Rina “RiRi” Risper
By TNCPNEWS
In March, designated as Women’s History Month, Nexstar Media Group, Inc. (Nexstar) celebrates the contributions of women to public policy, social progress, and quality of life. Through its “Remarkable Women” initiative, Nexstar honors local heroines who have significantly impacted their communities. This nationwide effort highlights those who serve as inspirations and leaders, forging paths for others to follow.
Chosen as the Remarkable Woman of the Year from WLNS Channel 6 on April 3, 2024, Rina Risper stands out as a beacon of commitment and inspiration. With a career as the President and publisher of ‘The New Citizens Press’ spanning several decades, she continues to find the words to amplify others. Risper has dedicated herself to the noble task of storytelling, particularly focusing on the voices of others who typically do not feel as if they have one and also shining a light on those impacted by violence.
Risper was chosen for this honor by her 87-year-old friend, Carrie Owens, who has devoted her entire life to education. Owens, known as Ms. Carrie to those who love her, has been a subscriber to ‘The New Citizens Press’ for twenty years. When she was able, she attended almost every newspaper event. Supporting Risper’s initiatives was how she became familiar with the publisher’s other activities. Ms. Carrie’s letter was a heartfelt culmination of over twenty years of work.
Ms. Carrie said, “Rina has done so much for this community. I would not be surprised if she is the first newspaper publisher to receive the Remarkable Women Award. She does so much. Rina has grown a garden to give away vegetables, provided books, taught poetry, and remains quiet about the other gifts of the heart she selflessly gives to others. It’s just fantastic. It’s just remarkable.”
Interview with WLNS’ TV – Channel 6 News Anchor, Chivon Kloepfer
Risper’s journey began with the creation of ‘The New Citizens Press,’ a newspaper and platform she established to disseminate multicultural information throughout the nation. Leveraging her background in Sociology, Risper infuses her work with a rich diversity of characters, reflecting her vision of fostering understanding and appreciation among different communities.
As a first-generation born American, Risper has a unique perspective on the challenges and opportunities of starting anew in another country. Her own experiences have fueled her passion for educating people about embracing diversity despite their differences.
Her past as a runaway teenager in New York City reveals a poignant chapter of her life, where a worn teddy bear and the sanctuary of public libraries offered her solace and a profound love for words. Risper believes in the power of words to either harm or uplift individuals, a principle she enthusiastically passes on to others.
Through her generous donations of over 15,000 books, dictionaries, and thesauruses, Risper has been a staunch advocate for reading and vocabulary development among children. She also encourages young talents to express themselves through annual events like ‘Poetry in the City.’
Risper’s compassion extends to those affected by violence, where she lends her voice to amplify the stories of grieving families and recalls mobilizing the community for a rally against violence in Lansing in 2011. Establishing The New Citizens Press Community Action Network (TNCPCAN) in 2012 was a significant step in her advocacy efforts.
Beyond her advocacy, Risper’s efforts include working with local churches to provide free health screenings, supporting domestic violence survivors, aiding the homeless, and distributing teddy bears to those in need. Risper’s life and work embody a rare blend of dedication, empathy, and action, making her a remarkable woman in her community.
About Remarkable Women
Nexstar’s extensive network, with more than 200 broadcasting stations in 117 markets, calls for nominations for the prestigious title of “Nexstar Woman of the Year.” This initiative meticulously selects four exemplary women from each market, gauging their community service, personal achievements, and familial impact. Their stories are shared every Tuesday of March on local newscasts and spotlighted on station websites, celebrating their dedication and service.
Each recognized “Remarkable Woman” receives a $1,000 donation to a nonprofit of her choice. This commendation also places her in contention for “Nexstar Woman of the Year,” an accolade accompanied by a generous $10,000 contribution from the Nexstar Charitable Foundation to a nonprofit selected by the overall winner.
From inception to 2023, according to www.nexstar.tv, this initiative has amassed over 38,000 nominations, with $356,000 donated to various local charities, thereby bringing attention to the stories of more than 1,800 extraordinary women. In 2023, these remarkable awardees were honored at a sumptuous poolside reception at the Lowes Hollywood Hotel, catered by Wolfgang Puck, marking “Remarkable Women Day 1” as a day of grandeur and tribute to women’s achievements. There were 10,000 nominations in 2024 according to Risper, who heard the figure at an event while in Hollywood.
Risper also hosts a vodcast, Sociologically Speaking with Rina Risper, which showcases a commitment to providing a multicultural platform for community dialogue. Under her leadership, TNCPCAN addresses violence, promotes literacy and BIPOC media programs, and champions the arts.
Risper’s voice echoed her profound appreciation for cultural diversity and the shared yet varied Black experience across America. Her initiatives, such as “State of Our Health” and “Poetry in the City,” reflect her dedication to service and the arts. The tangible impact of her efforts is evident in her teaching and volunteering at the now-closed El-Hajj Malik El-Shabazz Academy and her guidance to students at Pleasant View Middle School.
Risper’s accolades, including the A. Phillip Randolph’s “Unsung Hero Award” and the Business Excellence Award affirm her significant community role. A testament to her belief in the power of small acts to effect change, Risper’s generous donation of her “Remarkable Woman” award to TNCPCAN exemplifies her altruism and leadership.
This native New Yorker, now one of Lansing’s community pillars, embodies the essence of the “Remarkable Women” initiative. Her life, steeped in advocacy, education, and empowerment, has left an indelible mark on Lansing and serves as a narrative of inspiration, proving that dedicated individuals can foster profound societal change.
Risper said, “This was so unexpected. The experience so humbled me. It was beyond beautiful. We will be bringing stories about “Remarkable Women” from all over the country. I thank WLNS-Channel 6, Tripp’s Auto Collision, and FlyLansing. Diana Popp and Annette Shauver were on Ms. Carrie’s technology and writing team. I cried when I saw it on television. Thank you Lansing community for believing in me as well.”
Below: Sheila E. was a special guest during the finale dinner and interviewed by celebrity storyteller and hostess of the evening, Leeza Gibbons on the right and Kevin Frazier, co-host of Entertainment Tonight. Nexstar photos
Remarkable Women 2024- Joanne Witt from WWTI in Watertown, NY. Courtesy photo
Above: One hundred and twelve Remarkable Women 2024 at the TCL Chinese Theater for a special taping of the national winners.
Editor’s note: We will soon publish a story about Jerelyn Rodriguez of The Knowledge House, who was chosen as “Nexstar Woman of the Year” in 2024. This accolade is accompanied by a generous $10,000 contribution from the Nexstar Charitable Foundation to a nonprofit selected by the overall winner. We are excited about the opportunity.
