We want to welcome Edgar Rosales Maldonado as the newest member of the RYSE Board of Directors!
Edgar began his journey at RYSE at just 16 years old. What started as a means to supplement his family's income during a challenging financial period, blossomed into a transformative experience that would shape his life's trajectory. “The RYSE Center, a vibrant hub of creativity, learning, and community action, became a catalyst for his growth and development”, said Edgar.
Born from the tireless efforts of Black, Indigenous, and Youth of Color (BIYOC) organizers, RYSE's mission resonated deeply with him. RYSE’s commitment to fostering strong, healthy, and equitable communities, where violence is obsolete, provided a fertile ground for his personal and professional evolution. The core values of racial equity, social justice, youth leadership, and healing-centered work instilled in him a profound sense of purpose.
“My time at RYSE wasn’t just about community involvement; it was a powerful lesson in self-discovery. It demonstrated that circumstances don’t define a person’s potential. With support and the right environment, dreams can be realized. The center’s comprehensive services, ranging from health support and educational guidance to artistic expression and entrepreneurship, nurtured my talents and aspirations.”
Inspired by leaders like Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Representative John Lewis, César Chávez, and Dolores Huerta, Edgar cultivated resilience, a commitment to social justice, and the courage to speak truth to power. These experiences laid the foundation for a distinguished career in public service, politics, and advocacy.
His career path has been diverse and impactful, encompassing roles in the U.S. Army, state legislatures, congressional offices, county government, and campaign management. He's also championed public health initiatives and used his passion for running to promote physical and mental well-being.
Now, 13 years after his initial involvement, RYSE is so grateful that Edgar has chosen to return as a member of our Board of Directors. This full-circle journey is a testament to the profound impact RYSE has had on his life and a reflection of his unwavering commitment to giving back to the community that shaped him. He intends to leverage his experience and network to further RYSE's mission, ensuring that future generations of youth have the same opportunities he was fortunate enough to receive.
(Edgar featured in this video doing a tour of RYSE back in 2010!)