About Us

Rise Above Defeat

Our Story

Rise Above Defeat derived from the desire of one person wanting to inspire and help younger individuals strengthen their personal self-image, practice self-love, and exercise respect for others and self. Rise Above Defeat has a niche for transforming negative thoughts into positive motivation that helps with rising above defeat. Rise Above Defeat originally started as life coaching services for adolescents. Rise Above Defeat Coaching was licensed as a business in July 2018 and was available for business as of January 2019. In May 2021 Rise Above Defeat became a Non-profit organization 501C3, which offers resources for individuals seeking guidance and direction in life.

Rise Above Defeat provides Christian Life Coaching and mentoring for adults and adolescents starting at age 12. Rise Above Defeat offers once a week 60-minute sessions ranging from 4 to 8 weeks depending on monthly low-cost special. Monthly low-cost specials are combined with free sessions that are listed on the website. After all scheduled sessions are finished based on the initial number of sessions agreement form, an extension payment is required by client or parent/guardian for additional sessions. Rates are determined based on a sliding scale fee. Rise Above Defeat will help jump start the journey to freedom for individuals living in unhealthy cycles, worry, and doubt about their future. Rise Above Defeat is linked with Christian Life Coaches/ mentors who come from different walks of life and now live a life of serving others by giving them tools to overcome and push forward in life. We offer our travel base/ virtual Strongman Program; this program helps identify and effectively work through and dismantle mental strongholds. Rise Above Defeat is also great for churches, residential group homes and community resource. Rise Above Defeat holds every client's best interest as priority.

Our Founder

Our Story

We must all use our gifts where we know they belong

Markeya McConnell is the founder of Rise Above Defeat, a nonprofit dedicated to helping individuals become comfortable with themselves, practice self-love, and set boundaries with self and others. As a survivor of sexual abuse, Markeya understands the mental toll and challenges faced in building self worth. With 15 years in the mental health field, she is a Certified Adolescent Life Coach and Licensed Mental Health Professional. Her experience includes behavioral modification programs, forensic mental health, home health, working in rehabilitation centers, and Full-Service Programs for the homeless mental health population. She is skilled in inner healing, trauma-informed, and trauma-responsive care. Markeya is dedicated to educating and raising awareness about sexual abuse in its many forms. She collaborates with survivors of human trafficking to spread awareness and educate others on the various manifestations and occurrences of human trafficking.

Rise Above Defeat began as a life coaching service for adolescents in July 2018 and became a nonprofit in May 2021. Markeya's commitment ensures she only uses tools that have helped her along on her healing journey. Providing guidance, support, and hope for a brighter future.