Mission
The RISE UP (Rape Incest Survivors Empowerment United Project) Foundation is dedicated to violence prevention through youth education programs that foster community empowerment and create a safe environment for all.
Vision
A community where every individual is empowered and free from violence, supported by youth education programs focused on violence prevention.
History
RISE UP (Rape, Incest, Survivor & Empowerment United Project) is a national anti-violence 501c3 non-profit organization dedicated to community empowerment through youth prevention. Established in 2022 by Founder Raylene Duckworth, the RISE UP Foundation was created in response to the critical lack of counseling resources available for sexual assault victims in underserved and rural communities. As an incest survivor, Duckworth personally witnessed the absence of support for families of sexual assault survivors when her 16-year-old was groomed and sexually assaulted by a predator. This deeply personal experience fueled her mission to focus on youth education programs aimed at preventing violence. The foundation is proudly based in Jefferson City, Missouri.
Goals
Provide youth education programs that focus on healthy consent, the dangers of grooming, and awareness of violence prevention. Support outreach networks on college campuses statewide to foster community empowerment and provide annual scholarship assistance for students pursuing careers in social work, social justice, or counseling.
Board of Directors
Raylene Duckworth - Founder and Chair
Raylene Duckworth, MPA, is the President of Rise Up Foundation, where she leads youth education focused on preventing sexual violence and building healthy relationships. She is committed to giving young people and families the knowledge and support to talk openly about consent, body safety, and prevention. Raylene holds a master’s degree in public administration and serves as Director of Civil Rights Training and ADA Coordinator for a State of Missouri agency. She is also a member of the Jefferson City Public Schools Board of Education, a board member of the Missouri Network Against Child Abuse, and a Court Appointed Special Advocate. Drawing on her professional experience, community service, and lived experience as a survivor, Raylene works to create safer spaces where young people are heard, supported, and empowered to thrive.
Kya Harrell - Vice President and Social Media Manager
Kya Harrell serves as a paralegal with the Missouri Department of Public Safety’s Crime Victims’ Compensation Program. A lifelong member of the Jefferson City community, she graduated from Capital City High School in 2022 and continues to grow as a dedicated professional and community advocate. Passionate about mental health, children’s safety, and survivor support, Kya is committed to helping create accessible, trauma-informed systems for individuals navigating some of life’s most difficult moments. Through her professional work and community involvement, she strives to be a voice for prevention, education, healing, hope, and compassion.
In her free time, Kya enjoys being outdoors, fishing, and listening to music.
Artrea Gross Smith - Treasurer & Reveal the Teal Chair
Artrea J. Smith, MA, brings more than 20 years of experience in counseling, education, customer service, and business leadership. She holds a master’s degree in counseling from Missouri Baptist University and a bachelor’s degree in business administration from the University of Missouri–Columbia. Her experience includes providing crisis support and clinical intake services, working with K–12 students during her school counseling internships, and serving in school administration. Artrea is committed to listening with compassion, building trust, and helping people find the support they need.
Crystal Burgan - Secretary and Education Director
Crystal Burgan is an accomplished public-service leader with extensive experience in program management, mental health initiatives, nonprofit leadership, federal grant administration, and community engagement. Her work with the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education has included directing Project AWARE, a statewide school-based mental health initiative with a $1.7 million annual budget, and managing the distribution and oversight of more than $900 million in federal child care relief funding. A U.S. Army veteran, Crystal served for 12 years in the Missouri Army National Guard, attaining the rank of Staff Sergeant. Her military service included an overseas peacekeeping deployment in Kosovo and work supporting international partnership programs. Crystal holds a Master of Public Administration with an emphasis in nonprofit leadership, as well as a fundraising certification, from the University of Missouri–Kansas City. She also earned a Bachelor of Science in International Business from Northwest Missouri State University and holds a TEFL/TESOL certificate. Deeply committed to service and wellness, Crystal owns Wagon Wheel Yoga, where she offers donation-based classes benefiting local nonprofit organizations. She is also pursuing certification in somatic and trauma-informed yoga and continues to support community organizations through volunteer leadership, education, and outreach.
Heidi Lucas - Strategic Planning Chair
Heidi N. Lucas is the Executive Director of the Missouri Rural Health Association, where she leads statewide efforts to improve access to quality healthcare and empower rural communities. She brings more than 15 years of experience in nonprofit and association leadership, advocacy, public relations, and coalition building. Her work has also included initiatives focused on sexual violence prevention and youth education.
Previously, Heidi served as Executive Director of the Missouri Nurses Association and held leadership roles with the Missouri Community Action Network. Her experience in labor, human resources, and recruiting informs her approach to workforce development and organizational leadership. Heidi holds a master’s degree in public affairs from the University of Missouri’s Truman School of Public Affairs and bachelor’s degrees from Pennsylvania State University. A Jefferson City resident, she serves on the board of the Central Missouri Foster Care and Adoption Association, where she is a past president.
Anastasia Ferguson - Member at Large
Anastasia Ferguson brings experience in banking, treasury management, financial services, and business operations. As a Treasury Management Officer, she works with business customers to identify solutions, manage financial risk, and build strong relationships. Her background also includes branch leadership, staff development, sales, customer service, and tax preparation. Anastasia has studied at DeVry University and Columbia College. She brings a practical, collaborative approach to helping people and organizations meet their goals.