Shiri is a licensed speech therapist and lifelong baker who founded Rising Above Bakery in January 2021—starting in her dining room during the COVID-19 pandemic. Drawing on her clinical background working with individuals with special needs, she saw an opportunity to combine her passion for artisan baking with her commitment to creating meaningful employment opportunities.

Over five years, Shiri has built Rising Above Bakery from the ground up, growing annual revenue to $150,000 with 30% year-over-year growth while achieving a 70% reduction in operating losses—all from constrained facilities with no outside funding. She oversees every aspect of the business, from recipe development and production to marketing, finance, and community engagement.

Shiri's vision is simple but powerful: create exceptional artisan baked goods while proving that inclusive employment isn't charity—it's good business.Shiri holds a BS in Communication Disorders from Pace University and an MS in Communication Sciences and Disorders from Long Island University in Brooklyn.