Welcome.

We celebrate the life and legacy of Dr. Risé Dawn Jones, a beloved family member, friend, colleague, mentor, and advocate for young people in the arts.

We have opened this website, as friends and family of Dr. Jones, for what she would call a “creative invitation” where you can “feel welcome to step into and express your full self” by writing a letter to Risé Dawn Jones.

Whether a cherished memory, a “creative connection” or loving last words you didn’t get the chance to share, we invite you to write whatever speaks to you. 

Dr. Jones’ life work was rooted in creative collaboration and building platforms to dream.

We hope this will be one of those platforms. 

“I want to…create art, create community and create new worlds of belonging, respect, and love.”

— Dr. Risé Dawn Jones

Risé was such an incredible colleague and friend. So many people have benefited from her knowledge, generosity, and artistry. Peace to you, my beautiful friend.

— Radhika Sharma Gordon

From Soula Toufexis Neumaier:

You are loved and respected beyond measure. There is a huge void in the atmosphere. Your talent, heart, friendship and laughter are so precious—you have touched so many lives and made them 3 dimensional. To say you will be missed is not even close. Love you my friend.

Dr. Risé Jones was a formative part of my youth. I will forever remember her big and contagious laugh that would light up a room in seconds. I will forever remember her passion for the arts and all creative endeavors, her dedicaction to her community, her love for teaching the next generation. Our community has lost a great performer, leader, & educator.

Thank you for all you have done Dr. Jones, and may you rest in peace knowing the positive impact you've had on thousands of lives.

— César Méndez

Risé was one of a kind! Beautiful inside and out, kind, caring, compassionate, and an accomplished singer!

Her gifts to our community are countless and Risé will be greatly missed.

My heart hurts to think I’ll never see her beautiful smile or hear her voice in person.

RIP Risé, your presence in this world will NEVER be forgotten!

— Hollie Gallien

Dr. Risé Jones was one of the most kind, creative, and giving individuals I have ever had the privilege of knowing. I first connected with her to learn more about the dance program offered through SCORE! From our very first conversation, I was captivated by her passion for the arts and her unwavering dedication to the children she served.

Dr. Jones welcomed me with open arms, inviting me to shape the dance program with my own vision. Throughout my time working with her, she offered consistent encouragement, guidance, and professional development opportunities, always empowering me to grow. The warmth of her personality was unmatched—every time I saw her, she greeted me with a huge smile and a heartfelt hug.

I will always remember Risé as someone who loved the arts but loved people even more. She believed in creating access and opportunities for those with less and turned those beliefs into meaningful action. Dr. Jones embodied the spirit of service and generosity, inspiring everyone around her to do the same.

It was an honor to know her, to learn from her, and to witness her passion in motion. I hope to one day have the same profound effect on the children and colleagues I work with.

Thank you, Risé, for everything. I know you’re up there dancing. You are already deeply missed.

— Autumn Dobbeck

Dr. Jones was a wonderful person and had TONS of faith in me and my potential to grow and move past the social anxiety I had as a kid. She knew that I was struggling to even finish my undergraduate studies. I was actually going to write her a letter after I got my associates next semester to let her know that she was right to push me in the right direction all those years ago. She was a big inspiration and influence in my love for the arts, as well as the reason why I try to work hard to try to help my community.

— Marielena Nunez

Dear Risé: I will miss our lunches. Our conversations of dreams for programs that nourish others and bring joy. I will miss our outings to enjoy the music of others. I regret that we will never sing together. My grandchildren will miss your support for their artistic dreams. (Thank you for attending Diana's hip hop dance recital last year!!!) The support you have given young people and the institutions of our community will be a lasting memorial to all that you have created and contributed. My friend, I know you will be watching us carry on your work, cheering as we do what you have taught us what and how to do---to love and praise one another as we make our dreams come true---Your sister in music, art, faith and friendship, Denise

— Rev. Denise Tracy

Make it stand out.

  • Dear Risé: You are truly one of the brightest lights I have ever met. You saw me grow up, from my participation in SCORE! as a 5th grader to seeing me off to college, it was always an honor to be in your presence, and I always learned something new about how to contribute to my community. So grateful I got to share so much of my life with you, Dr. Jones! A beauty inside and out!

    — Emma Miller

  • Dear Risé: How blessed we all were to have known you! The love and dedication you had to your community went above and beyond…and I hope we can all continue to share your creativity, your inspiration and your ability to connect with each of us in such an intimate way. I will always cherish the experiences we shared and will miss seeing your beautiful smile. Rest in Peace my sweet friend, until we meet again! Love, Danae

    — Danae Molitor

  • Dear Risé: You have been a great friend and colleague to my sister. Deanna Cates for decades. As a result of that friendship you became a beautiful part of our family. You were always so kind to us, especially my mother who will be in heaven to meet you. What a wonderful woman and talent! You will be greatly missed by all.

    — Kathryn Moeckel

Dear Risé: It was always wonderful to hear you sing, and even greater privilege to sing and Harmonize with you , like we did with Margaret and Marm!

— Richard Brasure

Dear Risé: All I need to do is close my eyes and I can see your wonderful smile, and hear your infectious laugh. I am so privileged to be able to call you my friend. You brightened my life in grad school, and then went on to do great things. Not many people live a life of service like you, who are able to spread your love of life through music and the arts to those who need it most, enriching the lives of others. You were a one of a kind and will be missed by so many. Much love to you, my friend.

— Amy Lilly

From Corinne McCurdy:

Dear Risé: I just want to thank you for everything you've done for the children of our community. My daughter loved being apart of Hamilton Wings. It was an highlight of her childhood. You definitely will be missed.

Dear Risé: Oh how the heart hurts of a child when their mother is not here in this world with them. It hurts deeply, and even though we are not blood related I have always considered you as a mother figure. We all love you so much. We met when I was a shy 4th grade student and through your leadership and guidance you gave me so much tools and resources to be the woman I am now. Please say hello to all the Angels we have lost too and are in heaven with you. SOAR very high and look after us.

— Estefania Sanchez

Dear Risé: You have been one of the greatest supporters of our multicultural Education Group summer camp and always fill the kids with love and energy. We thank you so much for your unwavering support. We will missed you so much and know we will always have you in our hearts forever. Your angel voice will linger in our memories we share past, present and future. We love and missed you.

— Aloun Khotisene

Dear Risé: It strikes me that the last gift I ever gave you was a metronome for being your so gracious self to sing "Abide in Me" and "Ave Maria" at my Mother-in-law's funeral. My grandmother and your grand aunt used to have one on the piano she used to have when she babysat you, my sister, and myself when you were about 4, 5, and 6. We all loved to play on that piano, you especially. Harbinger of the you in the eventuality. In that same dining room was a dining room table where we spent the the majority of our time being babysat there, reading every page of every volume of the World Book Encyclopedia and Encyclopedia Britannica, often with your grandma there as well, many times with the rest of their other living two sisters, too. They forged us, you, me, and my sister to revere education, research, and the arts.

I always marveled but was not surprised at what you would become and how you would contribute so bounteously to this Earth. How you inspired many to pursue their passions in the arts, especially all those children you placed your tender touch to spark something in them many didn't even know they had. How you were so adamant to pursue answers to questions in your academic and professional life. Always without a trace of hubris or any real self serving. Always smiling and using your secret weapon to disarm which was your laugh.

Indeed, your lack of presence here leaves a noticeable hole, Rise'. Nevertheless, the way you lived your life insured that you will always live in the hearts of many and their progeny. Can't think of a legacy more beautiful than that.

— John Marshall Jr.

Dear Risé: Thank you for this my Birthday email on my Birthday December 4, 2024. I will cherish it forever. I am glad you brought Joy, Love, and Peace to all who interacted with you. I will miss your Laugh! Love Velma Sept. Inline image You can just feel that it's a great day... Why!?! Because... It's your birthday! Happy, Happy Birthday, to the one and only FABULOUS Velma Sept! Blessing for a beautiful year ahead!

— Velma Sept

Dear Risé: Thank you for being a beautiful soul and a true gift in my life. There are so many special memories and wonderful experiences that only we shared. And I know that countless others can say the same. For it is that vastness of love, generosity, joy, humor, compassion and devoted friendship that made you uniquely special. You were an amazing human whose spirit lives on through me and the many lives you have touched. I love you SO much and will cherish our friendship always.

— Stephanie Brown

Dear Risé: I am not quite sure how best to go about this letter…I feel like I have a hole in my heart but at the same time, I feel so blessed to have been able to call you a dear friend for 40+ years. Your impact on this world and all of us around you has been absolutely remarkable. I have always been so incredibly proud of you and all of your accomplishments, I sure hope you felt that admiration and love all these years. That said, I find myself reminiscing about some of our sweet times together and cherishing them so deeply. I remember when you sang “Always and Forever” at my wedding and your sweet dad realized the amazing talent you had. I remember helping you load and unload your car at Gail Borden for some of those first Hamilton Wings events. I remember when we sang Lizzo songs and made up dance moves that were just priceless. I remember when we explored Paisley Park and admired Prince’s amazing shoe collection, wondering how anyone could dance in those heels. I remember when we listened to that awesome house band at BB King’s in Memphis for hours. I remember when you would take my call countless times to keep me company on my drive home from the city. I remember our attempt at remote arts and crafts during Covid. I remember we were on a mission to find the best churros in the Chicagoland area. I remember we would share memes and videos back and forth to let the other one know we were thinking about them. (Who knew Lisa Lisa had so many videos?) And the list of memories goes on and on…. I miss you immensely dear friend, love you always and forever.

— Shyla Herr

Dear Risé: I have two words...thank you! I knew you since you were a little girl sitting in your mom's office at Garfield. I thought you were so smart because you could read "big" books. That inspired me to read and your mother helped me to do that and always encouraged education. What a small world we live in that would bring YOU my children to teach the arts and so much more. You encouraged a single mom's children to expand their horizons and think outside of the box. You gave them courage and taught them to respect the different thoughts and feelings of other children. You gave my daughter her first real job helping at Hamilton Wings. You taught my son how important education is and he is in turn passing that on to his son's. There will never be another Rise but you taught everyone so well they may come close. We have truly lost our mentor and there is a void. But God got the best angel to watch over us that he could've asked for. Some day we will all meet again. Until then keep smiling, keeps singing and most of all keep laughing as much as you did here on earth.

— Michelle Eberhardt

Dear Risé: I've been so honored and blessed to be one of your many mentees. Through Elevating Equity, I had the privilege of learning from you as a matriarch and the utmost honorable Elder of our Elgin comminity. I have grown so much through your creative, brave, and caring life wisdom that I have been able to make my own small positive impact in our community, thus far. I know you will always guide and watch over those of us who are working with love in our hearts towards community healing and racial, social, and environmental justice. Thank you already for the reassuring signs you have sent us, and thank you for letting us grieve you while you soar high. So many of us have been deeply inspired and activated to make this world a better place, thanks to your unparalleled love and support. We will NEVER forget your incredible life and spirit!

— Hallie Sanclemente Morrison

Dear Risé: How blessed do I feel? You started as a client, then a dear friend, sometimes a colleague but always a mentor. Who could meet you and not have to look up to you in total admiration? It wasn’t just your integrity and spirit but also the way you were selfless to your core. Anything you accomplished whether it was through a singing performance or for your kids, was done with such grace and perfection. I recall bringing my mom to hear your songs in Spanish; the performance a decade ago. My mother was never easily impressed yet she cried through your songs and said it brought her back to her childhood in Cuba and she was shocked you weren’t born in Spain. You had that ability to touch so many lives through your artistry. I am forever grateful for all the stories and laughter we shared including glitter explosions and dances with scarves. What a rare gift you were, to be able to share your heart so openly, so vastly and so unconditionally. The weight of regret sits heavily on my chest because I took time for granted, thinking we had more of it. As you did in life, your death has affected me profoundly. It has led me to re-evaluate my choices and how I will choose to spend my time differently. I promise to strive for more and try to be more like Rise. Thank you for being you and know you are still deeply loved and will be forever missed. What a privilege it has been to have known you. Sending you love

— Rose Diaz

Dear Risé: This is a letter I hoped I would never need to write. I imagined instead that we would grow old and be boisterous grand old(er) dames together as we riffed on topics from social theory and evaluation practice to our favorite show tunes, Catherine O’Hara scenes and SNL bits. My heart hurts, and I will get no relief. I remember when we first met—over 25 years ago at UIC. The first time I heard your laugh I knew I had to find a way to us to be friends. Not too long after we met I felt we could get in serious trouble together and we started our long conversation. I am so grateful that our shared interests in health equity, social justice and the importance of evidence-based practice brought us many opportunities to work together—violence prevention, maternal health, healthy school environments, cancer control and prevention, etc. I learned so much from you and in our collaborations, and I can’t yet accept that I won’t have your wise council a phone call away and will have to ask myself how you would tackle something. And I won’t have the chance for you to make me laugh so hard I cry. One of the many things I loved about you and how you were living your life was that you stayed true to your vision of what it meant to live a meaningful life in service to your communities and your values. You really could have taken a much easier route and left the hard work of social change to others. You refused to take that easy path, and it mattered that when you steered your lifework away from the strictly academic path, you did not turn your back on the resources your training and networks had given you. It was so impressive how you pushed and pulled and coaxed and bent, all in service of how best to contribute to positive youth development. You never wavered on that, and I know many young people, families and schools benefited from it and will continue to do so long into the future. Our long conversation has involved many laughs and sometimes tears. I am so grateful for your loving support, over so many years. I am very glad we were able to talk on December 6 and I was able to tell you I loved you and, at least at time, we would talk again soon. I think the only choice I have for here on out is to continue to have conversations with you in my head; to take into me what I love and admire about you; and to honor your legacy by doing the work whenever and wherever I can to bend that arc to justice. I love you, Sister.

— Dianne Rucinski

Dear Risé: Thank you for being a pillar in my childhood and young adulthood. Dr. Jones, I would never be the person I am today with your influence, passion and kindness you always presented yourself with. I have you to thank for so many beautiful memories, so many laughs and smiles. You are so loved and will be so missed, but I feel so lucky to have existed in the same lifetime as you. To have known you and to have experienced your positivity and felt your amazing energy, for that I’m forever grateful.

— Melanie Barrios