Board of Directors
Cultivating community growth through artistic stewardship and dedicated leadership to expand our regional impact to heal, strengthen and unify our community through the arts.
Tara Draeger
Board President
Tara Draeger is a proud co-founder of RISE UP and serves as System Director of Community Health and Health Equity at Aspirus. With a deep passion for healthcare and community well-being, Tara is committed to expanding access, strengthening connections, and creating meaningful change throughout Central Wisconsin. Her expertise and dedication have helped shape many of RISE UP’s projects, particularly those focused on healing, health, and connection through art. Tara continues to bring a spirit of collaboration and a strong commitment to building a healthier, more connected community..
Ka Youa Xiong
Treasurer
Ka Youa Xiong serves as a Compliance Analyst at Peoples State Bank. In addition to her professional role, Ka Youa is the Treasurer of Rise Up, where she applies her financial acumen to oversee the organization’s fiscal health and integrity. Her dual roles highlight her commitment to both financial stewardship and community empowerment. Ka Youa’s expertise in compliance and finance is invaluable to Rise Up, where she manages budgets, financial planning, and reporting, ensuring that the organization’s resources are effectively utilized to maximize its impact.
Rachel Tate
Secretary
Rachel actively champions Diversity, Action, and Inclusion initiatives, contributing significantly to the campus's ethos of equality and representation. Rachel also plays a vital role on the IAAP DEI Committee, furthering her commitment to fostering inclusivity. Beyond her professional endeavors, Rachel serves as Secretary on the Mosaic of North Central Wisconsin Board and is deeply engaged with the United Way of Marathon County. Her passion for amplifying voices and ensuring all individuals feel valued is evident in her involvement in the community.
Christy Keele
Past President
Christy Keele, JD, is a co-founder of RISE UP and has been part of the organization since its beginning in 2017. A longtime child advocate and attorney, Christy has dedicated her career to ensuring children have a voice. As Executive Director of CASA of Marathon County, she continues to champion advocacy and support for children and families throughout the community. Deeply connected to Central Wisconsin, Christy is grateful to support RISE UP and its mission of creating connection, hope, and a stronger community.
Danielle Weiland
Board Member
Danielle is an artist and an active community member. She is a board member at the Wausau Museum of Contemporary Art and a certified trainer on Emotional Sobriety. Danielle believes in the mission of R
Brandi Perea
Board Member
Brandi works at People's State Bank as a personal banker and has 20+ years of management experience combined with a passion for the arts. She is a quilter and an artist and is excited to join the Rise Up Board.
Barbara Burnette
Board Member
Barbara Burnette is an interior designer and associate lecturer, who is committed to creating a positive impact in the community and industry. She serves on the Board of Rise Up and was previously a member of the Women United Leadership Committee supporting United Way of Marathon County. Barbara brings expertise in design, strategic planning, sustainability, and collaborative leadership to her community and nonprofit work.
Interested in becoming a new board member? Contact art@riseupart.org