My work in results-driven environments like schools, school districts, and non-profits helped me realize I could combine my passions: writing, program & event planning, relationship building, and storytelling. This realization led me to develop a program that blends these skills to increase personal and academic development.
Above, Maxine Rishton connects with a parent at a Career Fair (designed and led by Maxine) that is exploring new job opportunities.
As Partnerships Coordinator at Bright Beginnings D.C., I built authentic relationships with community and corporate partners, strengthened parent leadership by developing targeted internship and leadership outreach programs, and designed a data-driven career fair using SSM insights that connected families with on-site job interviews and essential support services.
I created and directed immersive creative programs for children, along with media that documents and showcases their work—viewable via the QR code I created to the left.
To the right, parents from our three-month paid outreach program (designed and co-led by Maxine Rishton)—trained in leadership and community engagement—worked to connect families in need with our services.
After journeying through four different professional roles, I discovered one constant: I had a passion for supporting young girls and young adult women. Supporting their academic, emotional, and personal development is the foundation of my work and the inspiration behind my focus on social-emotional intelligence, which gave birth to the Honey Heals program.
Maxine Rishton partnered with Jewels, Inc. to support the social and emotional development of middle-grade girls through weekend enrichment experiences. As a result, students grew in their confidence and overcame behavior challenges they faced.
As Dean of Students, Maxine Rishton developed individualized intervention plans for students facing social and behavioral challenges, including regular check-ins to support them throughout the school day.
Maxine Rishton collaborated with Community Life Collaborative to plan an engaging environmental science field trip for the entire 5th grade class.