About RULE

What We Do

We imagine steps to success and write the imagination lists.

We set S.M.A.R.T. goals and teach others to do the same.

We facilitate virtual and in-person events for teens to build skills.

We journey alongside each teen to ensure their plans support and propel their goals.

Who We Are

  • A New Jersey 501(c)(3) nonprofit
  • Operating in the City of Paterson
  • Organizing since December 2018
  • Equipping teens to lead

Our Mission is to equip teens with the skills and the confidence they need to dream big and take small steps to fulfill their dreams.

Rising Urban Leaders Enterprise (RULE)
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RULE aims to create a learning community where teens have access to value-driven discussions and a support team to help them realize their strengths so that they can plan for an abundant future and insight to conquer adversity that threatens success.

Open Access

To experience personal growth, commit to meeting 60 minutes a week for 1 year.

Our Calendar gives access to events, meetings, workshops, and more.  

Any teen can catch up with training after submitting an application.

In This Order:

  • To inspire high school students to participate in a support group that offers tips and techniques to improve their interpersonal communication and literacy skills,
  • To recruit advocates to facilitate our program-related activities,
  • To provide guidance and education for volunteers to successfully support teams,
  • To empower students to write goals that are specific, measurable, attainable, relevant, and time-bound,
  • To assess students' personality types and leadership styles using DISC and Myers Briggs assessment surveys,
  • To organize and prepare students for community outreach activities, and
  • To coordinate resources and relationships for students to receive mentoring and tutoring. 

Student Benefits

  • Awards
  • Friendships
  • Giveaways
  • Leadership skills
  • Mentorship
  • Networking
  • Recognition
  • Scholarship Locator
  • Study Skills
  • Wish List Achieved

Our Board

Our board members are professionally diverse.  More importantly, they work strategically to ensure that activities and transactions are advancing RULE's mission.

Although nonprofit organizations in the State of New Jersey have the capacity to seat 10 members on their board, RULE has six members, three of whom are officers.

Our board members oversee the efficient use of program assets.  In addition, they assure the government and the public that the organization is functioning in compliance with applicable laws and regulations.

Our Board of Trustees

Rising Urban Leaders Enterprise (RULE)

Keith B. Allen, Esq.

Treasurer
Linden, NJ
Rising Urban Leaders Enterprise (RULE)

Linda A. Hicks, M.Ed.

President
Paterson, NJ
Rising Urban Leaders Enterprise (RULE)

 Eric R. Null, B.F.A.

Secretary
High Ridge, MO
Rising Urban Leaders Enterprise (RULE)

Councilman Robert L. Artis


Prospect Park, NJ
Rising Urban Leaders Enterprise (RULE)

Dr. Stephanie D. Taylor, PhD


Annandale, NJ
Rising Urban Leaders Enterprise (RULE)

Edward A. Jones Sr.


Hillside, NJ
Mr. Abdoulaye Sanogo

Abdoulaye Sanogo, M.E.

Executive Director 
Brooklyn, NY
Rising Urban Leaders Enterprise (RULE)

Denise R. Blackwood

Founder & Chief Executive Officer
Paterson, NJ