For five former federal professionals, the answer became entrepreneurship, purpose-driven leadership, and the courage to build something new.
RIF2RISE recently recorded a powerful conversation featuring former federal professionals who transformed uncertainty into opportunity and launched businesses rooted in service, expertise, wellness, innovation, and community impact.
Through authentic storytelling, practical lessons, and heartfelt reflection, our panelists shared how they navigated transition, rediscovered purpose, and created meaningful next chapters.
Meet the remarkable leaders behind the conversation. From social impact consulting and workforce development to wellness, AI strategy, and government contracting, these former federal professionals are transforming transition into opportunity and building powerful new chapters of purpose and impact.
We are deeply grateful for the powerful and uplifting gathering we experienced on Saturday at The Unwanted Transition: Finding Peace and Direction After Job Loss.
This event brought together a community of current and former federal professionals, contractors, and others navigating change—each person showing up with courage, openness, and a shared commitment to moving forward with intention. The space was filled with reflection, connection, and a renewed sense of possibility.
We extend our sincere appreciation to our wellness partner, the Meditation Museum, and to Dr. Kanu Kogod for guiding us through an afternoon rooted in mindfulness, presence, and healing. Participants were offered meaningful tools and practices to help ground themselves, process transition, and reconnect with purpose.
This experience reflects the heart of RIF2RISE—creating spaces where individuals can be seen, supported, and empowered as they navigate disruption and step into what’s next.
To everyone who joined us: thank you for being part of this moment. We are honored to rise alongside you.
RIF2RISE is a non-partisan, inclusive, action-oriented organization created in 2025 by federal employees and contractors impacted by the reductions in force and furloughs. We come together to transform this shared experience into a movement of resilience and renewal.
Our primary purpose is to educate, empower, and support individuals affected by workforce reductions by helping them rebuild their professional and personal lives through community engagement, educational programming, entrepreneurship promotion, and self care.
RIF2RISE is led by women of color with extensive federal service backgrounds — from public health to education. We’ve all been touched by the 2025 RIFs and related disruptions, and we’re working collaboratively to support resilience, reinvention, and community.
There are many ways to get involved with RIF2RISE, from sharing resources and attending upcoming events to simply spreading the word. Join our community today to make a difference.
Have a question or a suggestion? Contact us today, and we'll get back to you as soon as possible.
