Angie Vredeveld
Founder & Director
Dr. Angie Vredeveld is a clinical psychologist and founder of Immigration Psychology Services, Inc. She has worked extensively with trauma survivors and has traveled as a psychologist to South Africa, Rwanda, Uganda, and Nepal. She began working with acid attack survivors in 2014, after meeting an acid attack survivor in Uganda whom she later helped get to the US for a series of reconstructive surgeries.
Julia Burks
Director of Development
Julia Burks has a Bachelor’s in Business Administration with a focus in Non-Profit Management from Ohio Dominican University. She has worked as a fundraiser for the National MS Society and a recruiter for Girl Scout’s of Western Ohio. Her passion in humanitarian work originated during her high school years, when she traveled to Uganda and helped raise funds for children there to attend school. When she is not working, she is either with her friends, at a dance class or a workout class.
George Vredeveld
Treasurer & Program Funding Coordinator
Dr. George Vredeveld is the founder and director emeritus of the Economics Center for Education and Research and Professor emeritus at the University of Cincinnati. He received his Ph.D. in economics from Indiana University. Dr. Vredeveld is currently a research associate at Varna Free University (Bulgaria) and an advisory board member of the European Leadership University.
Meghna Chandorkar
Health Program Coordinator
Meghna Chandorkar is a Medical Sciences Major at the University of Cincinnati. She enjoys helping the community in various ways, including volunteering in the hospital and food pantry. She has also taught young children (ages 4-7) early reading and mathematical skills. Her interests include playing the viola, reading science fiction novels, and playing badminton.
Heike Roberson
Board Member
Heike Roberson, originally from Germany, is an Acid Attack Survivor herself. In 1998, she became a victim and suffered 4th degree facial burn and 3rd degree burns to chest, arm and hands. Meanwhile, a new woman has emerged. She is a Christian – an advocate for domestic violence, burn injuries, rape and losing a child- and is a national motivational keynote speaker. She is fluent in English, German and French.
Hannah Barker
Professional Writer
Hannah Barker works as a technical communicator at Medpace in Cincinnati. She received her Bachelor’s Degree from Xavier University and her Master’s Degree in Professional Writing from the University of Cincinnati (UC). While at UC, she worked with international services and programs, which fueled her interest in global affairs.
Nadia Alam
Health Services Intern
Nadia Alam is an undergraduate student at the University of Cincinnati, majoring in Medical Sciences. She is passionate about service to the Cincinnati community, especially through empowering women and children, and RISE provides the perfect opportunity to fuel her goals. During her free time, she enjoys traveling, visiting art museums, and spending time with her family.
Rohan Bellary
Health Services Intern
Rohan Bellary is an undergraduate student at the University of Cincinnati majoring in medical sciences. He is involved in numerous health related volunteer activities and is pursuing research and studies towards the field of pediatrics. In his spare time, Rohan enjoys playing tennis, volunteering with local schools, and travelling.
Anshul Tyagi
Health Services Intern
Anshul Tyagi is a first-year student majoring in Medical Sciences at the University of Cincinnati. He volunteers at Atrium Medical Center and is passionate about being involved in organizations like RISE that leave an impact on people’s lives. In his spare time, Anshul likes to play soccer, solve the Rubik’s Cube, and play with his puppy.
Divya Vinod
Advisory Board
Divya Vinod is a Medical Sciences Major at the University of Cincinnati and in the 8-year guaranteed medical program. Passionate about growing the community in unique ways, she has pursued many medically-related volunteer experiences, taught public speaking classes, and is excited to be a part of RISE. In her free time, she loves to play the violin, dance, and (whenever possible) travel.
Ellen Galloway
Advisory Board
Ellen Galloway works as a science writer-editor for the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, part of the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Ellen has done healthcare-related work in Sierra Leone and Rwanda. She obtained her bachelor’s degree from Miami University and a master’s degree in rehabilitation counseling from the University of Cincinnati.
Will Wagner
Advisory Board
Will Wagner is a professional musician in Cincinnati, Ohio. He has a master’s degree in jazz studies from the University of Cincinnati. Will first got involved with RISE when the organization was looking for bands to play for its fundraiser. Since then, he has continued to perform music for the cause, as well as help spread awareness through social media, fundraisers, and online petitioning.
Sowmya Saxena
Awareness & Fundraising
Dr. Sowmya Saxena is a Pediatric Pharmacist at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital. She is a mother of a 3 year old, a certified Yoga Instructor and professional Indian classical dancer. She co-founded the nonprofit Young Helping Minds, whose mission was to provide education and healthcare to orphaned children in India. After being crowned as Mrs. India Ohio 2018, she got introduced to RISE and is now an active volunteer for the organization.