Episode 4

full
Published on:

16th Dec 2025

Loving Young People Into Greatness with Martine Helou-Allen

What does it take to lead through uncertainty with resilience and still bring others with you? In Episode 4 of Civically Grown, Martine Helou-Allen, founder and executive director of RIZE Prevention Inc., shares how early leadership experiences, mentorship, and resilience shaped her path.

Martine reflects on formative moments from middle school ropes courses and Youth in Government to being named Statesman of the Year. These experiences helped her confront fear, build confidence, and learn how to lead in ways that invite trust, collaboration, and commitment. She shares how servant leadership, authenticity, and caring for the whole person now guide her work with adolescents across South Carolina.

This conversation also dives into leading through uncertainty. Martine recounts navigating funding losses, professional transitions, and personal hardship, and how faith, vision, and conviction helped her keep her team grounded and moving forward.

At the heart of her work is a simple but powerful belief: we love young people into greatness. Martine offers a compelling call to action for adults to show up as mentors, advocates, and steady guides for the next generation.

_____

Guest Bio:

Martine Helou-Allen is a dynamic public health leader, entrepreneur, and

strategic relationship builder with a diverse history of turning community needs into self-sustaining initiatives and elevating regional businesses to the global marketplace. She is the Founder and Executive Director of RIZE Prevention Inc., a nonprofit she established in 2021 to effectively combat adolescent substance use and addiction. Through her visionary leadership, Martine's nonprofit has garnered the recognition and endorsement of federal and state agencies focused on public health and education, as a pioneering, school-based program provider in the field of prevention science.

Her diverse career includes serving as the Community Relations and Correspondence Director for the Greenville County Sheriff's Office, where she launched five major community programs, and 10 years in international business development and PR, helping elevate a Lebanese fashion house to the esteemed Paris Syndicate of Haute Couture Designers. 

Martine holds a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from Furman University and is active in state policy through her service on the SC Opioid Recovery Fund Board. Martine lives in Upstate South Carolina with her husband, Scott, and their two sons, Sami and Michael.

_____

Show Host: Dr. Shaniece Criss

Next Episode All Episodes Previous Episode

Listen for free

Show artwork for Civically Grown

About the Podcast

Civically Grown
Where changemakers share the roots of their leadership and the impact they’re cultivating today.

Civically Grown shares the stories of leaders whose early steps in civic engagement began in youth leadership and have grown into legacies of lasting community impact. Dr. Shaniece Criss, a former youth governor turned health scholar and public servant, hosts this podcast. It is your source for inspiration, insight, and actionable strategies that fuel your momentum and amplify your influence.

Each episode blends uplifting conversations with tools to help you overcome obstacles, strengthen your leadership, and spark meaningful change. Whether you’re looking to deepen your impact or build a lasting legacy, Civically Grown equips you to grow as a leader and empower the next generation. Join a community of passionate changemakers committed to making a difference that endures.

About your host

Profile picture for Dr. Shaniece Criss

Dr. Shaniece Criss

Dr. Shaniece Criss is a civic leader and podcast host who believes in the power of community to drive meaningful change. At Furman University, she serves as Associate Professor of Health Sciences and Director of the Advocacy and Social Policy master's program. Her career spans local and global impact, from producing a national health television program in Guyana during her Peace Corps service to roles at the CDC, ICF International, and CNN. She earned degrees from Harvard University (ScD, MPA), Emory University (MPH), and Oglethorpe University (BA). Dr. Criss brings experience, optimism, and authenticity to every conversation.