RISE Alliance

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Explore What's New with the RISE Alliance

RISE webinars are presented by experts from the admission community, working professionals, LSAC staff, and others. Check back here for upcoming webinars.

Title	Date	Registration
Fostering Institutional Change to Overcome Marginalization	Wednesday, March 12 2 p.m. to 3:15 p.m. ET	Register for the Fostering Institutional Change to Overcome Marginalization webinar
Unlocking the Power of Mentorship	Wednesday, April 9 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. ET	Register for the Collaborative Conversation: RISE Alliance and the Minority Network webinar

First Impressions of the Incoming Class of 2024: Largest Class Since 2021, Top-Line Diversity Is Level, More Research Needed and the Work Continues

Every year in mid-December, the ABA releases a trove of data about our nation’s law schools. Here are some key takeaways from this year’s certified data.

Racial Trauma and Radical Self-Care

This resource from the Council on Relationships provides information about racism and racial trauma, including tips for recovery and wellness.

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Intersectionality and Self-Care

Here's three things you should know about how to practice self-care while keeping intersectionality in mind.

Person in distress with fingers on temples and arms coming at them from all directions

Addressing Burnout

The American Council on Education’s informative report provides information on how to address burnout through a cultural change.

Mental Health on College Campuses (psychiatrictimes.com) External link opens in new browser window

The Psychiatric Times provides advice on supporting faculty and staff’s mental health.

Workplace Inclusion (antioch.edu) External link opens in new browser window

This dissertation explores critical incidents that create a sense of inclusion for professional staff in higher education.

Guided Meditations (UCLAhealth.org) External link opens in new browser window

The University of California, Los Angeles offers free online guided mediations in 18 languages.

Journaling (youtube.com) External link opens in new browser window

Get started journaling with this beginner’s guide.

About RISE Alliance^®

RISE (Reaffirming Individuals Supporting Education) Alliance is a national center within LSAC designed to support the professional development, enrichment, and wellness needs of student-facing professional law school staff on the front line — people in law school admission and financial aid, diversity, and student services roles. Empowered law school staff members add an important perspective to the work of legal education, helping to build a future of justice that represents a vibrant society.

RISE Alliance is led by Jay Austin, one of the country’s most respected former admission deans and a leading voice in intersectional community building.

2024-2025 RISE Alliance^® Council Members

The RISE Alliance Advisory Council, composed of law school representatives, advises and supports the growth and development of RISE’s initiatives and activities.

Maya Alperin

Assistant Director for Data and Enrollment Analytics

Maya Alperin
CUNY School of Law

William Bassett

Associate Director of Admissions

William Bassett
Seattle University School of Law

Maya Crim

Assistant Dean, JD Admission and Scholarships

Maya Crim
Loyola University Chicago School of Law

Kathryn (Kat) Espiritu-Philson

Director of Admissions

Kathryn (Kat) Espiritu-Philson (Chair)
Fordham University

Mary Ann Ferguson

Assistant Dean for Diversity and Equity Services

Mary Ann Ferguson
Michigan State University College of Law

Valerie D. James

Sr. Assistant Dean, Director of Diversity Initiatives

Valerie D. James
McGeorge School of Law

Alissa Leonard initials "AL"

Senior Assistant Dean Admissions, Financial Aid and Enrollment Management

Alissa Leonard
Boston University

Nadine Logenstein Isaacs

Engagement Manager, Development and Alumni Relations

Nadine Logenstein Isaacs
USC Gould School of Law

Mario Lopez

Chief Diversity Officer

Mario Lopez
UC Law San Francisco

Ada Maxwell-Alleyne

Assistant Dean, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion

Ada Maxwell-Alleyne
University of Toronto, Faculty of Law

Korey Mercer

Assistant Dean for JD Admissions and Financial Aid

Korey Mercer
Cleveland State University College of Law

Angelique Ortega

Associate Dean, Office of Student Services

Angelique Ortega
FIU College of Law

Melissa (Missy) Vetrano

Director of Financial Aid

Melissa (Missy) Vetrano
University of North Carolina School of Law

We invite you to connect with us.

Contact Us

For more information about the RISE Alliance, email us at RiseAlliance@LSAC.org.

Calling All Nominees

We are always working to identify individuals interested in serving on the RISE Alliance Advisory Council. To learn more, contact us at RiseAlliance@LSAC.org.

Broaden Your Perspective with RISE Webinars