Columbus Business First recently invited five leaders implementing the Rise Together plan to discuss the initiative to address poverty in Franklin County: Joy Bivens, director of Franklin County Department of Job and Family Services; Lisa Courtice, CEO of United Way of Central Ohio; Kenny McDonald, president and CEO of Columbus 2020; Bo Chilton, CEO of Impact Community Action; and Trudy Bartley, associate vice president in Ohio State University's Office of Government Affairs.

Rise Together began with 200 conversations across the region – from boardrooms to homeless camps. From there, the group released 13 goals and 120 action plans to address jobs, housing, health and youth.