Exploring Life & Business with Sierra Devoe of Project Rise

Today we’d like to introduce you to Sierra Devoe.  

Hi Sierra, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
While working as a social worker I realized I was facing the same financial challenges as my clients yet I could not utilize the very resources I was referring them to because I made too much money. As I was venting to my co-workers, they informed me that I was a part of a sub-population called the working class and they welcomed me to the real world. That was the first of many instances, I realized just because I have these degrees does not promise financial success. Like I was told to believe in by my parents, hell by society itself. They paint this picture that if you go to school and get an education you will be able to participate in the “American Dream.” That could not be any further from the truth, at least from my experience. From that, I wanted to create a resource for us, a population that often goes overlooked but makes up most of America, the working class. That is when Project Rise was birthed. From working in various social service settings, I knew the world did not need another nonprofit that gave band-aid solutions. I needed Project Rise to shift from nonprofits’ traditional transactional work method and initiate and sustain change. From my overcoming my financial challenges, I realized the power that lies in being financially literate. Really making your personal finance just that, personal. Keeping that in mind, Project Rise promotes economic and social mobility among underemployed individuals and families by getting them engaged in their financial well-being and the economic growth of their community. Reminding them of the power they have to create the meaningful life they envision by using money as a tool. My degrees may have opened doors to many mediocre-waged jobs, but it also steered me into my passion, and I am forever grateful to God for it. 

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back, would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Whew, N-O. You know it is so funny when you say you want to start a nonprofit; people make it sound so easy. They make it seem like grantors, funders, and supporters will be throwing money at you. I, too, thought so, like who wouldn’t support a financial literacy nonprofit? I mean, I am doing this from my heart; I have an amazing “why” behind it. But just like the umpteenth others, lol. The struggle along the way is rooted in branding my nonprofit to attract funders. I always have to have why Project Rise is needed and what makes it so different at the forefront. That is hard for me because sometimes I cannot keep up with the aesthetics. I know the truth will always shine through, so I do not get so overwhelmed, but branding it is my biggest struggle. I never want to get so wrapped up in branding that I drift from the mission, vision, and core values of Project Rise. The nonprofit sector is very competitive. A nonprofit is a business. Just like the for-profit business, I have experienced those who gatekeep information, those who steal ideas, and those who dress their numbers up. That comes with another two-fold struggle, comparing where you are to others and trying to stay true to your mission in the midst of receiving no’s when it seems like every other nonprofit is getting yeses. I remember looking at a new nonprofit that just started and received a $100,000 grant out the gate. And I was just like, how?!? What am I doing wrong? I started to doubt myself. This path is not a smooth one, so many struggles arise, but those same struggles strengthen my nonprofit’s foundation. I, too, became a better leader because of the struggles. 

As you know, we’re big fans of Project Rise. For our readers who might not be as familiar, what can you tell them about the brand?
Project Rise was created as a financial education resource for individuals looking to find financial independence. We offer free financial education webinars, two financial coaching memberships, financial services, and a personal finance tips blog. We are known for our welcoming, warm environment. Which I find phenomenal; before we are known for financial literacy, we are known for our character. What set us apart is that we start where the individual is and assist them in creating a financial game plan. The client and I become a team. No one at Project Rise is judgmental; we do not judge. We take where our client is and get to work. We remind our clients it is going to be okay and to breathe. They will get to where they want to be. We speak truth at Project Rise; we truly believe personal finance is just that, personal. There is no cookie cutter or boilerplate we pass out. Each plan we generate is personalized to the client. I really admire that about us and believe that to set us apart. We specialize in budgeting, debt management, and savings. I am most proud of how down-to-earth and transparent my brand is. I do not glamorize or upsell anything. I pride myself in speaking the truth and moving with integrity. I know that is how God wants me to move, so I move as such. If the readers will like to learn more, visit our website or support us on Instagram, www.projectrise.net & @Projectrise18 

How do you define success?
Success is living a life that fulfills you. Whatever that translates into for you, is success. Quality is what really matters! Do what makes your heart full. 

Contact Info:

• Website: www.projectrise.net
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/projectrise18/