RISE: Social Work in an Era of Change is a grassroots collective of social work activists committed to addressing social justice issues in the field.  We are a group of current social work students and recent professionals in New York City. For more information about becoming involved as an organizer email info@riseconference.org.

Organizers

Kate Barrow, LMSW
Founder and Conference Chair
kate@riseconference.org

Kate Barrow became involved in anti-oppression and social justice work as a student at Naropa University, while completing her BA in Contemplative Psychology. She is currently the youth services coordinator at Midtown Community Court and has spent the last five years managing various non-profit youth programs. She completed her MSW at NYU’s Silver School of Social Work in 2008 and received the NASW-NYC Student Award. She believes that real transformation occurs in community and conversation, and is grateful for the many amazing people who have come together to create RISE.

Shane Crary-Ross
Conference Co-Chair
shane@riseconference.org

Shane Crary-Ross is currently a student at NYU, where she is double majoring in Social Work and Economics.  When she’s not studying or working on RISE, she volunteers with Project Health, an organization that seeks to break the link between poverty and poor health, and works in the NYU Sustainability Office.  Shane is interested in how social welfare policy can promote a just society, healthy planet, and strong economy, and hopes to work in the field of economic policy when she graduates.

Aliyah Vinikoor, MSW
Lead Organizer
aliyah@riseconference.org

Aliyah Vinikoor is a recent graduate of the Hunter College School of Social Work, currently directs a school-based anti-violence  program in the South Bronx for Safe Horizon. She has previously provided therapy to adjudicated youth for the Vera Institute, organized around the changing city environment for the Urban Justice Center, and served as a Clinton Global Initiative fellow. Before entering graduate school Aliyah was an editor and writer in both print and radio. She graduated cum laude from Barnard College, Columbia University where she majored in History.

Josetta Harris
Venue  Coordinator
josie@riseconference.org

Josie Harris joined RISE based on a shared passion for discussing and ultimately enacting social change.  She has previously worked at a Children’s Aid Society Community School as a social work intern and would like to work with LGBTQ adults with substance abuse issues.  Josie is currently pursuing a MSW at NYU’s Silver School of Social Work and is the secretary of the Graduate Student Association.  She is excited to see what was initially just an idea discussed amongst friends become an engaging and thought provoking conference.

Sarah Tarshis, MSW
Community Outreach and Development
sarah@riseconference.org

Sarah Tarshis has worked at various agencies in New York City including non-profit community centers, healthcare facilities and at the United Nations. She is interested in relief work and human rights issues and speaks English, French and Spanish. She earned her MSW from New York University in 2009 and a BA from McGill University.

Omega Fraizer, MSW
Media Coordinator
omega@riseconference.org

Omega Fraizer is a recent graduate of NYU’s Silver School of Social Work. During her time at NYU she served on the GSA Council and created a student group to address a gap in discussions surrounding diversity and discrimination. She also designed and implemented strategies to encourage young women without a social work background to mentor young girls in their respective communities.  Omega’s interests lie in youth development in minority communities as well as bridging the gap between spirituality, sexuality, and mental health.

Heidi Lopez, MSW
Organizing Consultant

Heidi Lopez has been working in youth development for 13 years in a variety of capacities; from group worker, to tutor, volunteer coordinator to director of a beacon. Most recently she’s begun working as a social worker in higher education. Heidi graduated with her Master’s in Social Work: Community Organizing from the Hunter College School of Social Work, where she became a member of the Anti Racist Collective at Hunter.