Twenty-four+ years ago, my colleagues Robert Lipscomb (Chair Emeritus), the late Gid Smith (Community Foundation of Greater Memphis), representatives from Memphis Housing Authority, United Way of the Mid-South and Hyde Foundation founded RISE Foundation, Inc. (now RISE Memphis, Inc.). The mission of the organization was to empower people to become self-sufficient by building and sustaining human and financial assets. Services were targeted to employed residents of Memphis Housing Authority.

As a program officer with Community Foundation at that time, I was interested in creating a new role that would build programs to ensure philanthropic dollars would be utilized to help transform the financial well-being of low- to moderate-income working individuals in our city. After a meaningful discussion with Robert and Gid, my journey as a founding employee with RISE began in October of 1999. We spent the first 2 years building RISE’s signature program “Save Up” – the city’s most viable Individual Development Account (IDA) program that combines financial education with financial incentives for our city’s least able population – low-income employed workers. Save Up continues to assist participants in learning how to manage their income, obtain/repair credit, save money that they can use to become a first-time homeowner, pay for post-secondary education, purchase a vehicle outright or start a microenterprise/small business. Since the first 2+ years, RISE has expanded its services to serve other low-income residents of Memphis through a research component, Responsible Lending collaborative; other programs including Goal Card, Common Cents, Silver Neighbors and most recently, Greater Memphis Financial Empowerment Center.

My 24-year tenure with RISE Memphis has allowed me opportunities to rise from grants manager, program officer, director of operations, chief operations officer and, since the COVID-19 pandemic in 2000, president and CEO. We have educated thousands of Memphians in money management and asset building skills and empowered them to on their journey to financial self-sufficiency. I am incredibly proud of the work that has changed their lives!
In May 2024, I announced to the board of directors my decision to rise to my next level by pursuing some personal goals effective July 6, 2024. It is the right time for me and RISE. Your support during my journey will never be forgotten.
Still we RISE!

Shelia Y. Terrell