Breyona Coleman Taylor

Breyona first discovered her passion for acting at the age of 11 years old. She signed up for her middle school’s play called “Happily Never After.” On the day of auditions, she was so afraid that she bailed and caught her school bus home. The following day at school, the drama teacher, Mrs. Smith, called Breyona out of class into her office. Mrs. Smith asked Breyona if she was still interested in being in the play. Breyona told her that she was, but she was also very nervous. Mrs. Smith calmed her down and told her that it was nothing to be afraid of. She allowed Breyona to do her audition right then and there. After Breyona auditioned, she felt relieved. A few days later, the cast list was posted, and guess whose name was on the cast list?!

Breyona’s! She was so excited to be a part of something, that she studied the script day in, and day out. In about one week, she memorized the entire script. Mrs. Smith was so amazed and proud of Breyona, that ever since that moment, Breyona found herself being cast as lead or sub-lead characters in every show after that. All of that to say, if Mrs. Smith would have never challenged Breyona to come to her office that day, Breyona wouldn’t be where she is today. Breyona understands the importance of believing in someone who doesn’t yet believe in themselves. That is why RISE is so important to her. She wants to be the “Mrs. Smith” for others. She wants to help others see their fullest potential and to discover their God-given talents. She wants to see you RISE.