One leader. 26 questions. A daily unconventional profile of leaders on the rise.
RISING ICONS
What do you do with a growing network of innovators, journalists, leaders and media professionals? Create opportunity. In 2023, we asked our friends to introduce us to incredible people leading change and their nominations resulted in this series of leadership profiles. Now we celebrate leaders building brands and driving change every day. Nominate an ICON to be featured or meet them below.
Rising ICONS is brought to you in partnership with the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation
Rising ICON #56: Portia Obeng
Portia Obeng is the Social Media Strategist & LinkedIn Coach at Portia Obeng LLC, specializing in enhancing the digital presence of professional women and business owners through strategic social media and personal branding.
Rising ICON #55: Renita Faye
Renita Faye is the Founder and CEO of Addwomxn, a marketing and design firm dedicated to promoting health equity through inclusive campaigns.
Rising ICON #54: Kelsey Joson
Kelsey Joson is the CEO and founder of InControl, a company improving the quality of life for adults with disabilities.
Rising ICON #53: Luke Wendlandt
Luke Wendlandt is the Founder of Cadre, a pioneering platform that revolutionizes mental health support.
Rising ICON #52: Emily LeVasseur
Emily LeVasseur is the Managing Director of Waypost Advisors LLC, where she champions innovative supply chain solutions for mid-sized manufacturing companies and fosters a supportive environment for women in the industry.
Rising ICON #51: Amir Berenjian
Amir Berenjian, Founder & CEO of REM5 STUDIOS, pioneers immersive technology platforms that redefine interactive storytelling through VR and AR.
Rising ICON #50: Andrew Headrick
Andrew Headrick is the Founder & CEO of Kavira Health, a company revolutionizing the healthcare industry by providing employees with accessible and affordable virtual and in-home care.
Rising ICON #49: Marcus Alipate
Marcus Alipate is the Founder of SMOOVE, a brand that crafts purpose-driven fashion to tell compelling stories and express individual identities.
Rising ICON #48: Juan Llerena
Juan Llerena is the Founder & President of JLLB Media Marketing Agency, which helps entrepreneurs and nonprofits amplify their impact through strategic, personalized marketing solutions.
Rising ICON #47: Jametta Raspberry
Jametta Raspberry, Founder of House of Gristle and Executive Director at Roots for The Home Team, is redefining leadership in the culinary world.
Rising ICON #46: Athena M. Adkins
Athena M. Adkins is president and founder of BetterWorld Partners, an anti-racism consulting firm for organizational change and capacity.
Rising ICON #45: Nina Axelson
Nina Axelson is the president and founder of Grid Catalyst, an organization at the forefront of energy and cleantech in Minnesota.
Rising ICON #44: Jhaelynn Elam
Jhaelynn Elam is a social innovator solving for Black wealth and connection as the founder of The B Suite and Sizije Trave.
Rising ICON #43: Grayson Cobb Denzer
Grayson Cobb Denzer is the sales and partnership manager for digital marketing agency, Br8kthru Consulting.
Rising ICON #42: Sue Harnett
Sue Harnett, the trailblazing Founder & CEO of Rewriting the Code, is on a mission to transform the landscape of the technology industry by building the largest global community for college and early-career women in tech.
Rising ICON #41: Dr. Chris Brooks
Dr. Chris Brooks, Co-Founder & Managing Partner of the Brown Venture Group, is a visionary economic theologian who is redefining the global economy to foster the flourishing of all people, particularly those of color.
Rising ICON #40: Jamie Millard
Jamie Millard, renowned for her expertise in building communities and fostering meaningful connections, stands at the forefront of narrative strategy and design systems at Margaret A. Cargill Philanthropies.
Rising ICON #39: Billy Mzenga
Billy Mzenga, as the visionary Director of the Institute for Social Innovation at the University of St. Thomas, is reshaping the landscape of entrepreneurship education by focusing on solutions to the world's biggest challenges.
Rising ICON #38: Karl O. Benson
Karl Benson, President of the Zeta Nu Sigma Chapter of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc., is pioneering change and building a brighter future for Black men in the Twin Cities.
Rising ICON #37: Jonathan Banks
Jonathan Banks, President of NCXT, is pioneering a transformative approach in management consulting, focusing on engaging people, driving change, and creating Our Best World®.