In this powerful episode of RISE Urban Nation, host Taryell Simmons speaks with Dr. Sherece Y. West-Scantlebury—philanthropic visionary and retiring President & CEO of the Winthrop Rockefeller Foundation. They explore her 33-year journey in public policy, community development, and values-aligned investing. Discover the untold stories behind statewide initiatives like ALICE in AR, Excel by 8, and the Arkansas Enterprise Capital Grant Fund. Learn how Dr. West-Scantlebury leveraged equity and lived experience to reshape systems for generations to come.

From Idea to Impact: Lisa Ascolese on Inventing the Right Way

RISE Urban Nation is more than a podcast—it’s a cultural media platform dedicated to amplifying Black and Pan-African voices across the diaspora. Hosted by Taryell Simmons, the show brings together entrepreneurs, nonprofit leaders, innovators, and changemakers who are rewriting the narrative of success in real time.

At its core, RISE Urban Nation exists to unite our untold stories, uplift voices that have too often been overlooked or erased, and ignite ideas and communities into action. Through powerful storytelling and real conversations, we are not just sharing stories—we are reclaiming narrative power and preserving Black history as it’s being made.

Born from a mission to close the visibility gap in mainstream media, this platform creates space for those building, leading, and creating impact—often without the recognition they deserve. Each episode offers both inspiration and insight, blending lived experience with practical strategies to help listeners amplify their voice, grow their influence, and turn their story into opportunity.

From San Diego to cities across the globe, RISE Urban Nation connects the diaspora through stories that remind us: representation is not just about being seen—it’s about being valued, respected, and heard.
If you’re ready to turn your voice into impact, your story into visibility, and your purpose into action—this is your platform.

Unite. Uplift. Ignite.