IMPACT
A living record of R.C. Riley's work in the world — from intimate storytelling stages to community gatherings, podcast conversations, and trips that bring people together.
empowered short stories
Step into a collection of real, lived moments—told with honesty, depth, and intention. Empowered Short Stories features curated snippets from live performances shared in spaces ranging from intimate coffee houses to vibrant bars, restaurants, theaters, and college campuses. Each story unfolds with a clear beginning, middle, and end, crafted to resonate in just 5 to 15 minutes.
These stories are part of dynamic storytelling showcases, where multiple voices come together - each teller offering their own unique lens. Some pieces are inspired by a shared theme, while others stand freely, guided only by their title and truth.
Across every performance, expect a range of emotion: humor, heartbreak, tenderness, sensuality, and everything in between. At their core, these stories are about connection—inviting audiences to witness, reflect, and find pieces of themselves within the narrative. Listen to these snippets, then come hear the entire story at a coffee house near you.
LISTEN IN
podcasts
Two shows. One mission. R.C. Riley brings the same courage, care, and community to the mic that they bring to every stage. Here are some of our listener favorites.
Sex, Race, & Jesus
With R.C.
A NEW PODCAST • AIRING SUMMER 2026
Coming Soon!
empowered emcee
As an emcee, R.C. Riley doesn't just guide an event — they help shape its energy, purpose, and impact. From annual fundraisers to dynamic paddle raises, R.C. brings a commanding yet approachable presence that keeps audiences engaged, informed, and inspired. Skillfully balancing professionalism with authenticity, every moment flows seamlessly while centering the mission at hand. The goal is always the same: amplify the message, honor the community, and leave a lasting impression that extends beyond the event itself.
Travel & Gather
R.C. Riley creates spaces where community, connection, and joy take center stage. From curated local outings to transformative international travel, they organize groups to attend Dîner en Blanc, lead Meetup adventures to museums, body-positive events, and seasonal gatherings.
Through an ongoing partnership with Lesbifriends Travel, R.C. has led immersive excursions across Japan and Bali, crafting experiential itineraries that bring BIPOC lesbian, queer, non-binary, and womxn communities together in profound and lasting ways. They continue to partner with Lesbifriends on workshops that carry that same spirit of care and connection into every space they share.
In their words
"I remember a story that RC performed at Outspoken. It was about their son going to college and what they would do with their life and space as an empty nester. It took us on an emotional journey through fear, happiness and confronting their past. I watched with amazement and left inspired."
— Archy Jamjun, Curator of Outspoken LGBTQ Stories
"R.C. is one of the storytellers we love to see come back! They are engaging, vulnerable and their stories always take you on a journey. They never disappoint."
— Anna DeShawn, Host, Outspoken LGBTQ+ Storytelling; Founder, Host Queer News Podcast
Single mommas for the movement
Single Mommas for the Movement (SM4TM!) is the nonprofit, social justice arm of Empower In Color, LLC — born out of a collective need for mothers and grandparents to process frustration, make sense of a rapidly shifting political landscape, and raise children who show up as engaged, empowered citizens.
Over the years, SM4TM! has attended CAPS meetings, written scripts to raise concerns with elected officials, made calls demanding lasting change, cleaned communities, and led workshops on topics like safely engaging with police and talking to children about puberty. This intergenerational work remains a vital part of what Empower In Color does — and will continue to be.
collaborators
