Who We Are

Jeremy currently serves RISE as the Founder and CEO. Prior to joining RISE, he served for 7 years as Associate Vice President of Development at Creighton University. Jeremy has 17 years of leadership experience in higher education and non-profit organizations in New York City, Baltimore and Omaha. He earned a BA in Communications from Susquehanna University in Pennsylvania and a master of science in leadership from Creighton University.
JBouman@seeusrise.org

Jasmine brings 12+ years of experience to RISE that includes non-profit program management, community engagement, and coalition building. Most recently, Jasmine served as Co-Founder/CEO of WayMaker, LLC, an organization that motivates women and girls to overcome setbacks from being involved in the criminal justice system. She also served as a Health Educator at Creighton University and as Civic Engagement Committee Chair for the Urban League of Nebraska Young Professionals, where she focused on advocacy and awareness around criminal justice issues. Jasmine received a Bachelor’s in Biology from the University of Nebraska at Omaha, and a Master’s of Public Health from the University of Nebraska Medical Center. In 2017, Jasmine was awarded the Omaha NAACP Freedom Fighter Award and was named one of the Ten Outstanding Young Omahans (TOYO) by the Omaha Jaycees.
Jharris@seeusrise.org

Maria received her Bachelor’s in Political Science from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.
Over the past 10 years, Maria has served in a variety of roles in organizations addressing social justice, community development, and community engagement issues. Most recently, Maria worked as Country Manager & Interim Volunteer Program Manager for the FutureSense Foundation in Cambodia. At FutureSense she managed day-to-day operations including developing sustainable community health and education programs, organizing logistics over 11+ project sites, cultivating strong community relationships, monitoring evaluation of projects, and developing and managing budgets.
Mmoreno@seeusrise.org

TJ Dickson has earned her Doctorate in Metaphysical Science and Bachelor's and Master's degrees in both Business Administration and Metaphysical Science and certificates in Law of Attraction Coaching and Corporate Wellness. She started Taraji, LLC, a business and personal holistic wellness organization, in 2012. She also owned a successful accounting service for 19 years. She has coached, consulted, taught, or trained over 400 adults in business, accounting, math, wellness,
healing, and career preparation. Her mission is to empower others to heal, transform, and be well to live their best lives.
tjdickson@seeusrise.org

Brittany received a Bachelor’s in Psychology from Evangel University. During her time at Evangel, she worked as the Public Relations Director for Evangel University Activities Board. Since completing her studies, she worked as the Director of PR/Communications for Venel, The Authority in Orthopedic Marketing. Most recently, Brittany served as Co-Founder/Director of Marketing for Drink Local Think Global, an organization that partners with craft breweries to raise money to provide clean water in developing countries.
Bburling@seeusrise.org

Erica received her Bachelor’s in Social Work with a minor in Criminal Justice from Texas Christian University (TCU). She recently 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.
Most recently, 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.
Epieper@seeusrise.org

Jason Kotas involves himself in the community by being an active member of his Church, St. James United Methodist, East Campus in Bellevue NE, locally co-facilitating weekend workshops for the Alternative to Violence Project, and sharing his experience, strength, and hope at area treatment facilities and other venues. Mr. Kotas would like you to know that he has not always been this version of himself, as he initially got involved with RISE while he was a resident of the Omaha Correctional Center. He graduated from RISE’s inaugural cohort at OCC, stayed involved as a Peer Facilitator until he was transferred to Community Corrections. Today, Jason is living a life that a few years ago he would not have dared to dream about, thinking that his time had come and gone to ever live a life that was meaningful and fulfilling. By finally taking responsibility for his own life, he has risen up out of the ashes that were once his reality, and is dedicated to helping others rise up out of their own.
Jkotas@seeusrise.org

McKenzie has been a Midwest photographer and content creator for 10 years, specializing in documentary-based work. Originally from a small, rural farming community, McKenzie is rooted with a hard work ethic, growth mindset, and entrepreneurial spirit. She is passionate about documenting the legacies of everyday people for future generations. McKenzie received her Associates degree from ITT Technical Institute in Multimedia, completed and has been on staff with Foundation Workshops, and continues to be mentored by some of the best photojournalists in the world.
mring@seeusrise.org