The story behind RISE
From the first interview outfit to the first week of work.
Fox Cities RISE grew from two experiences that came together for founder Justin Brown: participating in mock interviews through Jimmy Lee Langhoff’s A Queen’s Conversation, and learning about Community Clothes Closet’s New Start Boutique.
It began with Jimmy Lee.
Jimmy Lee Langhoff’s business, A Queen’s Conversation, focuses on pageant interview coaching. His work helps people prepare to express who they are and what they bring to an interview.
For Justin, participating in the mock-interview experience made the value of preparation tangible. There was room to practice, hear feedback, and see how a supportive conversation could help someone recognize and communicate their strengths.
That experience stayed with him. The setting was pageantry, but the lesson reached beyond it: people deserve a chance to prepare before the moment that matters.
Learn about A Queen’s Conversation
Then came the clothing connection.
After connecting with Community Clothes Closet and learning about its New Start Boutique, Justin saw another part of the journey.
The Menasha boutique provides interview clothing and interview tips. Once a client gets a job, it can also provide appropriate work clothes to help them get started. Its clothing serves different kinds of work, not only office jobs, and the program is free for eligible clients.
That sparked a question for Justin: how could RISE help someone move from needing that first interview outfit to needing a week of clothes for a new job?
Read about New Start BoutiqueThe missing piece was preparation.
The two experiences connected. Community Clothes Closet addressed a practical barrier: having suitable clothing. The mock interviews showed Justin what practice, feedback, and encouragement could add.
RISE’s purpose began to take shape around the space between those moments—helping people prepare, communicate their value, and connect with the community as they work toward employment.
The goal was not to duplicate the Boutique or Jimmy’s business. It was to bring those lessons into a local effort: practical resources and human support working together.
Building that idea, together.
Today, RISE is hosting resource-center sessions, including sessions at LEAVEN, while building participation. Workshops have not started yet. The vision continues to guide what comes next: help people feel prepared and supported as they take their next step.
Moving from the first outfit to a week of work clothes describes that aspiration—not a guaranteed job or a promised quantity of clothing. Community Clothes Closet manages its own eligibility and program details.
Honoring the influence behind the work.
Jimmy Lee’s influence remains part of RISE’s story. The Founding Light tribute shares more about the personal connection and the encouragement that helped inspire Justin’s work.
Read the Founding Light tribute