About Us

Our story is one of rising together.

Founded on the belief that every girl deserves to be seen, heard, and supported, Ella Rises creates pathways for women and girls to thrive.

Our Beginning

From a single conversation to a movement.

Ella Rises began when a group of women noticed a gap—young girls in their community were struggling to find mentors who looked like them, understood their challenges, and could guide them toward their dreams.

What started as informal coffee meetups between women and girls quickly grew into a structured program. Today, we serve over a thousand young women across multiple communities, but our core mission remains the same: ensure no girl rises alone.

Our Mission

To empower women and girls through mentorship, education, and community, creating pathways for leadership and lasting change.

Our Vision

A world where every girl has access to the support, resources, and community she needs to realize her full potential and lead with confidence.

Our Values

Courage, authenticity, community, and joy guide everything we do. We believe in lifting as we climb and celebrating every step forward.

Our Team

Led by women who believe in the mission.

Our team brings together educators, community organizers, and business leaders united by a common purpose.

Nadia Cates

Nadia Cates

Founder & Executive Director

Leading Ella Rises with 15+ years of experience in nonprofit leadership and youth development.

Claudia

Claudia Barillas

Head of Programs

Designing and implementing programs that create lasting impact for the girls we serve.

Board of Directors

Guiding our mission forward.

Our board brings diverse expertise and a shared commitment to empowering young women.

Emma Guapo

Emma Guapo

Chair of the Board

Dennia Gayle

Dennia Gayle

Vice Chair

Bert Barillas

Bert Barillas

Secretary

Rogelio Osuna

Rogelio Osuna

Treasurer

Zachariah Parry

Zachariah Parry

Board Member

Shawn Cates

Shawn Cates

Board Member

Kathy Larrabee

Kathy Larrabee

Board Member

Rick Heizer

Rick Heizer

Board Member

Our Impact

Numbers that tell our story.

1,200+ Students Served
350 Mentor Matches
80+ Workshops Delivered
15 Partner Schools
95% Graduation Rate
8 Years of Service

Want to be part of our story?

Whether you volunteer, donate, or spread the word, you help us reach more girls.