Building confidence, community, and opportunity—one program at a time.
Ella Rises exists to empower young women to pursue higher education by surrounding them with meaningful mentorship, high-impact experiences, and a community that celebrates who they are. Through multicultural programming rooted in mariachi and hands-on STEAM learning, students build confidence, learn practical skills, and discover pathways to college and career goals they can truly see themselves achieving.
Our programs combine music, culture, and real-world exploration to foster leadership, academic motivation, and a sense of belonging. Whether a student is picking up an instrument for the first time or building a project in a workshop, Ella Rises helps her grow her voice, expand her vision, and take the next step toward a bright future.
The people behind Ella Rises who make the mission happen.
Nadia is from the borderlands of Mexico and Southern California. She is the oldest of 3 daughters and inspired by her parents love and devotion for each other, their family, and God. She is a mother of 6 and married to an incredible man. She studied Human Development at Brigham Young University and graduated in 2007. In 2013, she and her young family moved to Mexico City, where she studied for a year in a Mexican Culinary Institute under the great Maestros Yuri de Gortari and Edmundo Escamilla.
It was while living in Mexico City that the idea of Ella Rises was conceived. Nadia connected deeply with her heritage and saw it in a different light from when she was growing up in the U.S. She believes that as we embrace our spiritual and cultural heritage we can attain more clarity and confidence towards an empowering cycle of progress.
Nadia is grateful to lead Ella Rises as the Creative and Executive Director.
Claudia was raised in Los Angeles, California, after her family emigrated from Michoacán, Mexico. She is a dedicated community leader and advocate, holding a Bachelor's degree in Social Work from Cal State L.A. and a Master's in Public Administration from Brigham Young University.
Over the past 20 years, Claudia has worked tirelessly to promote social justice and address social issues, focusing on substance recovery, mental health, community advocacy, and education. She currently serves as the Human Services Director in Utah County, where she continues her mission to strengthen families, improve community and create meaningful social impact.
Outside of her professional work, Claudia devotes her time to her husband, two children, exploring the outdoors, and serving the community. She is passionate about her cultural roots, building genuine connections and empowering youth through her involvement with Ella Rises, where she helps young people embrace their identity and pursue their dreams.
