Mary Ellen Bickford — Vice-President, Rising World Foundation
Creative Visionary & Community Leader
Mary Ellen Bickford is a visionary artist, creator, and community leader whose lifelong commitment to creativity, education, and humanitarian service has shaped her personal and professional journey. Born in Napa, California in 1948 into a pioneering family of early settlers, her heritage reflects innovation, resilience, and forward thinking.
A Lifelong Commitment to Art, Innovation, and Service
A true renaissance maker, Mary Ellen has expressed her creativity across clothing and furniture design, stained glass, websites, music videos, documentaries, and independent films—blending imagination with purpose to inspire connection and awareness.
Leadership in Education and Community Advocacy
She served as PTA president, School Advisory Board chair, and director of the North Bay Crisis Intervention Hotline. Her fundraising and grant-writing efforts supported early childhood education and helped establish Napa’s New Tech High School, later adopted by over sixty schools nationwide.
Exploring Music, Light, and Consciousness
In the 1980s, Mary Ellen co-founded Rainbow Research, Inc., a nonprofit exploring the effects of music, light, and color. Her seminars drew national interest, and she served as an advisor to the Center for Positive Living Church at the Luther Burbank Center.
Media, Film, and Global Initiatives
As an executive producer in Southern California, Mary Ellen worked on IMAX projects connected to “Hands Across America” and “The Statue of Liberty Centennial Celebration”. She also represented the non-partisan organization Friends of the United Nations, advocating for children, peace, and environmental stewardship.
Empowering Youth Through Storytelling
Mary Ellen co-founded The Kids X-Pressions, Inc., giving young people a platform to share their voices through media. She collaborated with schools, professionals, and sponsors to produce impactful youth-focused programming.
Music, Media, and Educational Collaboration
After relocating to Nashville in 2003, she worked in the music industry with her husband, Don Robertson, co-authoring *Songwriting for Dummies* and producing educational media through the Musical Kaleidoscope project.
Vice-President, Rising World Foundation
Today, Mary Ellen brings decades of creative leadership and service to support the foundation’s mission of visionary thinking, cultural awareness, and positive global transformation.