Four entrepreneurs have teamed to launch RISE Creative Studios. The new venture will provide branded and original content for agencies, brands and nonprofits, telling stories from a panorama of perspectives that are inclusionary, equitable and dynamic.
“We recognize that our work extends beyond individual projects. It’s about leaving a lasting mark on the industry, challenging norms, and fostering a culture of inclusivity,” said Katherine Abboud, RISE co-founder and CEO. “I believe that by embracing this mission, we can widen the gaze and create narratives that resonate deeply with audiences around the world.”
Fellow co-founders of the new content creation studio are chief creative officer Jigisha Patel Bouverat, chief production officer Brandessa Hale, and chief financial officer KC “Kyung Chang” Adornetto, all of whom have blazed distinctive and successful trails in business and in content creation. They bring a diversity of talent, skills and culture as well, with Bouverat and Adornetto born internationally, hailing from India and South Korea, respectively.
Abboud brings a wealth of industry experience to RISE including serving as principal, chief operating officer of Armstrong White. She has also worked with agencies such as McCann Erickson, JWT and TBWA/Chiat/Day for brands such as Nissan, Pepsi, Ford, GM, Chobani, GSK and P&G. After years as often “the only woman at the table,” she is excited to build a new model with RISE.
Bouverat joins RISE with an extensive background in advertising, which notably includes her 18-year tenure at TBWAChiatDay as director of art production. After leaving the agency world, she founded a successful artist management company, Bouverat Collective, and an app-based marketing platform for commercial artists, KOMYOON. Her professional journey has been marked by collaborations with both emerging and established creators–and her efforts to amplify ethnically and gender-diverse artists, offering them a prominent platform.
Hale earned her expertise in content production through roles as owner and executive producer of Source Productions and partner at M3 Cinema. She sees RISE as “a gentle disruptor seeking to challenge the status quo and introduce new ideas and practices in a manner that encourages collaboration, inclusivity and empathy.”
Prior to joining the RISE team, Adornetto provided senior financial and operational leadership to organizations with significant social impact–including Domestic Violence Solutions of Santa Barbara, the Community Action Commission of Santa Barbara County, and the Alzheimer’s Association of Central California. She looks forward to bringing that same expertise to RISE. “My vision is to help create a company that respects and honors all stakeholders–from founders, staff and artists to brands–in coming together to create impactful content.”
The RISE goal, Bouverat said, “is to ensure that every aspect of our operations reflects our commitment to inclusion, integrity, and impactful storytelling. This is not just about walking the talk; it’s about setting the gold standard for the industry and inspiring others to follow suit.”
Hale added, “By expanding our perspective, we have the potential to create truly meaningful and influential works. The underrepresentation of women, BIPOC, and LGBTQIA individuals in our industry currently hinders our capacity to cultivate diverse and inclusive teams. With an influence in how content is created we will enable brands to engage with their audiences in honest and innovative ways.”
