Kirk Bowman / Founder
Kirk Bowman is full professor and Jon Wilcox Term Chair of Global Development & Identity and Global Politics in the Sam Nunn School of International Affairs at the Georgia Institute of Technology. Bowman previously was the founder and director of a non-profit based in Fiji that combined drug discovery and local sustainable development in small Fijian coastal communities. He is currently working on several book projects, including one with Jon Wilcox on a new model of international non-profit organizations that maximizes efficiency and outcomes for young people.
Jon Wilcox / Founder
Mr. Wilcox is the Co-Founder and former CEO and Director of California Republic Bank. California Republic Bank was one of the fastest growing and most successful de novo banks in California history. He has been and remains an active early stage investor in numerous companies and industries, including computer technology, medical products, bio technology and financial services. Wilcox's current and prior board affiliations include South Coast Repertory, Junior Achievement, Very Special Arts, Westside Center for Independent living and Fiji Reef Resources.
Gary C. Otto / Board Member
Born in Durban, South Africa, Mr. Otto received his post-graduate degree in Accounting at the University of Natal. He moved to the United States in 1986, and has worked for a number of accounting and real estate companies. Mr. Otto co-founded JH Real Estate Partners, Inc. (JHREP) in 1995. JHREP has closed in excess of $3 billion of transactions and currently owns 2 million square feet of commercial real estate.
Scout Team
Natalie Boutwell
Hello! My name is Natalie Boutwell, and I am a fourth-year majoring in International Affairs and Modern Languages (Spanish) and minoring in Law, Science, and Technology. I have been working with Rise Up & Care since Fall 2020, and I’ve loved supporting many inspirational Superheroes throughout this time. Outside of the VIP, I am also involved with the Yellow Jacket Marching Band, a campus ministry, the GT1000 Team Leader program, and Tech’s student newspaper, the Technique.
James Bryan
I am a 4th year INTA major with a minor in History, and was born in raised in Atlanta! I have been with the VIP since Spring 2020, although my first involvement with Rise Up & Care dates back to high school. On campus I am also involved with the Special Olympics and greek life.
Thomas Ware
My name is Thomas and I'm a 4th year Economics and International Affairs major. I've only been in the VIP for a semester, but I've loved it so far. After I graduate I'll be working in software consulting in the D.C. area, but hopefully I can continue to work with Rise Up & Care!
Benjamin Foreman
Hi, my name is Benjamin Foreman and I am a second year International Affairs major at Georgia Tech. Originally, I am from New York, but I have lived most of my life in Georgia. This is my first year as a member of the Rise Up & Care Team and I couldn't be more excited to be here!
Puerto Rico and Atlanta Team
Jordan Simon
Hello! My name is Jordan Simon and I am currently a 4th year Computational Media major with concentrations in Film and Media. I'm also minoring in Spanish. This is my first semester working with Rise Up & Care and so far I've worked with the outreach team! Outside of the VIP I am a member of CHAARG and I'm the treasurer and an ambassador for the Computational Media Ambassadors(CMA). I also enjoy playing euphonium, gardening and spending time with family.
Stephen Nash
Howdy! I’m Stephen Nash, a 4th year International Affairs and Modern Languages major with a concentration in Spanish and a minor in Sports, Society, and Technology. In my free time, I can be found helping out with the iGniTe Summer Launch Program, coaching youth soccer, and traveling around the world highpointing. I have been working with Rise Up and Care since fall 2020, mainly working in special projects. The feeling of making a tangible impact with this group has been unmatched in my time at Tech, and I’m excited for our upcoming projects!
Marketing and Outreach Team
Sydney Blakeney
My name is Sydney Blakeney, and I’m a fourth-year International Affairs major minoring in International Business, Language and Culture. I have been a member of the Rise Up & Care team for two years assisting the Scout Book and fundraising efforts. Outside of classes, I am a research assistant, host and producer of a podcast for a service organization, and a member of Georgia Tech club volleyball.
Nessa Greenstein
Hi! I’m Nessa! I’m a second year international affairs major from Atlanta, Georgia and I’m also minoring in Law, Science and Technology. I’ve always had a passion for traveling and embracing other cultures, I’ve currently been to 25 countries and am excited for my next adventures in the upcoming years. I’ve worked on the Women of Earth team and outreach during my time with Rise Up and Care. Outside of Rise Up and Care I’m on the diversity, equity and inclusion committee for my sorority Phi Mu, and am a Justice on the Undergraduate Judiciary Cabinet for Georgia Tech. I also love to paint and try new things with my friends.
Chandler Pearson
Hello! My name is Chandler Pearson, and I am a third-year International Affairs student minoring in International Business, Language, and Culture with a concentration in Spanish. I have been involved with Rise Up & Care since Spring 2020, and I’ve loved connecting with Superheroes and Sidekicks during my time on the team, specializing in its outreach and marketing efforts. Outside of the VIP, I am also involved with Greek life, Ivan Allen College Ambassadors, and GT Tour Guides.
Surbhi Bhatter
Hi! I'm Surbhi Bhatter. I'm a strategy and innovation major with a law, science, and technology minor. On any day, you can find me on a walk through piedmont (admiring the dogs), eating mexican food, and hanging out with my friends!
Clay Morgan
I'm a 3rd year International Affairs major here at Tech. I am new to the VIP this year. I have worked in social media and identifying potential superheroes for Rise Up and Care. When not working with the team, I enjoy hiking, camping, making coffee, and watching movies.
Social Media and Website Design Team
Ivanna Gomez
Hi! I’m Ivanna, and I’m currently a senior at Georgia Tech majoring in CS with a focus on media and people.
Fundraising and Grants Team
Sydney Piwonka
My name is Sydney Piwonka, and I am a third-year International Affairs major with a Film & Media Studies minor. I have been working with Rise Up & Care for one and half years, mainly working with the Digitally Integrative Liberal Arts Center (DILAC) to create an implicit bias simulation and children’s game. I am also a Mentor for the Global Leadership Living Learning Community (LLC).