Dear friends and partners,
I’m writing to share an important and exciting update about Lift to Rise’s leadership.
After more than a decade as Founder and CEO, I will be moving into a new role as Senior Advisor in July—focused on advancing long-term strategy and elevating stories that move people to join our movement to tackle the challenges residents face with passion and imagination.
In this role, I will continue to advance Lift to Rise’s mission in new and creative ways. At the same time, our Director of Collective Impact, Ian Gabriel, whom many of you already know well, will be taking on the role of Executive Director to take us into the next phase of growth and impact across Riverside County and beyond. And our Director of Power Building, Joe Mota, will become our new Deputy Director where he will continue to expand our resident power building work with deep care and commitment to growing our capacity and impact.
This leadership evolution comes at a moment of strength and momentum for our organization and our region.
As Director of Collective Impact, Ian has been instrumental in Lift to Rise’s growth—translating community priorities and data into strategic action, building high-impact partnerships across sectors, and shepherding major initiatives, including our groundbreaking We Lift Catalyst Fund.
And as Director of Power Building, Joe has built deep community relationships, welcomed new coalition partners, and created leadership pathways for local residents to shape and have ownership of our shared work.
In 2018, Lift to Rise’s Housing Collaborative Action Network set a bold goal: to create 10,000 new affordable homes across the Coachella Valley by 2028. At the time the region averaged 38 developments per year.
Today, our region has added more than 9,700 new affordable homes to our regional pipeline—an over 5,000% increase which puts us on track to reach our goal. Our coalition has also grown to over 70 public and private partners, unlocking investment and opportunities that many never imagined.
Together with residents, partners, public leaders, and organizations of all types,we have transformed what is possible in the Coachella Valley and Riverside County and beyond. We have built a model of collective action that inspires communities nationwide.
As we look to the next decade and even bolder goals, this is the right time to expand our leadership bench so that we are able to rise to the occasion.
This transition reflects our confidence in our team, our partners, and the movement we continue to build together. I am excited for what this new phase holds for Lift to Rise and the communities we serve.
Thank you for your belief in and support of our shared work and the love that grounds and propels us forward, together.
Onward with gratitude,
Heather Vaikona