With the support of seed funding from the Goldhirsh Foundation, LIFT has kicked off the first stage of its West Coast growth plan with expansion to Los Angeles. To begin the expansion process, LIFT has brought on Michelle Rhone-Collins, a seasoned LA nonprofit leader with 25 years of experience in youth and community development, to serve as Executive Director of LIFT-LA. Michelle officially assumed her role in February and is actively building LIFT’s presence in the LA community in preparation for the launch of the first LIFT-LA site in 2013. LIFT is thrilled to be able to bring our services to individuals and families in Los Angeles.
As the LIFT-LA Executive Director, Michelle will work to build strong partnerships within the LA social service, university, and municipal sectors and raise investment capital to fund LIFT-LA’s operations. Michelle comes to LIFT from her role as the Executive Director of the Los Angeles based The Children’s Nature Institute. Previously she led several community organizations in New York City and designed programs for youth leadership development, service learning, college preparation, and arts in education. Michelle received her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Duke University and Masters of Education in Psychological Counseling from Teacher’s College/Columbia University with a focus on racism, racial identity, and mental health. Read her full bio.
LIFT would like to thank the Goldhirsh Foundation for its generous support and commitment to bringing LIFT’s vital services to LA residents.