Meet Emma 

Emma Bygd, Rise’s Champion of the Month for October, has been with Rise for a year and a half, bringing with her a strong passion for supporting adults with disabilities. Before joining Rise, she studied Gender, Women, and Sexuality Studies in college and worked in group homes for three years. “This experience allowed me to discover my passion for working with adults with disabilities.” 

She first came to Rise as an Activity Coordinator at the Saint Louis Park and Fridley Community sites after finding the opportunity online. “I was drawn in by the idea of having a job with an emphasis on creativity. It gave me an opportunity to combine many interests of mine: creative projects, working in the disability community, and finding new ways to learn, grow, and create.” Emma later transitioned into her current role as Case Manager, continuing her work at those same sites. 

Working at Rise quickly became more than just a job. “Working for Rise has become something truly special for me,” she said. “I could not be luckier to work under the women that I do, and with the people that we serve. I have developed life-changing relationships with the people that I work alongside and those supported by Rise.” 

Emma’s Impact 

As a case manager, Emma is driven by the connections she builds with the people she supports. “Being trusted by the family and staff of the people we serve is a true gift,” she said. “I am so grateful to have the opportunity to make lasting, positive impacts on people’s lives.” 

She takes pride in watching people grow, sharing that she loves “seeing the noticeable growth in people after implementing new goals or tactics to make their lives easier, and more enriching. Seeing people’s lives being transformed by having the opportunity to attend our program, and the impact it has on a person’s family… I am so proud of the relationships that I have built with the people we serve, where now I can see that they trust me and my judgment.” 

Emma’s program manager, Sam Trebtoske, describes her as someone who “embodies our mission and performs with excellence in mind.” 

Sam shared that Emma “cares deeply about the people served and is inclusive and embraces the differences in others,” and “develops deep and individualized relationships with all the people served she works with.” Emma is known as a “crowd favorite” because “the people served love her!” 

Her impact extends beyond direct support. Sam highlighted that Emma is “always looking for opportunities to learn and grow,” attending external training, supporting program efficiency, and stepping in wherever needed. “Emma leads by example and models’ quality work… She is a gem, and Rise is so fortunate to have her here.” 

Emma’s director, Judy Andersen, shared, “Emma is an awesome team member… She goes out of her way to be very person-centered and focuses on the needs of those that she supports. She is extremely creative and detail focused.”   

Emma Outside of Rise 

When she’s not working, Emma brings the same creativity she’s known for at Rise into her personal life. “In my free time, I spend a lot of time sewing, crafting, and spending time with my friends and family,” she shared. She also enjoys exploring the Twin Cities with friends, saying she loves “trying out new breweries or restaurants around the city.”