Across Texas, the demand for skilled construction professionals continues to grow, yet many individuals face barriers to entering the workforce due to limited access to quality training, industry credentials, and career development opportunities.
The Rising Builders Foundation was established to bridge that gap.
Through workforce development, hands-on construction education, mentorship, and industry partnerships, we create accessible pathways into the skilled trades for individuals who are ready to build a better future. Our programs are designed to prepare participants for sustainable careers while addressing the growing need for a highly trained construction workforce.
By connecting education with real employment opportunities, Rising Builders helps participants gain the skills, confidence, and credentials needed to thrive in today’s construction industry and contribute to the economic vitality of their communities.
To create a future where every aspiring builder has access to high-quality construction training, industry-recognized credentials, and meaningful career opportunities that drive economic mobility, strengthen the skilled trades workforce, and build resilient communities throughout Texas.
Meea Moore is the visionary Founder and Executive Director of the Rising Builders Foundation, a workforce development organization dedicated to transforming lives through skilled trades education, career readiness, and community empowerment. Guided by a deep belief that meaningful employment can change the trajectory of a person's life, Meea established Rising Builders to create opportunities for individuals seeking a pathway to economic stability, personal growth, and long-term success.
With decades of professional leadership experience and an unwavering commitment to serving others, Meea recognized the growing demand for skilled construction professionals and the barriers many individuals face in accessing quality training and career opportunities. She founded Rising Builders to bridge that gap by providing comprehensive workforce development programs that combine hands-on construction training, industry-recognized safety certifications, mentorship, and career preparation.
Under Meea's leadership, Rising Builders has become more than a training organization—it is a place where individuals are encouraged to discover their potential, develop confidence, and build the skills needed to thrive in the construction industry. She is passionate about creating an environment where every participant feels valued, supported, and equipped to pursue meaningful careers that strengthen families and communities.
Meea believes workforce development is about more than preparing people for a job; it is about restoring confidence, expanding opportunity, and empowering individuals to build lasting futures. Her vision continues to guide the organization's mission of developing the next generation of skilled construction professionals while addressing the growing workforce needs of the construction industry.
As a collaborative leader, Meea is committed to building strong partnerships with employers, educational institutions, community organizations, and public agencies to expand access to high-quality training and create sustainable career pathways for those who need them most. Through her leadership, Rising Builders continues to invest in people, strengthen communities, and help build a skilled workforce that will shape the future of Texas.
With more than 30 years of experience in the construction industry, Anthony Portlock Jr. has built a career grounded in craftsmanship, leadership, and a passion for developing the next generation of skilled construction professionals. His extensive experience spans residential and commercial construction, providing him with the practical knowledge and industry expertise that students need to succeed in today's workforce.
As Co-Founder and Construction Training Director of Rising Builders, Anthony leads the organization's hands-on training programs, equipping students with technical construction skills, industry best practices, and the professionalism required to excel on the jobsite. His instruction combines real-world experience with practical application, ensuring graduates leave the program prepared to meet employer expectations from day one.
Anthony is passionate about creating opportunities for individuals seeking a better future. Through mentorship, career guidance, and workforce development, he helps students build more than construction skills—he helps them develop confidence, discipline, and a strong work ethic that will serve them throughout their careers.
His vision is rooted in a simple belief: when people are equipped with the right skills, support, and opportunities, they can build successful careers, strengthen their families, and make a lasting impact on their communities. Every class he teaches reflects his commitment to developing skilled builders who are prepared to contribute to the future of the construction industry.