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OUR HISTORY
Founded in 2013 by Marilynn Winn and Xochitl Bervera, Women on the Rise emerged from a profound recognition of the imperative to elevate the voices of justice-affected women. Their vision extended beyond advocacy, aiming to forge vital connections for women reentering society. Over the years, Women on the Rise has garnered community support through impactful campaigns, including the notable Close the Jail initiative in 2018 and the successful overturning of 40 broken window laws in Atlanta.
2013
Women on the Rise was founded by Marilynn Winn and Xochitl Bervera
2013
2013, in effort to defeat a banishment ordinance targeting sex workers in Midtown Atlanta, Women on the Rise & Racial Justice Action Center partnered with LaGender, Inc. and Trans(forming) to form Solutions Not Punishment Collaborative (SNaP Co) to lead a grassroots organizing campaign to defeat a banishment ordinance targeting sex workers in Midtown Atlanta (and soon expanded our home into the building next door, the Brick House)
2015
Women on the Rise worked with other organizations, including 9to5, on a "Ban The Box" campaign and won an executive order to Ban the Box from applications
2017
Led a grassroots coalition that established Policing Alternatives & Diversion Initiative (PAD), designed by people directly impacted by policing and incarceration
2017
Fought alongside RJAC to pass legislation to end 40+ broken windows policies, including reclassification to make marijuana a non-arrestable offense, and increase police transparency and accountability
2018
Launched the Close the Jail Campaign to repurpose Atlanta City Detention Center (ACDC) into a building for community resources
2020
Distributed funds to formerly incarcerated Black women in the form of welcome home packages
2022
Developed women on the rise inside to educate and EMPOWER women inside of Georgia prisons
2024
Defeated the proposed $2 billion jail alongside our partners in the Community Over Cages Coalition
2024
Spearheaded the groundbreaking Center for Diversion & Services which offers alternatives to incarceration for those facing mental health and substance use challenges as a lead member of the Justice Policy Board
