Rising Voices Logo PNG
The Rising Voices logo has become a sign for activists who help communities make themselves known. The organization grew by bringing together those seeking change, creating a space where people receive support, knowledge, and opportunities to participate in society.
Rising Voices is a Michigan-based nonprofit organization focused on political leadership, civic engagement, and community organizing among Asian American women, families, and youth. The organization was formed by combining two existing groups. In 2019, the nonprofit Rising Voices of Asian American Families was founded with Laura Misumi as its first executive director, while Michigan Asian American Progressives worked separately on political participation and community involvement in the state.
In April 2021, the two organizations merged under the Rising Voices name. The advocacy branch became a 501(c)(4) project of Tides Advocacy, while the charitable fund operated through Tides Foundation. Before the merger, the organization had already developed programs focused on voter outreach and census participation. Before the 2020 census, Rising Voices created a bilingual volunteer network that helped Asian American communities receive information about registration and civic participation.
After the 2020 election cycle, the organization focused on strengthening political representation among Asian American communities in Michigan. Its work included organizing with Bengali communities in Detroit and Hamtramck, South and East Asian communities in Oakland and Washtenaw counties, Burmese residents in Battle Creek, and Southeast Asian communities in Kentwood and Holland.
In November 2021, Laura Misumi left the executive director position, and leadership later moved to Regina Tsang and Jasmine Rivera. In 2023, Rising Voices became a project of the Center for Empowered Politics. The organization also developed initiatives such as Teach MI History, a statewide coalition supporting broader representation of underrepresented groups in K-12 education, and cultural programs supporting Asian American artists documenting community history.
Meaning and History
What is Rising Voices?
This organization originated in Michigan and helps people from different communities be heard. It brings together people whose stories often go unnoticed and empowers them to make a difference in the world around them. The initiative supports active participation in public life, helps develop leadership skills, and brings people together. The organization is passionate about the Asian-American community and supports their desire for change in their communities and at the local level.
2019 – today
The Rising Voices logo is created with maximum simplicity. On the left, the name is written in a bold sans-serif typeface, reminiscent of Helvetica or Montserrat, and is reserved and geometrically precise. The initial letters “R” and “V” are capitalized and positioned slightly higher than the rest, while the remaining lowercase letters closely align yet maintain a relaxed appearance without tightness or crowding.
To the right of the text is a symbol, a speech bubble filled with bright orange. Inside the bubble is a neatly placed green silhouette of the state of Michigan, with the outlines of the Upper and Lower Peninsulas visible.
The name “Rising Voices,” also reflected in the logo’s symbol, emphasizes the goal of providing an opportunity to speak out clearly, giving voice to groups whose opinions and perspectives previously were not always heard or accepted.
The contrast between the simple, strict black letters and the rounded orange symbol emphasizes the lively combination of the organization’s seriousness and openness to dialogue. The green color of Michigan’s silhouette in the emblem represents the company’s connection to this state and highlights the local nature of its work.
