About Us

Andrew Selinka

Founder

Andrew grew up near New York City and has traveled and lived extensively throughout the United States and the rest of the world with experience in educational travel working with international schools over the years. He realized that there was a real need for a new ideal for a company that offered a high-quality travel experience that was delivered with integrity and a focus on the client’s needs and is accessible to all.

Felicia Nixon

Executive Director

Felicia was born and raised on Long Island, New York. She is now enjoying her time in Northern Virginia. She has worked in the financial industry for 14 years. Working in that industry has given her the ability to have passion, for people and to create a professional and financial network. She has traveled across the United States and Internationally as a Personal Assistant to an Artist. Living in Barbados, for under a year gave her a sense of culture, as she learned different ways of living. Her passion is to create memorable and positive experiences for those who can benefit from Rise Expeditions’ mission. In her free time, you will find her with her niece, family, and friends.

Contact: Email Felicia / c: +1 917.608.1418

Tasha Meeks – Stephens

Development & Marketing Director

Tasha Meeks Stephens is first and foremost a proud mother of four, a role that shapes both her heart and her leadership. Raised on a farm along the Texas and New Mexico border, she developed an early appreciation for hard work, community, and service. She attended South Plains College for Hospitality Management, and has built her career around one central calling: serving others.

With a natural servant’s heart, Tasha is deeply committed to pouring back into the people and communities around her, especially across the Permian Basin and New Mexico. She is passionate about advocating for underserved populations and strengthening opportunities for families, students, and individuals.

Tasha actively serves on local and national nonprofit boards and contributes her time to advisory, ambassador,fundraising, and planning committees that advance meaningful community impact. She also brings an entrepreneurial spirit to her work, owning and operating her own photography business since 2017.

She thrives on creativity, problem-solving, and telling powerful stories that inspire action. Whether leading initiatives, building partnerships, or capturing moments behind the lens, Tasha is driven by a desire to find solutions and elevate the voices of those she serves. She enjoys a great cup of coffee, a good foodie experience, meaningful conversations, diversity, and spending time with her family.

Vanessa Zayas

Chairman

Vanessa Zayas is a dedicated nonprofit professional and community advocate based in Midland, Texas, with a strong track record of advancing family stability and self-sufficiency initiatives. She has served in impactful roles with the Midland ISD Family Support Center and as a Social Services Coordinator at the West Texas Food Bank, where she founded and led the Navigate Forward program connecting individuals and families to critical resources and long-term support systems.

Vanessa currently serves as a Family Support Specialist with Family Promise of the Permian Basin, where she continues her passion for helping families experiencing housing instability rebuild their lives with dignity and purpose. In addition to her professional work, she is actively involved in philanthropy and community leadership, serving as Board President of Rise Expeditions and contributing her time and expertise to multiple advisory boards and nonprofit initiatives.

Outside of her professional and philanthropic work, Vanessa is happily married to her high school sweetheart, Eric, of 15 years. Together, they are proud parents to three amazing children Serenity, Everly, and Eric Jr. who inspire her continued commitment to serving families and strengthening communities.

Destini O’Brien

Secretary (Board of Directors)

Destini O’Brien is a dedicated advocate for inclusivity and accessibility, with a passion for creating meaningful opportunities for individuals of all abilities. With extensive experience working with children and teens, including those with disabilities, Destini fosters environments where every individual can thrive and feel empowered.

Professionally, she has established a robust career in the financial sector, currently serving as a licensed Relationship Banker at a prestigious financial institution. In this role, she specializes in assisting business clients and connecting them with valuable wealth management resources. Destini’s expertise in finance, coupled with her compassionate approach to serving others, makes her exceptionally well-suited for her role as Secretary of the Rise Expeditions board.

Beyond her professional aspirations, Destini is deeply committed to community service. She leverages her experiences to advocate for equitable access to education and travel, aligning seamlessly with Rise Expeditions’ mission of empowering students through accessible educational tours. Her unwavering dedication and multifaceted skill set enable her to contribute meaningfully to the board and the communities we serve. assisting business clients and connecting them to wealth management resources. Destini’s expertise in finance, combined with her compassionate approach, positions her to serve as Treasurer for the Rise Expeditions board.

In addition to her professional accomplishments, Destini is deeply committed to community service. She draws upon her experiences to advocate for equitable access to education and travel, aligning perfectly with Rise Expeditions’ mission to empower students through accessible educational tours.

Katie Fields

Treasurer, Board of Directors

Katie Fields was born and raised in South Carolina and has embraced life in Asheville, North Carolina, for the past three years. Her passion for travel and enthusiasm for empowering young people to follow their dreams drew her to Rise Expeditions, where she is eager to contribute to transformative experiences for students exploring the world.

With an extensive background in customer support across various industries, Katie brings a wealth of experience in relationship management and problem-solving to her role as Treasurer. Her attention to detail and commitment to excellence will ensure the financial integrity and sustainability of our organization as we pursue our mission.

Outside of her professional endeavors, Katie enjoys immersing herself in Asheville’s vibrant cultural scene, as well as the breathtaking natural beauty of the Blue Ridge Parkway and the surrounding Appalachian Mountains. In her leisure time, she cherishes moments spent with her beloved fur babies and embarks on new adventures with her wife, discovering exciting destinations together.

Katie’s unique blend of passion for youth outreach, financial management expertise, and love for exploration makes her an invaluable asset to the board and the communities we serve.

Michael Kreitman

Board Member

Michael Kreitman is a New York City attorney specializing in labor and employment law. With substantial experience in employment and commercial litigation, he has worked with Macy’s since 1998, emphasizing equitable labor practices. Additionally, Michael serves as a mediator in Federal Court, promoting resolution between employees and employers.

Previously, he was a social worker with Catholic Charities, which deepened his commitment to social justice. Outside of his legal work, Michael is an avid cyclist who loves traveling to explore mountain destinations. His unique blend of legal expertise, social service experience, and passion for travel enriches the organization’s mission to promote workplace equity and access.

Sydney Holman

Board Member

Sydney, a board member of Rise Expeditions, brings over a decade of experience in Illinois government at both the state and local levels. Previously a principal in our Chicago office, she served as deputy mayor of intergovernmental affairs under Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson, acting as a key liaison between the city, state, federal agencies, and legislative bodies. Sydney built relationships, lobbied for legislation and funding, and managed complex interagency projects. Her extensive background includes roles in Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker’s office, Cook County, and the Illinois General Assembly, where she advocated for key policies and coordinated stakeholder efforts.

Tracy Roderick

Board Member

Tracy was born in Washington, DC, and currently enjoys the serene surroundings of Chesapeake Beach, Maryland. With a deep-rooted passion for the group travel industry, she began her career right after high school at her family’s motor coach company. Over her impressive 22-year tenure, Tracy advanced to the role of operations manager, honing her skills in logistics and customer service.

Driven by her love for Washington and American history, Tracy transitioned to become a dedicated DC Tour Guide, where she thrives on sharing her enthusiasm for the city and its rich heritage with diverse audiences of all ages. Her engaging storytelling and expansive knowledge make history come alive for her tour groups.

When she’s not leading tours, Tracy cherishes spending time with her beloved Golden Retrievers, Kirby and Murph, at home. Her commitment to excellence in program management and education, along with her warmth and approachability, make her an invaluable asset to our organization.

Marlee Gordon

Board Member

Marlee is excited to bring her expertise in creating programs for students with different abilities to the RISE team. Based in Atlanta, Georgia, Marlee has spent over 10 years volunteering in the non-profit world and four years working in the travel industry. She will work hard to bring her experience to RISE in a meaningful way. In her free time, you can find Marlee playing kickball, hiking in the woods, or curled up with a good book. Let her know if you want a recommendation!