Our story

RISE is in our values.

RISE Reporting, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, was founded in 2022 when Grace recognized that news consumption was rapidly shifting toward social media platforms — and that individuals, especially the next generation, needed tools to adapt thoughtfully to this change. The name sparked during Grace's conversations with her sister, Hannah, and the acronym captures our foundational values.

Responsibility

An ethical duty for journalists, creators, and consumers to adapt to modern digital platforms while upholding standards of accuracy, integrity, and accountability.

Investigative Mind

A critical, inquisitive approach to reading, reporting, or consuming news — considering all angles, delving into facts, and viewing the bigger picture.

Societal Impact

News coverage that prioritizes the common good, humanity, and constructive change — a framework that builds up society rather than tearing it down.

Engagement

Involving young people (and all ages) in critical, constructive discussions about news and media — building trust, debate, and better information sharing.

Vision

A society where every age can spot manipulative algorithms without losing trust in themselves or others.

So that families enjoy healthier conversations online and offline, protect their peace of mind, and pass practical wisdom to the next generation that builds up instead of tears down.

Our mission: RISE delivers transformative, investigative, and tech-enabled experiences — human gatherings no screen or AI can duplicate — for families, from teens to the elderly, equipping them to protect their minds, live out their deepest values, and shape culture for good.

Our reach

From a student newsroom to families across generations.

What began as an educational service for college students has grown significantly: today RISE Social extends these principles to families, professionals, and retirees, fostering responsible media engagement across all ages.

The story behind our Mandarin work — and founder Grace Huang's own experience of the language, culture, and generational gap that inspired it — now lives on the Cyber Safety · 中文 Mandarin page.

See the flagship program Read the Mandarin story

Board & founding team

The people behind RISE.

Founder

Grace C. Huang

One of the early adopters of creating news content on social media. In college, Grace worked as a news reporter at UCLAradio.com and led community service initiatives to China. She brings 10+ years of management consulting and project management experience across the United States, Asia, and the Middle East.

Journalism Oversight

Steve Chao

Emmy-nominated international news correspondent with 20+ years covering the world's hotspots (CNN, Channel Four, The Guardian, Al Jazeera). Former Asia Bureau Chief for CTV News, Steve now runs Signal Flare Productions, one of the largest production houses in Asia.

Nonprofit Board Advisory

Andrew Doust

Seasoned business professional with deep philanthropic experience in program development and nonprofit board governance, notably at Freedom Fund, Luminos Fund, Kore Venture, and Fellowship Dubai.

Treasurer

Michael Lee

Interim Secretary