Our Team

Jorie Jones, MD

Founder, CEO

Dr. Jorie Jones embarked on her journey toward a medical career at the age of 12 when she was accepted into the Temple Minority Access to Research Careers program, founded by Dr. Moses Williams to promote diversity in the medical field. Participation in this program later led her to attend Temple University where she earned a BA in Anthropology in 2011. Graduating from Meharry Medical College in 2016, Dr. Jones pursued a career in General Surgery with the hopes of becoming a Pediatric Surgeon. Her training experience highlighted the prominence of gun violence amongst Black youth, compelling her to shift her focus toward primary care. Currently she is serving her community as a General Pediatrician at Children's National in Southeast D.C.

Driven by her passion for social equity, Dr. Jones exemplifies an unwavering commitment to promoting scholarship, instilling self-confidence, and supporting healthy emotional development within the Black community. Through Raising Risers, Dr. Jones hopes to provide children of all ages with the support and tools they need to become thriving leaders of the next generation.

LaShanta Eberhardt,Ph.D

Director of Fundraising, Program Analyst

Dr. LaShanta Eberhardt is an impact strategist and a trained social and behavioral scientist with over 17 years of experience in public health. She is also the Founder and CEO of Synergy Empowerment Solutions, a consulting firm that drives real, sustainable community change through business solutions and action-oriented initiatives. Her expertise lies at the intersection of business strategy, grant making, and evaluation, ensuring meaningful and sustainable outcomes for the communities she and her clients serve. She has led initiatives across various sectors, including education, medicine, government, pharmaceuticals, and nonprofits, addressing chronic and mental health disparities, as well as educational and access challenges in low-income and minority communities. Dr. Eberhardt’s contributions have earned national and international recognition, including honors from the United States Environmental Protection Agency and the National Minority Quality Forum. In addition to her research, she has spent over two decades teaching and mentoring students from diverse backgrounds. As a board member, she brings her expertise in public health research and business strategy.

Michelle A. Jones

Director of Public Relations

Michelle brings boundless energy to her work. Her positive attitude, compassion, and dedication to delivering exceptional customer service make her a vital asset to Raising Risers. Michelle’s core values—authenticity, integrity, and excellence—shine through in every interaction, leaving others feeling uplifted and inspired by her vibrant personality. With years of experience as an airline flight attendant, she has refined her public relations skills and now leads Raising Risers in brand management and networking efforts.

Juice Jones

Director of Media Management

At age 14, Juice began his work in activism as a patient advocate at East Orange General Hospital. His role was essential in safeguarding patient rights and ensuring they received fair treatment throughout their care. This experience emphasized the important role awareness plays in advancing health equity and wellness. In 2019, he founded Get Home Safe, an organization dedicated to educating the community about major mental health disorders and increasing access to therapeutic services. Since its inception in 2019, Get Home Safe has connected over 250 people to counseling services, significantly improving their quality of life.

Juice brings years of experience in production and digital media management to Raising Risers.  He oversees the organization’s digital presence, working with team members to develop innovative advertising campaigns, enhancing digital branding strategies and shaping a social media presence that resonates with our target audience.

Alice Hill-Dyal

Director of Programming

Alice Hill-Dyal is a passionate and dynamic educator with nearly two decades of experience in the field. She holds a bachelor's degree in childhood education and a master's degree in Deaf Education, allowing her to tailor her lessons to a wide array of learners. Alice is dedicated to helping her students develop problem-solving skills and has a remarkable ability to inspire a love for mathematics. Her patience, compassion, and motivational approach empower students to reach their academic and personal goals.

As a strong advocate for social-emotional learning, Alice creates an inclusive classroom where every student feels welcomed and valued. Her expertise is the cornerstone of Raising Risers' engaging community programs, which nurture Black children by promoting empathy, building confidence, and encouraging them to dream big and pursue their goals.