Each year, our Rise’ing Stars awards celebrate people making a remarkable impact. Nominees are honored for their exceptional attitude, impressive achievements, and meaningful impact at work, home, and in their communities. Six people were honored at our Summer Celebration Picnic held on August 10. The 2025 winners are:

Jacob Bohm

Jacob Bohm set a goal to find community employment, and he’s made it happen in a big way. Over the past year in his role at Medart in Albertville, MN, he’s learned almost every job in the warehouse and is able to work independently.

Jacob gets himself to and from work, takes on overtime when needed, and sometimes puts in over 50 hours a week. He’s built great relationships with his coworkers and management. Jacob’s personal growth and commitment to his work is inspiring.

Rachel Dolan

Over the past two years, Rachel Dolan has started a job with one of Rise’s Supported Employment Teams and launched her own small business, Rachel’s Bling N Thingz. She creates handmade jewelry, bedazzled tumblers, pens, lip balms, Christmas ornaments, and more, selling them at local craft fairs.

Rachel’s business began with small custom projects for friends and family. With support from Rise staff and funding from the Advancing Lives Fund and other grants, she expanded her inventory, developed marketing materials, and prepared for her first craft fair at the Andover Community Center, which was a big success.

Since then, she has run more than five booths independently and recently added a 3D printer to make new products. Rachel has learned how to reinvest profits into supplies and event fees, building her confidence and ensuring her business continues to grow.

Amanda Lorenz

Since joining Rise’s Life Enrichment Program in February 2024, Amanda has made huge progress. She now regulates her emotions on her own and uses the skills she has learned to become more independent, self-aware, and confident.

Amanda is also making her mark in the workplace. She works at Cardinal Health in Hudson, WI, three days a week, and at WESTconsin Credit Union in Hudson and New Richmond, WI, once a month. At the bank, she handles cleaning tasks with little direction, keeps a great attitude, and is always willing to jump in wherever she is needed.

Outside of work, Amanda is very involved in her community. She volunteers at local farms, festivals, food pantries, churches, and Meals on Wheels, and she helps with school backpack drives.

Amanda is known for her independence, loyalty, and willingness to advocate for herself and others. She is a joy to be around, and her peers often turn to her for support and advice.

Joelle McCauley

Joelle McCauley has faced incredible challenges with unwavering courage. Diagnosed with terminal cancer in 2023, she has undergone major surgeries and continues chemotherapy every other week.

Despite these obstacles, Joelle continues to live independently, cook for herself, and work at nVent, where she has been a valued employee for many years. She tries to rarely misses work, even during treatment, and inspires those around her with her resilience and optimism.

Joelle’s philosophy is simple but powerful: live each day like it’s your last. She teaches by example, showing that strength, positivity, and compassion can shine through even in life’s most difficult moments.

Cheyenne Reece

In just two years, Cheyenne Reece has made incredible progress toward her goals of independence, stable housing, and steady employment. She now works at Family Pathways in Pine City and has created a thriving life in her new community.

Cheyenne approaches life with optimism, creativity, and a willingness to learn. She enjoys developing new skills, discovering more about herself, and finding fresh ways to move forward. She is compassionate, open-minded, and always sees the good in people.

Her next big goal is to own her own business that will help individuals and families build better lives through resources and life skills.

Sherita Thomas

For more than 25 years, Sherita Thomas has been supported by Rise’s Minnesota Employment Center (MEC), and is currently serving in the State of Minnesota’s Newborn Screening department in St. Paul. Over the past seven years, she has faced challenges with her mental health but has shown remarkable growth in her coping skills, communication, and confidence.

Sherita has learned to pause and think before reacting, communicate more effectively with coworkers, and seek support when needed. These skills helped her navigate the uncertainty of potential workplace changes with a calm, positive attitude.

She approaches each day with a smile, a willingness to learn, and a commitment to supporting herself. Sherita’s progress is a testament to her resilience and determination to keep moving forward, no matter the challenge.