Brianna Murray is a program coordinator with Project RISE in Virginia. She has been visually impaired since birth due to Leber's congenital amaurosis. Originally from South Carolina, she received her bachelor’s degree in English and Psychology, and a master’s in clinical mental health counseling. Brianna acknowledges the struggles she faced while looking for her first job after completing her education, and encourages young blind students to never give up on their goals.
Project RISE
Project RISE, which operates under the National Federation of the Blind of Virginia, stands for Resilience Independence Self-Advocacy Employment. The program works with transition-aged blind and low vision students to pursue further education and employment. In her current position as program coordinator, she works with students age 14-21 on job readiness skills including job applications, mock interviews, and independent living skills. She oversees the creation of employment plans, monthly workshops, and a peer mentorship program. Learn more about Project RISE here.
Project EDGE
Brianna previously worked as a coordinator at Employment Development Guidance and Engagement (EDGE) in New Jersey, a program under the Family Resource Network. She aided 75 high school students through the process of employment. Her other responsibilities included organizing a monthly newsletter, facilitating college tours and community events, and providing support to students and parents around the intersection between blindness and mental illness. She also organized and presented workshops on orientation and mobility, independent living skills, adaptive technology, and other vocational skills. Learn more about EDGE here.
The Seeing Eye
Brianna still lives in New Jersey and is actively involved in raising puppies for The Seeing Eye, an organization that seeks to provide independence and dignity to blind people through guide dog partnerships. As a volunteer, she helps trainers as they raise future Seeing Eye dogs, including exposure to public places and transportation, puppysitting when need be. Learn more about The Seeing Eye here.