Area!"

Angelique Newhouse, 2022 RISE President

"Rising Leaders (RISE) is a dynamic platform empowering young leaders to cultivate essential skills, develop as leaders, and drive positive change. Through professional development workshops, social events, and service opportunities, RISE aims to shape a new generation of leaders poised for success in the local community."

Tony Scrivo, 2023 RISE President
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RISE Ambassador Program

The RISE Ambassador Program helps attract and retain young professionals by fostering a sense of community, providing socializing opportunities, and integrating new hires into McKean County.

Meet the RISE Team

Christian Smith
RISE Chairperson
Economic Development Specialist
​Bradford Area Alliance
Ainslee Litz
RISE Vice Chairperson
Assistant to the Executive Director
​Bradford Creative and Performing Arts
Jessie Kerr​
RISE Secretary
Marketing Coordinator
Bradford Area Alliance
Mayva Sturzenbecker
RISE Membership Chair
Business Owner
​Groovy Glaze
Danielle O'Neil
RISE Marketing Chair
Project Integrator
​Alleghany Store Fixtures​
​Chad Clark
Controller
​McCourt Label
Richille Denora
3rd Grade Teacher
​Bradford Area School District
Taylor Grandinetti
Business Owner
Iris & Ivy Boutique
Tony Scrivo
Financial Center Manager
Northwest Bank