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WHO
WE ARE
Driven by a devotion to justice and gender equality, Lisa Del Sesto laid the foundation in Long Beach, California, by establishing a local feminist organization. Seeking to expand this mission, she joined forces with Raine Palladino, a New York psychology professor and musician known for her fierce advocacy in both academia and the music scene. This powerful collaboration transformed a local spark into We Are Women Rising, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to an intersectional approach to community enrichment. Through a unique blend of art, education, and digital empowerment, including initiatives like Rising Above the Digital Divide, We Are Women Rising fosters the collective strength and connection necessary for every woman to lead, thrive, and rise.
TEAM MEMBERS.
Lisa Del Sesto, MPA
Co-founder
Lisa is a dedicated advocate and nonprofit leader committed to empowering women through community and civic engagement. Currently serving as the Senior Operations Manager for the League of Women Voters of Connecticut, Lisa bridges organizational strategy with human connection. A 2025 Lead The Way Fellow with a Master’s in Public Administration, Lisa is driven by a mission to ensure women have the resources and community support necessary to lead and thrive.
Raine Palladino, MA, BCBA
Co-founder
Raine Palladino, co-founder of We Are Women Rising, is a Psychology Professor and Behaviorist specializing in the Psychology of Women and autism services. Current Faculty at Hunter College, she holds a Master’s in Psychology and a Graduate Certificate in Applied Behavior Analysis. A recipient of the Fellowship for Teaching Excellence in Psychology, Raine blends academic expertise with a deep commitment to behavioral health and social empowerment.
Keily Kane, BA
Secretary
With a strong passion for feminist empowerment and community building, Keily actively contributes to the We Are Women Rising network. Her valuable experience in higher education's digital learning space informs her approach to building meaningful connections. At We Are Women Rising, Keily is dedicated to fostering a powerful community and strengthening the relationships between its activated members.
Sam Soued
Outreach Coordinator
As Sam works to get her bachelor's degree, she spends a considerable amount of time honing her advocacy skills through experiences in research, patient care, and educational messaging. Passionate about understanding and improving health disparities that affect marginalized people, Sam helps drive the mission of We are Women Rising forward by creating weekly posts, collaborating with local organizations, and effectively sharing vital information.