Elle De Lyon: Building Community Through Creativity

WorldWide Entertainment TV sat down with Elle De Lyon—award-winning Creative Producer, Director, Curator, and Program Director of R.I.S.E. Edutainment—to explore her journey, her leadership philosophy, and the organization’s mission to support youth through creative expression.

Elle’s story is woven deeply into the fabric of RISE. Beginning as a participant when the organization was a small grassroots collective in 2012, she rose through volunteering and project management to become Program Director in 2021. Her path reflects a powerful truth: service can be the foundation of both personal growth and community transformation.

The Importance of Community Spaces for Youth

Elle emphasized that accessible arts spaces are essential for young creators, especially those who may feel unseen or unsupported. At RISE, creativity is not just encouraged—it is nurtured, celebrated, and centered around mental health, leadership, and self-knowledge.

“Community spaces allow young people to explore their identities, express their truths, and feel safe doing it,” Elle shared. “That’s where real transformation begins.”

Volunteerism: The Heartbeat of Grassroots Movements

Elle’s leadership style is rooted in service. She believes volunteerism is not only essential for sustaining arts programming but also creates a culture of belonging.

“We all become part of something bigger,” she explains. “We all get to say that we did this.”

RISE’s impact proves the strength of that collective effort:

• 47,500+ youth and community members reached

• 4,000+ paid opportunities for emerging artists

• $1.8 million invested directly into artists

• 785+ events produced across 13 years

RISE produces up to 50 events each year—nearly one every week—demonstrating its commitment to constant community engagement.

The Transformative Power of Creativity

Elle believes creativity is one of the most powerful tools for healing, empowerment, and self-discovery.

“Our energy is our currency,” she says. “Creativity can change lives—and communities.”

Her approach to leadership blends artistic innovation with heart-centered guidance, helping emerging artists build confidence, skills, and emotional resilience.

Last R.I.S.E. 2025: A Celebration of Youth & Community

The annual Last R.I.S.E. showcase returns on Saturday, December 13, 2025, at Cake Cabaret—a night filled with live music, storytelling, spoken word, and performances from the LCA Artist Development Program.

The event serves as both a celebration and a fundraiser, with a $10,000 goal to support year-end programming and position RISE for growth in 2026. Donations between December 2–31 also count toward the Giving Tuesday campaign.

Attendees can expect a powerful evening honoring creativity, resilience, and the next generation of artists shaping Toronto’s cultural future.

Last RISE 2025
Saturday, December 13, 2025, Cake Cabaret, 627 Danforth Ave. Toronto, ON
Ticket Price:
30 dollars per person
Ticket Link:
https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/last-rise-2025-tickets-1750903993979

Elle’s Message to Aspiring Creators

Elle encourages young creators to trust their gifts and believe in their potential:

“World peace is achievable. It starts in local communities—with kindness, connection, and creativity.”

She reminds artists that every step they take contributes to a legacy of empowerment.

Final Thoughts

 

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Elle De Lyon’s journey—from participant to cultural leader—embodies RISE’s mission: to support youth through artistic opportunity, community care, and transformative self-expression. Last R.I.S.E. 2025 is a testament to that vision and a chance for the community to uplift emerging talent.

🎟️ Tickets are on sale now.
Support the movement. Support the youth. Support the future.