Meet Beth Moore | Executive Director of RISE coffee & tea, Donor Development Director of Ignite Hope

We had the good fortune of connecting with Beth Moore and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Beth, what do you attribute your success to?
At the heart of our brand and success lies our incredible community. Our coffee shop was founded to create meaningful employment opportunities for adults with disabilities. What began as a grassroots initiative, led by a few dedicated BaRISEtas (our employees who are adults with disabilities) and their families—soon blossomed into a thriving network of friends, classmates, neighbors, and supporters.
Through our partnership with the local school system, we provide high school students with disabilities the chance to participate in internships and Community-Based Instruction (CBI), helping them transition smoothly into the workforce and become active members of our community.
Beyond employment, we foster inclusivity through our Special Friends Club, hosting bi-monthly events open to all. These gatherings offer caregivers a well-deserved break while providing attendees with a welcoming space to connect, have fun, and build friendships. From themed celebrations and game nights to karaoke and our highly anticipated Night to Shine in the fall, these events bring joy and camaraderie to all involved.
We also invite community volunteers to support these evenings, creating opportunities for more people to engage with individuals with disabilities in meaningful ways. By fostering these connections, we’re not just running a coffee shop, we’re building a more inclusive and compassionate community, one cup at a time.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I began my career in inside sales at IBM, where I built a successful, award-winning career over eight years. However, my true passion had always been working in the nonprofit sector—though, as many know, passion alone doesn’t always pay the bills. After stepping away from the corporate world to spend time with my sons, I became deeply involved in volunteering at their schools and extracurricular activities.
It didn’t take long to realize that many organizations, while well-intentioned, often lacked the structure and efficiency needed to maximize their impact. Seeing this gap, I naturally stepped into leadership roles, working to streamline operations and enhance effectiveness. These experiences not only strengthened my organizational and leadership skills but also introduced me to invaluable connections that continue to serve me today at RISE.
My hands-on experience in volunteer work made for a seamless transition into nonprofit consulting at Next Stage Advisors, where I had the privilege of learning from a great mentor, Amy Crowell, and doing some contract work for Ignite Hope. While at the PTA Day at the Capitol, I reconnected with a high school friend that runs her own nonprofit ministry, Ignite Hope. We started talking and realized that my skills in finding donors and resources to nonprofits matched what she needed to help Ignite Hope thrive.
This journey ultimately led me to RISE—a place I had long admired and supported in my previous endeavors. When the opportunity arose to officially join the team six months ago, I knew it was the perfect fit. Since then, I’ve gained firsthand experience in both the coffee industry and nonprofit management, all while working alongside an incredible team. Even on the most challenging days, knowing that our work makes a tangible difference in the lives of individuals with special needs keeps me motivated and driven to propel RISE to new heights.
But RISE is more than just a coffee shop that employs adults with special needs—it’s a movement toward inclusivity and empowerment. Many workplaces offer roles to individuals with disabilities but often limit them to repetitive, specialized tasks. At RISE, we believe in breaking those barriers. Our BaRISEtas don’t have ‘only’ jobs; they have every opportunity to grow. We provide cross-training across various areas of the business, allowing our team members to build diverse skills and expand their potential. More than just employment, we focus on holistic development—physically, mentally, and emotionally assuring that each individual thrives both within RISE and beyond.
Together, we are redefining what an inclusive workplace looks like—one meaningful cup of coffee at a time.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Playing Tourist in My Own Town: A Week in Roswell, Georgia
There’s something special about seeing your hometown through fresh eyes—especially when you get to experience it alongside your best friend. If I had the chance to host mine for a week in Roswell, GA, I’d take full advantage and play tourist myself, with a focus on all the unique, locally owned spots that make our city shine.
Roswell is rich in Southern charm and history, known for its pivotal role in the Civil War, its beautifully preserved historic district, and the iconic Bulloch Hall—childhood home of Mittie Bulloch, mother of President Theodore Roosevelt. But there’s more to Roswell than just it’s past. From the thriving arts scene to the lush natural surroundings and a community full of creativity, this city offers something for everyone.
Monday: A Sweet Start
We’d kick things off with a visit to RISE, one of my absolute favorite local spots. It’s the kind of place where the coffee is meaningful, the gluten-free baked goods are heavenly, and the atmosphere just feels like home. After fueling up, we’d take a short drive to Canton Street, the heart of downtown Roswell, and spend the morning strolling past art galleries, boutique shops, and historic buildings. Lunch would be at one of the many charming eateries nearby—each offering its own spin on Southern hospitality and flavor. Our afternoon would be reserved for shopping at The Painted Tree, a vibrant space where local artisans and small businesses come together to create something truly magical. We’d end the day with dinner and a movie at Movie Tavern, where gourmet food is served right to your seat. It’s the perfect combo of cozy and fun.
Tuesday: Lights, Camera, Roswell
Roswell has quietly become a favorite filming location for some big-name shows and movies, and Tuesday would be our day to explore those cinematic hotspots. From The Hunger Games and Cobra Kai to Stranger Things, we’d hit all the recognizable spots. After a day of sightseeing, we’d grab the kids and dogs and head to Lucky’s Burger & Brew—a laid-back local favorite with a dog-friendly patio, kid-friendly games, and live music on the stage. It’s casual, welcoming, and packed with personality.
Wednesday: Classic Atlanta Adventure
What’s a visit to the area without a bit of classic Georgia fun? On Wednesday, we’d embrace the great outdoors with a float down the Chattahoochee—aka “shooting the hooch”—followed by an evening at Truist Park to catch a Braves game. We’d grab dinner at The Battery, where lively restaurants and energy buzz even after the final pitch.
Thursday: Trails and Treats
We’d start the day back at RISE for one of their protein-packed smoothies—perfect fuel for a biking adventure on the Silver Comet Trail. Just northwest of Atlanta, this 61.5-mile paved trail is a haven for bikers, hikers, rollerbladers, and dog walkers alike. It’s a peaceful retreat and a beautiful way to soak in Georgia’s natural beauty.
Friday: Community and Connection
To wrap up an unforgettable week, we’d attend a Special Friends Club event at RISE. These bi-monthly gatherings are full of heart, offering fun activities like karaoke, bingo, and seasonal celebrations—all while bringing people together in meaningful ways.
Roswell is more than a city—it’s a community that celebrates its roots while embracing creativity and connection. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a lifelong local, there’s always something new to discover—and someone special to share it with.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I would like to extend my sincere appreciation to the incredible women of the Cobb Women of Business networking group. This dynamic and supportive organization, with active chapters in Roswell, Austell, Smyrna, and Marietta, exemplifies what it means to empower and uplift others. As an open women’s networking group, they offer a wide range of initiatives, including a business book club, social events, think tank groups, an accountability program, and community volunteer efforts.
The Roswell chapter has been meeting monthly at RISE since shortly after the COVID-19 pandemic. Originally gathering in a local park, the group unanimously decided to move their meetings to our facility once restrictions were lifted and the weather shifted—an intentional choice to support RISE’s mission of creating meaningful employment opportunities for adults with disabilities.
In December, I had the honor of being introduced as the new Executive Director of RISE during one of their meetings. I shared the financial challenges we were facing and our urgent need for support. Without hesitation, the group asked how they could help and what would make the most immediate impact. I mentioned our holiday gift options, the “Sponsor a BaRISEta” initiative, and the importance of sustained funding.
Their response was immediate and generous: following the meeting, we sold $120 in gift cards and 10 gift boxes totaling $350. We also saw increased sales in our holiday ornaments. Their support, however, didn’t stop there.
The group went a step further, choosing RISE as the beneficiary of their February social event—a dedicated fundraiser that also celebrated the launch of their new book, She Owns It: Wisdom for Women Entrepreneurs. Authored by ten of their members, the book is a powerful compilation of authentic, inspiring stories that highlight the triumphs and tenacity of women in business. That evening, their collective effort raised an incredible $3,500 for RISE.
Their commitment to our cause has extended far beyond monetary contributions. These women have become invaluable allies—offering mentorship, advice, resources, and emotional support. They have organized fundraisers, made critical introductions, and consistently reminded me of the power of the community.
The impact of the Cobb Women of Business reaches well beyond the walls of RISE. Their belief in our mission, and in me personally, has been both energizing and empowering. I am deeply grateful for their continued support and friendship. Knowing that we have such an inspiring network behind us gives me strength and confidence as we work to create brighter futures for adults with disabilities.

Website: https://rise-coffeetea.com/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/risecoffeetea/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/risecoffeetea

Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/rise-coffee-and-tea-roswell

Image Credits
Sadie Hixon and Ella Hartrampf for the headshot