Meet Our Leaders

We believe in the limitless potential of every scholar—and every teacher.

Leadership Team

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Jason Jowers

Principal
jjowers@risese.org

Jason Jowers
Principal

Jason Jowers is a dynamic education leader with a proven record of transforming schools. As Principal of Fayetteville Street Elementary in Durham, NC, he raised school proficiency by 5% in his first year. At Global Scholars Academy, he led a remarkable turnaround—improving proficiency by over 20%, boosting its rating from a D to a C, and removing it from the low-performing list. At Eno Valley Elementary, he increased proficiency by 12%, reduced suspensions by 40%, and grew enrollment by 60%.

Previously, as Assistant Principal at Hillside High School, Jason launched the Freshman Academy, achieving graduation rates over 90% and securing $12 million in scholarships. His teaching excellence earned him the 2011 Durham Public Schools Teacher of the Year award—the youngest recipient in district history—and an invitation to the 2012 State of the Union Address. He was later named the 2015 NC Assistant Principal of the Year.

Jason is a committed advocate for student achievement, recognized at the local, state, and national levels. He lives in North Carolina with his wife, Monique, and their children, Jordyn and Jaxson.

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Dawn Arthur

Executive Director
darthur@risese.org

Dawn Arthur
Executive Director

I love the strength and joy of the RISE community and have been honored to journey alongside our scholars for the past seven years. My path to education began in the private sector, where my experience in engineering and consulting equipped me with the organizational leadership and technical skills I bring to this role. My best days are spent watching our staff lead, teach, and find joy in their work—creating a school where our scholars can do the same.

Fun Fact/Favorite: I enjoy playing with my kids and engaging in all kinds of outdoor activities like walking, hiking, and swimming.

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Wintre Shaw

K-3rd Assistant Principal
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Ashley McRae

4th-8th Assistant Principal

Ashley McRae
4th-8th Assistant Principal

I love the strength and joy of the RISE community and have been honored to journey alongside our scholars for the past seven years. My path to education began in the private sector, where my experience in engineering and consulting equipped me with the organizational leadership and technical skills I bring to this role.

My best days are spent watching our staff lead, teach, and find joy in their work—creating a school where our scholars can do the same.

Fun Fact/Favorite: I enjoy playing with my kids and engaging in all kinds of outdoor activities like walking, hiking, swimming.

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BlackwellKristen

Kristen Blackwell

Executive Director
kblackwell@risese.org(opens in new tab)

Kristen Blackwell
Director of Operations

Kristen Blackwell is a seasoned educator and operations leader with 18 years of experience. A Raleigh native, Kristen is committed to creating environments where scholars thrive both academically and socially.

She holds a B.S. in Liberal Studies from North Carolina A&T, an Elementary Education License from NC Central University, and a Master of Arts in Teaching from Meredith College. Kristen began her career in the classroom and brings that educator's perspective to her current work in operations. Now as Director of Operations at RISE, she ensures that the school’s systems and resources support an enriching learning environment. Her approach bridges the gap between educational theory and day-to-day logistics, promoting student growth and teacher success.

Fun Fact/Favorite: Passionate about education as a holistic journey, Kristen focuses on optimizing school operations to align with academic goals. Outside of work, she enjoys fashion and spending time with her puppy, Blazer.

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Kandi Hall

Director of Engagement
khall@risese.org
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Kandi Hall
Director of Engagement

As both a RISE parent and Director of Engagement, I am passionate about building strong relationships between our school, families, and community. I find the greatest joy in creating opportunities that help every scholar and family feel connected, supported, and empowered to thrive.

Fun Fact/Favorite: I love traveling with my family. I enjoy finding new restaurants, interactive attractions, and sporting events. In my downtime you will find me with a good book or gardening.

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Martine Aurelien

Director of Finance & HR
maurelien@risese.org

Martine Aurelien
Director of Finance & HR

Martine Aurelien combines policy expertise, operational acumen, and a passion for equity in her role as Director of Finance & HR. Raised in Hartford, CT by Haitian immigrant parents, Martine has focused her career on supporting mission-driven organizations.

Her journey began in education as a high school social studies teacher with Teach For America in rural North Carolina. She then became a policy analyst with the NC Justice Center, shaping equitable fiscal policy. At Teach For America, Martine held multiple operations and talent roles, supporting finance, operations, and development to promote equitable access to education.

Martine holds a B.S. in Human Development from Cornell University and an MPP from Duke University. Her graduate work focused on analyzing the socio-political and economic barriers faced by marginalized communities.

At RISE, Martine ensures that financial and HR systems reflect the school's mission and values, supporting organizational sustainability and impact.

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Teri Whyte Scott

EC Coordinator
tscott@risese.org

Teri Whyte Scott
EC Coordinator

For more than three decades, I have been dedicated to empowering young people to achieve what they once thought was impossible. Having worked across elementary, middle, and high school levels as a teacher, coach, school and central office administrator, I had the opportunity to bring a rich, well-rounded perspective to educational leadership. Joyful and unforgettable moments occur when a struggling scholar's light bulb turns on and an intimidating challenge turns into a personal triumph whether in the classroom or on the field. 

Fun Fact/Favorite: I have had the opportunity to visit and spend the night in 39 of the 50 states. I have plans to check off three more in the next 12 months.

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Al-Majied Smith

Al-Majied SMith

Dean of Students
asmith@risese.org
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Terri Scott Aurelien
EC Coordinator

I am excited to begin my ninth year at RISE Charter School as Dean of Students. I am passionate about building positive relationships with scholars, families, and staff while fostering a safe, supportive, and respectful school community.

Fun Fact/Favorite: My favorite thing to do is to hang out with my family on the weekend.

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