It's Time to R.I.S.E.
Reach. Inspire. Serve. Elevate.
A holistic approach to leadership that builds on your internal strengths to create positive change for yourself, your family, and your community. It's not too late to make the IMPACT you were born to make. Join the growing movement of Legacy Late Bloomers who are ready to turn "someday" into NOW.
"And who knows but that you have come into your royal position for such a time as this?" Esther 4:14
Igniting the Power of Leadership Within
Founded in March 2017, RISE Leadership provides inspiration, education, and tools to ignite the power of leadership that lies within us all. Through speaking, training, and coaching; we equip motivated change makers with the tools and support they need to reach their goals and go beyond to positively impact our world.
RISE Leadership is dedicated to strengthening leadership, legacy, and wealth in the Black community — recognizing the value of diversity, equity and inclusion in creating a fair and just society for all. Like the body that needs all of its parts, humanity thrives when everyone's contributions are recognized and appreciated. This truth also holds in matters of money. Ask any financial advisor, the best portfolio is a diverse portfolio.
Leadership Growth
Build on your internal strengths to lead with confidence.
Community Impact
Create positive change for yourself and those around you.
Wealth & Legacy
New in 2026: RISE Notary to help build lasting wealth.
Holistic Approach
Whole-person development for sustainable results.
How We Help You R.I.S.E.
Through speaking, training, coaching, and notary services — we provide the tools and inspiration to ignite leadership at every level.
Live & Virtual
Keynote Speaking
Engaging keynote presentations for live and virtual events. Half-day and multi-day programs available within the Philadelphia area and beyond.
Live & Virtual
3-6 Month Programs
Fractional Leadership & Succession Planning
Helping organizations maintain institutional knowledge by identifying and embedding key drivers of future success. Coordinate mentorship opportunities that create a strategic bridge between seasoned and emerging leaders.
3-6 Month Programs
Customized
Leadership Coaching & Masterminds
Customized training for senior leaders and mastermind groups to grow individually and as a community.
Customized
Half-Day Sessions
Wealth & Legacy Workshops
Half-day workshops focused on building wealth, creating lasting legacies, and empowering communities with financial knowledge and strategies. Live and Virtual sessions.
Half-Day Sessions
Coming Soon
RISE Notary
Professional notary services to support wealth building, homeownership, and securing your legacy. Launching in Summer 2026.
Coming Soon
New
Homeownership Resources
Guidance and resources to help you navigate the path to homeownership — a cornerstone of building generational wealth and legacy.
New
"A leader is one who knows the way, goes the way, and shows the way."
Allison Francis Barksdale
MBA — Founder & CEO
Allison founded RISE Leadership in March 2017 as an opportunity to grow as a leader and to give back by sharing business and leadership lessons learned after more than 25 years as a minority woman working for corporations, non-profits, government entities, as an entrepreneur, and as a mother.
Her passion to expand leadership, legacy, and wealth was further ignited by the recent assault on DEI, which attempts to erase the valuable contributions of many and to limit future progress. As an African American woman, I must speak up for women and people of color. We all matter, and our world is better because of, not in spite of, diversity. Like the strongest financial portfolios, the greatest value arises from diverse assets.
What People Are Saying
Hear from leaders who have been transformed through RISE Leadership's programs and coaching.
"RISE Leadership transformed the way I lead my organization. Allison's coaching gave me clarity, confidence, and a roadmap for sustainable growth. I can't recommend her enough."
"Working with RISE was a game-changer. The leadership training helped me step into my purpose and build a stronger legacy for my family and community."
"Allison has a gift for unlocking potential. Her workshops are engaging, practical, and deeply inspiring. My team's performance improved dramatically after our sessions."
"RISE Leadership brought a fresh perspective to our leadership development program. Allison's holistic approach resonated with our entire congregation."
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Making an Impact
Snapshots from speaking engagements, workshops, and community events where leaders are rising together.
Ready to R.I.S.E.?
Let's discuss how RISE Leadership can help you, your team, or your organization achieve its next level.
Book a Consultation
Schedule a one-on-one conversation to explore how we can help you and your organization RISE even higher.