Meet Drew Lyle
By Charita Dailey, RISE Director of Development
His Journey Home with RISE
“We are building confidence in people who feel like they have been forgotten.”
If you asked Drew, RISE Business Academy (RBA) Program Associate, to describe his work, his answer would be something of the sort.
Drew has officially been with RISE since July 2024, but he's been part of the family for much longer.
"I graduated the RISE In-Prison Program then became a Peer Facilitator for the next cohort, and continued facilitating for two more years," shared Drew. On his journey home, a position for a Community Navigator opened up as the RISE team expanded, and Drew applied for the role.
"I was previously a Community Navigator in Lincoln for over a year where I helped individuals inside and outside of institutions structure their reentry blueprint," Drew described. "I walked beside them as they entered that journey."
Moving Forward
Now, Drew serves in a new capacity as RISE Business Academy Associate, expanding the former team of one to a dynamic duo. "Now, I'm helping entrepreneurs start small businesses through our Business Academy," expressed Drew. "I'm making sure that we provide continuing education to business owners that have graduated from our program."
In fact, the RISE Business Academy was born out of such an interest. Our In-Prison Program curriculum incorporates entrepreneurship in both a metaphorical and practical sense, and many graduates desired continuing education as they aspired to begin entrepreneurial journeys upon their return home.
Now, the RISE Business Academy is 83 graduates strong with 54 active businesses. Cohort 15 begins in January and the program is open to anyone in our community who has been impacted by the carceral system, whether personally or secondhand. The purpose is to build capacity among those who may not have access to other sources of training and development.
"I believe the work that I do impacts not only our program participants, but the community as a whole because we are building confidence in people who feel like they have been forgotten," reflected Drew.
“Everyone likes a comeback story, and we are just the trainers and cheerleaders.”
Leaving a Legacy
As a former athlete, it's quite on-brand for Drew to liken an experience to sports, and we are so incredibly grateful to have his creative yet disciplined spirit on the team as we accompany our RBA participants on their entrepreneurial journeys.
When asked about the legacy that he hopes to leave at RISE, Drew thoughtfully expressed that he'd like "to know that [he] made a difference in the lives of even one family." Drew is especially passionate about youth and hopes to prevent those in his life from experiencing incarceration.
Outside of work, Drew is an AAU basketball coach who focuses on player development. "I enjoy being able to give back to the young basketball community in every way possible," Drew shared.
Having been part of the RISE team for so long, Drew sees RISE as "a family where you don't have to be bonded by blood, but just by love."
Drew is an entrepreneur himself and understands the humble beginnings of building a business. But, as a member of the RISE family, Drew is so much more.
If you are interested in volunteering and lending both Drew and Dr. TJ a hand with RBA, we would love to have you!