Rizing Tide Feature Archives

How a Week of Mission Work Redefined My Purpose as a Physical Therapist

By James Lee | March 12, 2026 |

A brown postcard with a picture of Lima, Perú, and Rizing Tide scholar James Lee with the text, "How a Week of Mission Work Redefined My Purpose as a Physical Therapist."

In July of 2025, my cohort and I had the amazing opportunity to travel to Lima, Perú, to perform mission work as part of our summer curriculum. We partnered with a local church in Lima to give out assistive devices to those in need. During our trip, we spent a full week providing much-needed physical…

Press Release: Rizing Tide Foundation Reports 2025 Growth and New Programs Supporting DPT Students

By Rizing Tide Team | January 26, 2026

Foundation highlights growth in sponsorships, scholar recognition, and expanded mentorship and professional development initiatives (PHOENIX – Jan. 26, 2026) – Rizing Tide, a foundation dedicated to expanding access to physical therapy by creating a more inclusive workforce through scholarships and professional development, shared today reflections on its growth in 2025. This update highlights strong industry…

Survival Skills for the New Era of PT: Reflections from the 2025 Graham Sessions

By Rizing Tide Team | March 6, 2025

Illustration of a Black woman in an orange shirt sitting at a desk that's surrounded by plants. She's looking at a book and a laptop and holding a pen, as if preparing to write.

What do you get when you bring together some of the brightest minds in physical therapy to discuss the new era of the profession? You get some whip-smart dialogue—and even better ideas. The 2025 Graham Sessions endeavored to do just this; innovative PTs gathered together in Colorado Springs to hold open, honest conversations about the…

From Entrepreneur to PT Advocate: Meet Rizing Tide Scholar Li Chen

By Rizing Tide Team | November 18, 2024

Li Chen smiling slightly while on a virtual phone call. Next to her, green text reads "Rizing Tide, Li Chen, 2023 Crest Scholar."

This is the fourth installment of the 2023 Rizing Tide Lighthouse Series: a series of blogs and video interviews that spotlight our exceptional scholars. Stay tuned for the next installment! Li Chen’s hard work and dedication have taken her far in life—ultimately helping her excel in Duke University’s doctor of physical therapy (DPT) program. As…

Championing Community and Care: Meet Rizing Tide Scholar Emmanuel Noye

By Rizing Tide Team | August 29, 2024

Emmanuel Noye smiling while on a virtual phone call. Next to him, green text reads "Rizing Tide, Emmanuel Noye, 2023 Crest Scholar."

This is the third installment of the 2023 Rizing Tide Lighthouse Series: a series of blogs and video interviews that spotlight our exceptional scholars. Stay tuned for the next installment! In the bustling halls of North Central College, Emmanuel Noye, affectionately known as Manny, stands out not just because of his warm smile and affable…

Inspired by Experience, Driven by Purpose: Meet Rizing Tide Scholar Faith Blanchard-Ludanga

By Rizing Tide Team | July 24, 2024

Faith Blanchard-Ludanga, smiling while on a virtual phone call. Next to her, green text reads "Rizing Tide, Faith Blanchard-Ludanga, 2023 Crest Scholar."

This is the second installment of the 2023 Rizing Tide Lighthouse Series: a series of blogs and video interviews that spotlight our exceptional scholars. Stay tuned for the next installment! Faith Blanchard-Ludanga, a dedicated student at the University of Tennessee Health Science Center, is on a mission to bring healing and hope to her community…

Inspired by Family, Driven to Dream: Meet Rizing Tide Scholar Darwin Sandoval

By Rizing Tide Team | June 14, 2024

Darwin Sandoval, smiling while on a virtual phone call. Next to him, green text reads "Rizing Tide, Darwin Sandoval, 2023 Crest Scholar."

This is the first installment of the 2023 Rizing Tide Lighthouse Series: a series of blogs and video interviews that spotlight our exceptional scholars from Fleet III. Stay tuned for the next installment! For Darwin Sandoval, obtaining a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree means absolutely everything. A dedicated student at Saint Joseph’s University, Darwin…

Rizing Tide’s Third Anniversary: A Celebration of Empowerment, Progress, and Community

By Rizing Tide Team | October 16, 2023 |

The headshots of Rizing Tide Crest scholars, Ricky Locci, Elisha Li, and Tyrell McGee sit on a green background with artistic beige and dull blue circles.

As we commemorate the third anniversary of the Rizing Tide Foundation, the team has just one thing to say: What a whirlwind! Our mission of empowering a new generation of BIPOC leaders in the physical therapy profession is making some serious progress. It’s an honor to witness the tremendous growth of our older cohorts of…

Pioneering Change in Pelvic Health: Meet Rizing Tide Scholar Bridget Ochuko

By Rizing Tide Team | September 27, 2023

Bridget Ochuko, mid-conversation while on a virtual phone call. Next to her, green text reads "Rizing Tide, Bridget Ochuko, DPT, 2022 Surge Scholar."

This is the thirteenth (and final) installment of the 2022 Rizing Tide Lighthouse Series: a series of blogs and video interviews that spotlight our exceptional scholars. Stay tuned for the next installment! Bridget Ochuko’s journey into the field of physical therapy began with a desire to improve the well-being of others. Her background as an…

Empowering Athletes and Embracing Diversity: Meet Rizing Tide Scholar Keairez Coleman

By Rizing Tide Team | August 3, 2023

Keairez Colemen, mid-conversation while on a virtual phone call. Next to him, green text reads "Rizing Tide, Keairez Coleman, DPT, 2022 Surge Scholar."

This is the twelfth installment of the 2022 Rizing Tide Lighthouse Series: a series of blogs and video interviews that spotlight our exceptional scholars. Stay tuned for the next installment! Keairez’s journey into the field of physical therapy sparked from a keen observation and a desire to help others. Growing up in an area with…