Rise & Connect

Take the Mask Off.

Connections That Change Careers | Conversations That Change Lives.

Come as you are.
Leave with meaningful relationships, fresh opportunities, and a community that wants to see you succeed.

  • Authentic conversations.

  • Meaningful relationships.

  • Leadership opportunities.

Project Rise with Dr. Helen hosts networking experiences designed to help professionals connect beyond job titles and business cards.

Rise & Connect.
Meaningful Conversations. Authentic Connections. Real Opportunities

Save the Date Indianapolis - September 15
Register Now New York - August 13
A diverse group of people attending a presentation or meeting in a modern, brightly lit conference room with large windows, indoor plants, and contemporary lighting fixtures.
Two women hug inside a modern lobby, smiling and embracing warmly.
Two women hug inside a modern lobby, smiling and embracing warmly.
People engaging in conversation at a networking event or workshop inside a modern building with large windows showing a cityscape outside.
People sitting around a conference table engaged in discussion, with plates of food and drinks in front of them, inside a room with large windows and yellow chairs.
A group of people at a professional event inside a glass-walled building with trees visible outside. Two individuals are seated at a table with water bottles, and a woman is looking at a man standing and engaging with her. Other people are socializing in the background.
People engaging in conversations inside a modern glass-fronted building with greenery outside, including plants hanging from the ceiling and potted plants.
Group of three people at an indoor event; an older woman holding a microphone, a young woman in a mustard dress holding a raffle box, and a man in a blue blazer extending a hand; a large screen behind them displays a presentation and event details.
A woman with short brown hair, wearing glasses, a white long-sleeve shirt, and blue jeans, is standing at a reception desk, signing paperwork with a pen. She has a Louis Vuitton handbag over her shoulder. The background includes a directory with room numbers and directions, an elevator, and informational signs.
A woman with short brown hair, wearing glasses, a white long-sleeve shirt, and blue jeans, is standing at a reception desk, signing paperwork with a pen. She has a Louis Vuitton handbag over her shoulder. The background includes a directory with room numbers and directions, an elevator, and informational signs.
Group of people posing for a photo at an indoor event, smiling and standing in front of a wall with decorative wall art and a large screen.
People gathered in a restaurant or banquet hall, socializing and standing around tables with plates and drinks, some plates with leftover food, in a well-lit space with modern decor.
Woman with long, curly hair standing with a microphone, presenting a virtual meeting or conference with screens showing multiple participants, in a decorated room with geometric wall art.
Five people standing indoors, holding certificates and smiling, at an award or certificate presentation event.
A woman with short pink hair, glasses, and earrings, holding a microphone in a restaurant or event space. She is wearing a colorful, abstract-patterned dress with pink, yellow, and black tones, and pink high-heeled shoes. There are chairs, tables, and chafing dishes in the background.
A woman with short pink hair, glasses, and earrings, holding a microphone in a restaurant or event space. She is wearing a colorful, abstract-patterned dress with pink, yellow, and black tones, and pink high-heeled shoes. There are chairs, tables, and chafing dishes in the background.
Registration table for the event 'Rise & Connect' with flyers, sign-up sheets, and raffle entry boxes at the project rise event.

Why Rise & Connect?

Networking was never meant to be about collecting business cards.

It's about creating genuine relationships built on trust, generosity, and shared experiences.

At Rise & Connect, you'll find executives, project leaders, entrepreneurs, career changers, recruiters, students, and professionals who want to meet great people.

Connections That Change Careers.

Conversations That Change Lives.

A welcoming networking experience where authentic conversations lead to meaningful relationships, career opportunities, and lasting community.

Our Story

Project Rise has always believed that leadership begins with connection.

Our first community gatherings—including our Indianapolis Trivia Night—showed us something powerful:

People weren't just looking for an event.

They were looking for each other.

They wanted a place where conversations felt natural, relationships were genuine, and opportunities could grow.

From those experiences, Rise & Connect was born.

Today, Rise & Connect is our signature networking experience—bringing together professionals, executives, entrepreneurs, students, nonprofit leaders, recruiters, and community members who believe relationships still matter.

What Makes Rise & Connect Different?

Instead of awkward networking... We intentionally create meaningful conversations.

Instead of exchanging business cards... We build relationships.

Instead of hoping you'll meet someone... We help make those introductions happen.

Each event includes:

🤝 Guided Speed Networking

💡 Thoughtful Conversation Starters

🌱 Career Connections

🎤 Leadership Discussions

✔ Plenty of time for informal networking

🍽 Food & Refreshments

🎁 Giveaways

Why We Do This

We believe opportunities rarely begin with an application.

They begin with a conversation.

A recommendation.

A mentor.

Someone saying,

"You should meet..."

Because one conversation can change everything

Upcoming Events

No awkward networking.
No standing alone pretending to check your phone.

No pressure to impress.

No rehearsed elevator speech.

Just authentic conversations with people willing to take the mask off and connect as human beings first.

New York Metro (Westchester) | August 13 | FREE | Register

Indianapolis | September 15 | Coming Soon

Virtual | Coming Soon

Testimonials

"The event was incredible. Your intentionality and passionate care always shine through."
— Danisha

"I met genuine people and appreciated the chance to be part of it."
— Jeff

"The speed networking created genuine connections."
— Sydnie

"Dr. Helen has a warm and inviting presence and is truly a connector of people."
— Tosha

"It was nice getting to network with everyone…. I enjoyed every bit of it."
— Amen

You never know which conversation will change your life.

👇

Reserve Your Seat

Every Registration Makes an Impact

Rise & Connect is more than a networking event.

Every sponsorship, partnership, and donation helps Project Rise develop women leaders through certification, mentorship, career support, and leadership development.

Register Now New York - August 13
Save the Date Indianapolis - September 15
Support Project Rise

Host a Rise & Connect

Would your organization like to bring Rise & Connect to your employees, members, or community?

We partner with:

  • Corporations

  • Universities

  • Nonprofits

  • Professional Associations

  • Community Organizations

Let's build stronger professional communities together.

Contact Us

Meet Your Host - Dr. Helen Uzamere

  • Founder, Project Rise with Dr. Helen

  • Executive Leadership Advisor

  • Project Management Executive

  • Connector of People

For over 25 years, Dr. Helen has helped leaders and organizations deliver transformational initiatives, navigate change, and develop future leaders.

Rise & Connect reflects her belief that careers grow through relationships—not just resumes.

More Than a Networking Event

Rise & Connect is one of the ways Project Rise fulfills its mission of closing the leadership gap, one woman at a time.

Some attendees leave with:

• New friendships

• Mentors

• Career opportunities

• Business partnerships

• Speaking engagements

• A renewed sense of community

Because sometimes the most important thing you take home isn't a business card.

It's a relationship.

❤️