Removing barriers. Making reinvention possible.
I lead Fox Cities RISE from a belief shaped by lived experience: people are not defined by the barriers they have faced. A barrier in confidence, education, work history, support, transportation, technology, language, recovery, disability access, or professional connection should not be the reason someone is left out of opportunity.
When the Job Center in Appleton closed, I saw the gap it left for people who still needed a clear, welcoming place to find employment resources, build confidence, and prepare for what came next. That gap helped shape RISE and strengthened my belief that practical readiness support should remain accessible within the community.
I am building RISE to help remove those barriers by bringing employers, volunteers, nonprofits, educators, community partners, and practical resources closer to the people who need them. Preparation should feel human, and support should not depend on someone already knowing where to start.
At its heart, RISE is about reinvention. It gives people space to practice, reflect, rebuild confidence, name their strengths, and step into a new chapter with connection behind them. My vision is a community where readiness is shared, opportunity is more reachable, and people are seen for who they are becoming.
Emily Folberg
Deputy Executive Director
Emily brings extensive experience in finance, tax preparation, bookkeeping, payroll, compliance, and operational organization. As a business owner and Certified Tax Preparer, she understands both the financial responsibilities of a growing organization and the practical qualities employers value when interviewing and hiring. Her service as a vice president on another nonprofit board also brings firsthand knowledge of nonprofit governance and the importance of strong community organizations.
The belief behind the work
Talent should never be overlooked because someone lacked confidence, opportunity, or someone willing to believe in them. RISE exists because readiness is not built by one person or one program alone. It grows when participants, employers, nonprofit partners, educators, volunteers, and community leaders share responsibility for opening pathways.
That means RISE is more than practice before an interview. It is a growing network of coaching, feedback, career exploration, professional connection, and community support designed to help people be prepared, seen, and connected before the next opportunity arrives.
View board members
Justin Brown
Chairman
Justin founded Fox Cities RISE after recognizing the need for accessible workforce support following the Appleton Job Center closure. A Fox Cities Chamber Ambassador, he develops community partnerships and practical readiness experiences that help people build confidence, prepare for interviews, and communicate their value.
Bill Ostrum, MJSC
Board Member
Bill brings more than 20 years of experience in talent acquisition and career coaching, including work with Intuit, Amazon Web Services, and Blue Cross Blue Shield of Illinois. A Certified Master Job Search Coach recognized by LA Weekly as one of its 10 Career Coaches to Follow in 2023, he helps professionals strengthen interview skills, confidence, personal branding, and leadership.
Emily Folberg
Treasurer
Emily is a business owner and Certified Tax Preparer with experience in accounting, tax, compliance, operations, interviewing, and hiring. Her nonprofit board leadership brings practical governance experience and a strong understanding of how well-run organizations can strengthen their communities.