Erica Raetz

Director of Reentry Services
Written By McKenzie Ring

she/her/hers

Erica Raetz is the Director of Reentry Services at RISE with over 10 years supporting vulnerable populations within the criminal legal system. Specializing in strategic visioning, people management, and trauma informed practice, Erica uses that experience to provide a formalized support system to those returning to the community from incarceration.

Erica received her Bachelor’s in Social Work with a minor in Criminal Justice from Texas Christian University (TCU) and graduated from Columbia University with a Master’s in Social Work (MSW).

While pursuing her BA, Erica served as a Jail Advocate for The Net, visiting women in jail, and providing resources such as job training, education, and housing. She also worked as a Research Assistant at TCU’s Department of Social Work, where she performed statistical analysis to determine the effects of supportive housing, and as a Rape Crisis Advocate at The Women’s Center in Fort Worth, Texas.

Additionally, Erica served as a Special Victims Counselor at the New York County District Attorney’s Office, where she provided supportive counseling, court accompaniment, and case advocacy for victims of violent crime.

McKenzie Ring

McKenzie Ring has over 20 years of experience helping businesses and organizations reach maximum audiences for growth. Specializing in social responsibility, digital marketing, photography, and content creation, McKenzie uses that experience to educate the public and grow a network of volunteers, donors, employers, and support for people returning to the community after incarceration.

Specializing and trained in documentary-based work, McKenzie has been an award-winning Midwest photographer and content creator for much of her professional life. She is passionate about bridging unlikely communities and building empathy through storytelling.

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