Who We Are
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, BCBA, LBA-NY, CT
Co-founder
Raine Palladino, founder of Rising Stars ABA, is a Board Certified and Licensed Behavior Analyst (BCBA/LBA) specializing in autism services and clinical leadership. Adjunct Faculty at Hunter College and Pace University, 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 data-driven behavioral health with a deep commitment to higher education and social dynamics.
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.