OUR MISSION

To open doors for underserved job seekers in EVERY community!

I built Rise & Thrive Career Counseling Service from my own journey—one filled with hard work, second chances, and an unwavering belief that your starting point does not determine your future. I come from an administrative background and spent years fighting my way forward without the advantage of a completed degree. Along the way, I learned powerful life and workplace lessons from strong women business owners who taught me resilience, professionalism, and the value of creating opportunities rather than waiting for them.

As a single parent who often worked two jobs, I know what it feels like to juggle responsibilities, chase career goals, and still wonder if you’re doing enough. That’s why I went back to school to build my HR skills and turn my experiences into tools that help others. Today, my mission is simple: to empower individuals who feel overlooked, underprepared, or unsure of their next step. If you’re ready to rise above obstacles and build a career you can be proud of, I’m here to help you thrive—one step, one resume, and one opportunity at a time.

~ Adriane Barnes (Co-Founder)

MEET THE TEAM

A woman with braided, side-swept hair wearing a red top and a gold necklace, smiling at the camera indoors.

Adriane barnes

C0-Founder

HR Professional with years of Accounting and Administrative Assistant (AA) experience within Virginia school systems.

Close-up of a man with glasses and a beard, wearing a black shirt, against a neutral background.

bernard barnes

C0-Founder

IT professional with years of Federal Contracting and Project Management.