All About
The Rize Event Center & Catering

My Story

In the heart of St. Louis County, I’ve built something that’s more than just a business—it’s a testament to my determination, faith, and the entrepreneurial spirit that runs deep within me. I opened Rize Event Center; I wanted to create a space that celebrates not just food, but history, family, and unwavering belief.

Nestled near St. Louis Lambert International Airport, Rize is a reflection of my vision, a dream come true. The Rize has become a beacon for the local community.

But food is just one part of this journey. Anyone who knows me knows I’m not shy about sharing my faith. Often, I’ll find myself talking with friends and customers at the hostess station, engaging in deep conversations about life, faith, and purpose. “The author of this story with me is the Most High. There’s even a sign on the wall that reads, “I trust the next chapter because I know the author,” and it resonates with my journey. I couldn’t have done this without Him guiding me every step of the way.

Being a Black entrepreneur in St. Louis hasn’t been easy. I’ll be honest about that. I have to be 10 times better—always. It’s a standard I’ve set for myself because I know what’s expected of me. I aim for excellence, giving 110 percent in everything I do. More is going to be expected, and I’m prepared for it. It’s a challenge I’ve embraced, knowing that my journey isn’t just about serving great food—it’s about breaking barriers and building something bigger than myself.

The walls of Rize tell my family’s story. There’s a framed newspaper article from 1997, a piece the St. Louis Post-Dispatch did on mothers and daughters in business. It features me and my mother, Minnie, a woman who passed down not just her recipes but her resilience. “This isn’t my first rodeo,” I’ll often say, acknowledging the years I’ve spent in this industry. And there in the corner is a portrait of my mother, who passed away nearly two years ago at the age of 89. Every recipe here comes from her. She’s why I am who I am.

Rize is more than a name; it’s a way of life for me. It’s about rising to meet every challenge, every opportunity, every occasion. That’s the philosophy that drives me. It’s about always rising, no matter what.

Behind the modesty, there’s a story of perseverance. I’m a former educator with master’s degrees and a proud long-time member of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority. But above all, I’m the keeper of a family tradition that stretches back generations. My mother’s fried apple and peach pies, once the hallmark of our family gatherings, are now part of Rize’s menu, keeping her legacy alive for all to enjoy.

In a world where more is expected of me, I rise—stronger, wiser, and more committed than ever to honoring my past and creating a legacy that will endure for generations to come.