
RELATIONSHIPS FOR INCLUSION AND SOCIAL EQUITY

BREAKING BARRIERS OF DIVERSITY & INCREASING
"People don't care about how much you know until they know how much you care!"
Theodore Roosevelt
THE
PROBLEM
In today's dynamic and collaborative work environments, the lack of comprehensive knowledge about colleagues, business owners, or customers poses a significant challenge. The inability to truly understand individuals on a personal level hinders
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COMMUNICATION
COLLABORATION
PRODUCTIVITY
Without a deep understanding of someone's background, preferences, and values, it becomes difficult to navigate professional relationships, anticipate needs, and tailor interactions to foster a positive and productive working environment. Consequently, addressing the issue of insufficient personal knowledge is crucial for unlocking the full potential of interpersonal dynamics and achieving enhanced teamwork, successful business partnerships, and satisfied customers.
TRUST
MUTUAL RESPECT
HARMONY
This gap in familiarity not only impedes the establishment of meaningful connections but also creates barriers to building

OUR
MISSION
At RISE, which stands for Relationships for Inclusion and Social Equity, we are driven by a mission to transform business relationships and workplace dynamics by recognizing the profound impact of personal connections. We believe that fostering genuine understanding and meaningful relationships among colleagues, business owners, or customers is the key to unlocking unparalleled success. Our mission is to bridge the gap of knowledge, enabling effective communication, building trust, and creating an inclusive environment where collaboration thrives. By championing the importance of personal connections, we aim to redefine the way individuals engage in the professional realm, fostering a culture that not only values diversity and uniqueness but also catalyzes collective achievement.
Join us on a journey where every connection becomes a catalyst for success, and where the power of understanding transforms the landscape of collaboration, innovation, and business excellence.
HOW IT
WORKS
We recognize that the fear stemming from unfamiliarity can impede the development of genuine connections. In response to this challenge, we have established an environment that places a premium on fostering interactions. Our comprehensive approach includes structured communication training programs designed to equip employees with effective communication skills, particularly in engaging with professionals from diverse backgrounds.
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Members are actively encouraged to identify and connect with a peer from the platform in order to practice their learnings as well as expand their knowledge of other diverse groups. Subsequently, members are urged to meet in a virtual or in-person meeting at a mutually convenient time and place for both parties. The primary objective is to encourage connections with individuals who bring diverse perspectives, experiences, and expertise in one or more of the following categories:
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GENERATION
GENDER
HIERARCHY
PROFESSION
CULTURE
RACE
1
Members
create FREE profiles on platform.

2
Members watch communicating through diversity training videos.

3
Members connect and practice their learnings with the diverse people on the platform.

4
Members enhance their diverse professional connections.

OUR
STORY
Eight years ago, Rahel and Mathew Heinecke met in an online community and found a profound connection. Despite their differences in race, gender, personality, nationality, generation and religion, they have maintained a loving and devoted relationship. Their unique backgrounds, including a lack of prior interracial dating experience, prompted Rahel to explore the unconscious barriers that hinder authentic connections.
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After extensive research and self-reflection, she identified 'fear of the unknown' as a significant obstacle. Rahel realized that what often prevents people from connecting with those different from themselves is the fear of what they don't understand. To address this, she aims to provide effective communication tools, personal insights, and a safe environment for individuals to uncover and confront their unconscious biases.
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Rahel's guiding principle is to "cultivate understanding for collective excellence" She believes that by actively seeking to know and appreciate the unique perspectives, backgrounds, and values of colleagues, business partners, or customers, we lay the foundation for effective collaboration, trust, and success, which are essential drivers of innovation, productivity, and the overall well-being of our community.
CEO
Rahel Heinecke
BFA, MA, - Design
MBA.
Manufacturing Engineer.
Culture Active Certified Trainer.
Organizer of: Charlotte Interracial Couples Meetup.
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COO
Mathew Heinecke
BSM- Engineering.
Quality Manager.
Culture Active Certified Trainer.
Co-owner of: Playlab.
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ITS A
FACT
"THERE IS NO CONNECTION MORE POWERFUL THAN TWO PEOPLE BRINGING THEIR INDIVIDUALITIES TO THE TABLE WITH NO INTENTIONS OF DILUTING EACH OTHER'S ESSENCE, BUT INSTEAD, CELEBRATING WHAT MAKES EACH OTHER UNIQUE"
Bill Chapata
"NETWORKING IS MORE ABOUT FARMING THAN IT IS ABOUT HUNTING.
IT IS ABOUT CULTIVATING RELATIONSHIPS"
Ivan Misner