We are beyond excited to officially announce the launch of our Sixth RISERS cohort!

Since the RISERS Parent Leadership program launched in 2021, our goal has been clear: to give parents the skills they need to grow their advocacy, nurture their leadership, and help them channel their lived experiences into unstoppable grassroots MOM power. After all, mamas are the original organizers—sometimes we just need the space and tools to step fully into that power!

This year, we’re keeping that incredible momentum going by welcoming another passionate group of mamas and caregivers from all across the country. Representing diverse backgrounds, unique perspectives, and communities from red states, blue states, and purple states alike, our sixth cohort is ready to take on the next 10 months of skill-building, community advocacy, and holding lawmakers accountable.

Meet our 2026-2027 RISERS 

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• Alicia, Maine

• Gianna, West Virginia

• Cecilia. Florida

• Elizabeth, Georgia

• Katherin, Massachusetts

• Alexis, Washington

• Ryan, New Hampshire

• Sheila, New York

• Maggie, Nevada

• Nicole, California

• Elisabeth, New York

• Giva, New York

• Erin, New Mexico

• Wenxi, Pennsylvania

• Shannon, Nebraska

• Zyera, Nevada

A Powerful Group of Diverse Group of Mamas 

RISERS come in with diverse life experiences and backgrounds. What makes this 6th cohort so special is the rich background of lived experiences and grassroots passion every participant brings to the table:

• Navigating Health & Caregiving Realities: Our new RISERS are advocates born out of real family triumphs and struggles—from navigating medical emergencies, preemie NICU stays, and young parenthood, to parenting children on the autism spectrum, supporting loved ones with medical conditions, and navigating the challenges of motherhood in the United States, like accessing affordable child care. 

• Community Leaders and Professional Expertise: This cohort brings a vast group of expertise: deep expertise as early education specialists, Head Start and public school teachers, community organizers, veteran service members and public health advocates, and even a wedding officiant!

• Coast-to-Coast Reach: This cohort has people from every corner of the continental USA- From Maine to California, to Washington and Florida, and beyond, these mamas are building grassroots power right where they live—whether creating and leading parent groups, or showing up at state capitals and in DC– they’re already making change and are ready to hold leaders accountable to ensure families get what they need to thrive. 

What Our Sixth Cohort Is Fighting For

Anchored in early learning, our sixth cohort of RISERS are stepping up to lift up the issues that help families not just survive, but truly thrive.

• Child Care & Early Education: Demanding accessible, affordable child care, early intervention services, robust special education support, and protecting public education and access to diverse books.

• Paid Leave & Workplace Protections: Fighting for universal paid family and medical leave and earned sick time so parents never have to choose between a paycheck and caring for a loved one.

• Healthcare & Maternal Justice: Protecting Medicaid, advocating for maternal mental health, expanding healthcare access, and defending reproductive rights.

• Family Safety & Support: Standing up for LGBTQ+ families, protecting SNAP benefits, and ensuring every voice is heard by registering voters in our communities.

Join the Movement

Movement building starts with real people sharing real truths. One of the most powerful ways you can stand with our new RISERS cohort is by taking your own first step in advocacy.

Whether it's your story about navigating high child care costs, managing maternal healthcare, or trying to access paid leave, your experience can inspire real change:

• Share Your Story: Submit your written experience: 

  • Child Care 

  • SNAP

  • Head Start 

  • Medicaid 

• Send a Video Message: Record a quick video to show lawmakers the real faces behind these policy issues!

Join us in giving a warm welcome to our 6th RISERS cohort as they begin this powerful journey of activist energy, leadership, and community change!