About

Together We Rise

We Rise is a mentorship and neighborhood revitalization program in the City of Baltimore focused on helping youth and families build generational wealth through financial literacy and homeownership.

We Rise aims to remove blight from inner-City Baltimore neighborhoods by turning abandoned and dilapidated homes or lots into livable dwellings to be sold at affordable prices. We Rise aims to avoid traditional gentrification practices and instead focuses on creating homeownership opportunities for those within the communities they develop.

We Rise program mentees, led by mentors with ties to the Baltimore community, are actively involved in the revitalization projects (from start to finish) as an education mechanism about wealth attainment and management, real estate markets and practices, community development, and organization, and more.

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Our 3 Pillars

We Rise has three major focus points that support our mission and vision: Housing & Community Development, Mentorship & Life Skills, and Job Readiness.

Housing and Community Development

Mentorship & Life Skills

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Job Readiness

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Passion Behind it All

Born in the Latrobe Homes Public Housing Project in East Baltimore and having lost his father to gun violence, Todd Scott experienced the tragedy of inner-City living first hand. In the absence of his father, surrounded by opportunities to make bad choices, he knows that his life easily could’ve gone a different way. Todd counts himself fortunate. With the guidance and support of his mother and other dedicated individuals in his life who stepped up and filled the gaps, he was led to pursue higher education. 

We Rise program mentees, led by mentors with ties to the Baltimore community, are actively involved in the revitalization projects (from start to finish) as an education mechanism about wealth attainment and management, real estate markets and practices, community development, and organization, and more.

Todd hopes to bring the opportunities he was afforded to Baltimore area youth with We Rise.

With over 25 years of mentoring experience under his belt, connecting with young people and providing them with guidance and opportunities to grow is something he simply feels called to do.

After graduating from Morgan State University and working several years in finance at J.P. Morgan and Co. on Wall Street and in real estate development in Atlanta, Georgia (where he also mentored several young men), Todd returned to Baltimore 30 years later to help fill a void in his former community.

Today, Todd aims to eliminate blight from this community, restore hope to the City, and provide young people with a shot at life that statistics demonstrate few of them currently have. Through education, financial literacy, skill-building, mentorship, and investment in the community, he’s certain this goal can be achieved.

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Ayanna Coleman, Operations Consultant

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Harry Joyce, Operations Consultant

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Kelvin Lyons, Data Manager

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Nachelle Moore, Director of Community Programming

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Shanell Dixon, Deputy Director of Community Programming

We Rise aims to provide youth who are eager to grow and with the potential to thrive with exactly the type of skills, guidance, and education they need to achieve the lifestyle they desire.

We Rise focuses on wealth building, developing life skills, faith, and education. The program mentors are all people who, similar to Todd Scott, believe in the potential of the great City of Baltimore and the youth who call it home. 

Through the various community and corporate partnerships forged through the We Rise program, the objective is to provide program mentees with opportunities to grow and enhance their own personal and professional outlooks with the ultimate goal of reinvesting their skills and experiences in the future of the program and Baltimore City.

Ayanna Coleman - Operations Consultant

Ayanna Coleman is a dynamic arts executive, program strategist, and emerging nonprofit leader with a passion for equity, education, and artistic excellence. With a background in classical music and over a decade of experience across arts administration, performance production, and community-based programming, Ayanna brings an exceptional blend of creative vision and strategic rigor to her work.

Harry Joyce - Engagement Specialist

Born and raised in East Baltimore, Harry Joyce currently serves as an officer with the Baltimore City Police Department.  With more than eight years of expertise working with the Department of Juvenile Services to assist at-risk adolescents in Baltimore.  His career has been defined by a deep commitment to reducing recidivism, supporting families in crisis, and creating pathways for positive change. He approaches his profession with a trauma-informed and solution-focused mindset, continuing his commitment to serve and protect his community.  Harry holds a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice from Coppin State University, graduating

with a 3.7 GPA and honors through Alpha Phi Sigma and the Golden Key International Honour Society. He is currently pursuing a Master of Science in Cyber Forensics at the University of Baltimore, where he continues to expand his knowledge in digital security and investigative technologies. Harry’s commitment has been acknowledged with high-profile honors, such as the Maryland Prince Hall Masonic William F. Taylor Community Service Award (2024) and the Department of Juvenile Services’ Employee of the Year (2022). Harry is now a proud and involved participant in the WE RISE program, helping to bridge the gap between mentoring, youth empowerment, and law enforcement.

Kelvin Lyons - Data Manager

Kelvin Lyons, MBA, PMP is an experienced professional in project management, currently serving as a Database Manager with We Rise!. With over a decade of dedicated public service, he brings extensive expertise in business administration, grants management, and leadership development. His background includes years of volunteer work, mentoring youth, and driving initiatives that strengthen community impact. At We Rise!, Kelvin leverages his experience and passion to empower the next generation and build pathways to personal and professional success. Beyond his professional commitments, he enjoys quality time with his family and friends, live music and sports.

Nachelle Moore - Director of Community Programming

Nachelle Moore is a proud Baltimore native, the daughter of a successful Black business owner, and a first-generation graduate of Howard University. After navigating the challenges of college and her own financial ups and downs, Nachelle is deeply committed to using her journey to uplift others. She focuses on empowering underserved communities through practical financial education, business planning, and the creation of safe, supportive spaces for growth and healing.

Shanell Dixon - Deputy Director of Community Programming

Oversees the Park Heights Program, Senators Program, and Coppin Academy Program. Assists with planning and executing the strategic plan to ensure all programming runs effectively and aligns with organizational goals. Supports recruitment efforts by engaging students, partners, and community stakeholders to expand program participation and impact.

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