Since our founding, Ella Rises has been dedicated to empowering young Latinas to embrace their roots while reaching for the stars.
Ella Rises empowers young women to pursue higher education through high-impact multicultural activities focused on mariachi, ballet folklorico, and STEAM.
Through hands-on workshops, mentorship, and community collaboration, we create a supportive environment where young women can thrive, break barriers, and embrace their diverse identities. We believe that when girls connect with their heritage, they discover the confidence to become leaders.
Our programs serve over 150 young women each year, providing weekly workshops in mariachi, ballet folklorico, and STEAM—all rooted in Latin American culture and designed to inspire educational aspirations.
Ella Rises was born when our founder, Nadia Cates, lived in Mexico City with her family and reconnected deeply with her heritage. She saw how culture, faith, and education could come together to lift young women. That vision became Ella Rises.
Today, we partner with organizations like United Way of Utah County, UVU, BYU, and Thanksgiving Point to deliver programs that bridge elementary and middle school, helping girls identify who they are and where they fit in their community.
Our passionate team works together to create meaningful experiences for the young women we serve.
Founder & Executive Director
Nadia was born in Tijuana, Mexico and grew up in Southern California. She studied Human Development at Brigham Young University and later trained at a Mexican culinary institute in Mexico City. While living in Mexico City, she reconnected with her heritage in a new way and began to see how culture, faith, and education could come together to lift young women. That vision became Ella Rises.
Program Director
Claudia was raised in Los Angeles after her family emigrated from Michoacán, Mexico. She holds a degree in Social Work from Cal State L.A. and a Master of Public Administration from Brigham Young University. For over twenty years, she has worked in substance recovery, mental health, human services, and community advocacy.
Our dedicated board provides strategic guidance and support for our mission.
Chair of the Board
Vice Chair
Secretary
Treasurer
Board Member
Board Member
Board Member
Board Member
We're grateful for the organizations that help us deliver meaningful programs.
United Way of Utah County
Utah Valley University
Brigham Young University
Thanksgiving Point
Whether you volunteer, donate, or spread the word—you help lift the lives and legacies of the young women we serve.
