RISE cohort graduates and says farewell to long-time instructor

FeedMore WNY honored the eight most recent graduates of the RISE logistics program on Monday, September 14, 2026.

The RISE (Readying Individuals for Success and Employment) program offers a free eight-week course for those facing higher barriers to getting jobs. Students learn important skills and earn certifications for their career. RISE currently offers two courses: logistics and warehouse skills, and culinary and food manufacturing.

Monday’s graduation featured eight students earning their certificates following ten weeks of training, hands-on experience and “field trips” to locations in Buffalo where they could potentially put their skills to work.

These graduates will leave the program with logistics certifications giving them an advantage in finding jobs in warehouse logistics and management, including Certified Logistics Associate and Certified Logistics Technician certifications offered by the Manufacturing Skill Standards Council (MSSC).

Graduate Daniel Baker expressed his gratitude for the opportunities provided by RISE as well as the camaraderie developed among the class.

“It’s not even really a group anymore, because we’re family now,” Baker said. “We had our ups and downs, but I feel like our good times outweighed our bad.”

He said RISE staff and instructors made he and his classmates feel at home.

“Now I feel like I’m a logistics master,” Baker said.

Graduate Adrianna Blake said she’s looking forward to putting her skills to work.

“I’m so proud of myself and everyone else who is graduating today,” Blake said. “I’m excited for what comes next.”

Monday’s graduation marked a particularly poignant milestone as RISE Cohort #22 is the last one for Workforce Development Logistics Instructor Geoff Joy, who is retiring.

He said Cohort #22 represents the end of his “amazing journey” as RISE instructor.

“It’s bittersweet,” Joy said. “I’m really looking forward to retirement, but I didn’t want to let go of this. I have some great students, and it’s just great to be a part of that.”

Jay Smith, chief workforce development officer, said he hopes the RISE graduates will move on to gainful employment and success.

“They can take all of the knowledge and skills and certificates they got in the RISE program and go out there to find good jobs,” Smith said.

Smith said he will miss having Joy as an instructor, but he plans to incorporate everything Joy brought to the program into its future to benefit future RISE students.

“We’re going to take those ideas and the next person in the role can incorporate and build on those,” Smith said. “That will be his lasting legacy.”

Joy said he’s proud of the work he did here and though he’s looking forward to retirement, he’ll always remember his time with the RISE program.

“It’s amazing that I’ve been a part of that, and when you see all the things they’re able to achieve in our program, it’s just amazing,” Joy said.

More information on RISE can be found on here on our website, or by contacting Lara Nappi at (716) 822-2005 ext. 3086 or by email at lnappi@feedmorewny.org.

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