WGC Las Vegas Chapter
Chapter President : Heather Rise
Contact : lasvegas@thewomenofglobalchange.com
Heather Rise, a dynamic professional hailing from Southern California, brings a rich and diverse background to her unwavering commitment to community betterment. With a notable career as a Director for Finance & Business Operations, she has excelled in managing intricate financial systems and held multiple leadership roles, demonstrating her dedication to professional excellence.
Beyond her professional achievements, Heather’s personal journey adds depth to her story. A devoted mother of three children at different life stages, she embarked on a fresh start in Las Vegas following the tragic loss of her first spouse in a motorcycle accident in 2010.
Heather’s dedication extends beyond her family as an active member of the Women’s Chamber of Nevada, where she generously mentors small businesses. Her international speaking engagements showcase her ability to inspire diverse audiences.
Heather’s eclectic interests, including writing, travel, and a unique fascination with planes, reveal her zest for life’s adventures. Her passion for motorcycles and classic vehicle restoration underscores her adventurous spirit.
In academia, Heather boasts impressive credentials, including Master’s degrees in Public Administration and Education & Teaching, along with a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science
Heather Rise’s Achievements:
Leadership in Finance and Business Operations: Heather Rise served as the Director for Finance & Business Operations for the State of Nevada, demonstrating her expertise in financial management and leadership.
Dedicated Director of the EDGE Program: Heather played a pivotal role as the Director of the Women & Minority-Owned Small Business Programming, known as the EDGE Program, under the esteemed Leadership Foundation powered by the Vegas Chamber. Her work empowered women and minority small business owners in Las Vegas, providing them with essential tools for success.
Educational Accomplishments: Heather pursued a diverse educational journey, earning a Master’s degree in Public Administration, a second Master’s in Education & Teaching, and a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science with a focus on Philosophy. Her commitment to continuous learning and academic excellence is evident.
Passion for Urban Reform: Heather’s scholarly research and academic focus centered on urban reform, where she analyzed the political, economic, and cultural factors contributing to the challenges faced by low-income minorities and income gaps for minorities. Her dedication to addressing these issues is a notable achievement.
Community Engagement: Inspired by her mother’s community activism, Heather actively engaged in school clubs, assumed leadership roles, and participated in various community events. Her early exposure to community involvement laid the foundation for her commitment to making a positive impact on underprivileged communities and minority groups.
Mentorship and Leadership Development: Heather is recognized for her passion for mentoring and guiding others to strengthen their leadership skills and vision. Her ability to make meaningful connections with people and inspire them to maximize their potential is a significant achievement.
Advocacy for Equitable Economy: Heather envisions a more equitable and prosperous economy for all residents of Las Vegas by addressing a wide range of societal issues, including achievement gaps, education inequality, poverty, homelessness, sex trafficking, domestic abuse, substance abuse, mental health, income disparities, discrimination, social injustice, environmental concerns, and barriers to resources and access.
Active Member of Women’s Chamber of Nevada: Heather’s active involvement in the Women’s Chamber of Nevada demonstrates her commitment to supporting and empowering women in business.
International Speaker: Heather’s recognition as an international speaker highlights her ability to share her knowledge and experiences on a global platform.
Diverse Interests and Hobbies: Heather’s diverse interests, including writing, reading, traveling, motorcycle riding, classic vehicle restoration, and plane-watching, reflect her well-rounded personality and zest for life.
Heather Rise’s achievements span across various aspects of her life, from her professional accomplishments to her dedication to community reform and mentorship. Her commitment to creating positive change in her community and beyond is evident in her extensive body of work and accomplishments.
