our story.
Rize Inc. is a nonprofit organization founded by world-renowned boxing coaches Calvin Ford and Kenny Ellis. Our organization fights for the underserved youth of Baltimore by providing resources to compete in amateur boxing tournaments, access to life-skills training, and one-on-one mentorship. Our focus is youth development, with programs to build confidence, discipline, and a championship mindset.
For over two decades, Calvin and Kenny have been empowering the next generation of Baltimoreans. Through a city-sponsored boxing center, they lead classes for prospective amateurs and train a growing list of professional fighters. Calvin and Kenny personally fund travel and lodging for tournaments, while playing a very active role outside the gym. They regularly meet with kid's social workers, host food drives, and work with city officials on community development.
Calvin and Kenny's commitment to the youth has produced one of boxing's biggest stars, two-division world champion
Gervonta "Tank" Davis.
mission.
Rize Inc. is on a mission to uplift the community of Baltimore by developing champions in the ring and in life.​
In pursuit of our mission, we are guided by the following principles:
education first
promote academic engagement
embrace adversity
build resilience and coping skills
cultivate the youth
provide guidance through mentorship
programs.
team.
The foundation of Rize Inc. is our team of passionate volunteers. Day in and day out, they pledge their time and expertise to support our youth in reaching their potential.
Coach Steve helps run our amateur boxing program. A native of South Hampton, Virginia, Coach Steve's first love is football. However, after seeing his son's love for the sport, Coach Steve transitioned from coaching football to coaching boxing.
With over 15 years of training experience, Coach Russell specializes in strength and conditioning. Coach Russell works with a growing list of professional and amateur boxers. Prior to training, Coach Russell played professional basketball in Europe, as well as in the States for the Harlem Ambassadors.
Coach Ray began coaching in 2015, when is his son Nieem "Fun Fun" Somerville picked up boxing. A monolith in the gym, Coach Ray is passionate about developing youth to reach their full potential. Coach Ray's motto is: set a goal, and let's achieve it together!
Coach Steve helps run our amateur boxing program. A native of South Hampton, Virginia, Coach Steve's first love is football. However, after seeing his son's love for the sport, Coach Steve transitioned from coaching football to coaching boxing.
focus.
Rize Inc. is currently in its start-up phase, with an emphasis on establishing our organization for aggressive growth.
To accomplish this, we are focusing on the following areas:
donations
Continue to build our network of donors to ensure sustainability.
headquarters
Open the doors of our new multipurpose facility.
operations
Transition daily operations and implement our first year curriculum.