Our Mission
Ella Rises empowers young women to pursue their dreams through culturally rooted programs in mariachi, ballet folklorico, STEAM, and leadership development.
Founder & Executive Director
Nadia Cates
Nadia is from the borderlands of Mexico and Southern California. She is the oldest of three daughters and inspired by her parents' love and devotion for each other, their family, and God. She is a mother of six 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.
Program Director
Claudia Barillas
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.
The Team
Emma Guapo
Chair of the Board
Emma was born and raised in Guadalajara, Mexico, and moved to the United States as a teenager. She earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Health Education from Utah Valley University. Emma is dedicated to promoting education, healthier lifestyles, and personal growth.
Currently, Emma is pursuing her Master’s in Business while working as a Manager of Client Services. In her free time, she enjoys exploring nature and spending quality time with her loved ones.
Dennia Gayle
Vice Chair
Ms. Dennia Gayle is a senior international development leader with over 18 years of service as a United Nations diplomat, specializing in global health, gender equality, and women’s empowerment. Since joining UNFPA in 2006, she has held leadership roles across Latin America, Africa, the Caribbean, and the U.S., overseeing programs and operations in Uganda, Ghana, Namibia, and Ethiopia.
Beyond the UN, Ms. Gayle co-owns Hera Associates, a global management consulting firm. A Fulbright Scholar, she holds a Licenciatura in Psychology from the University of Costa Rica and dual master’s degrees in International Public Health and Social Work from Tulane University. Renowned for her strategic vision and commitment to social progress, she champions equitable development and women’s empowerment worldwide.
Bert Barillas
Secretary
Bert is a graphic designer with over 20 years of experience and a bachelor’s degree in graphic design from Cal State Northridge. He believes in the power of creativity to inspire and uplift, aligning with his passion for community service.
A second-generation immigrant born in California, Bert takes pride in his Mexican and Guatemalan heritage. Whether lending a hand to friends and neighbors or using his design skills for a greater cause, he is dedicated to making a positive impact. He is also a devoted husband and father who loves and supports his wife and children.
Above all, Bert strives to live a Christ-centered life, prioritizing faith, family, and service. When not designing or giving back, he enjoys shooting, hiking, camping, and backpacking in the great outdoors.
Rogelio Osuna
Treasurer
Rogelio is a Business Management graduate from Brigham Young University, who has worked for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints and Goldman Sachs.
Born and raised in Mexico City, he and his wife Karen are the proud parents of three daughters and two sons. With a strong passion for supporting the Hispanic and Latino communities, Rogelio actively participates in recruiting events and personal development programs.
As a father, he enjoys watching his daughters build confidence and skills for personal growth. Rogelio is excited to contribute to Ella Rises and help foster the same growth and success within the community.
Zachariah Parry
Board Member
Zachariah Parry is a legal and business strategist with a strong background in business consulting, tax planning, and asset protection. As the owner of The Fortune Law Firm, he specializes in helping medical professionals navigate complex business structures, tax strategies, and asset protection planning to safeguard their wealth and practices.
Zachariah’s passion for mentorship and community empowerment aligns with Ella Rises’ mission to uplift Latina youth through cultural awareness, education, and personal development. His experience in building and expanding businesses, strategic planning, and financial structuring brings valuable insight to the board, helping Ella Rises strengthen its foundation and expand its reach to empower more young Latinas.
Shawn Cates
Board Member
Shawn Cates is an organizational change leader who shapes less-defined opportunities into initiatives that drive outcomes. With over a decade of international experience, he has directed programs, change efforts, and volunteer organizations. He holds a Master’s in Instructional Psychology and a Doctorate in leadership and education.
He has worked for Brigham Young University and now serves as a Senior Manager for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He has lived in Chile, Mexico, Costa Rica, the United States, and has spent meaningful time across Latin America, including Brazil.
With a passion for family, the outdoors, and growing faith in Jesus Christ, Shawn finds great joy supporting Ella Rises behind the scenes.
Kathy Larrabee
Board Member
Kathy is a dedicated nonprofit professional with experience in international development, education, and family support. Originally from La Paz, Bolivia, she has worked with HELP International, CHOICE Humanitarian, and the ESCAPE Family Resource Center, leading programs that foster leadership, confidence, and community connection among youth and families.
With a Master of Public Administration from Brigham Young University, Kathy combines global insight with local dedication to service. As a board member of Ella Rises, she is passionate about empowering young women to see themselves as leaders, contributors, and creators who can shape brighter futures for their families and communities.
Rick Heizer
Board Member
Rick has been a small business owner and operator for over 30 years. He recently launched an executive consulting company and a full-service lawn care company. Previously, he co-owned and operated a mental health company serving adults, young adults, and adolescents nationwide for 25 years.
As CEO, Rick oversaw program consistency, financial quality, and effective communication and management systems, and he has served on multiple nonprofit boards. He earned a BA from Augustana College and an MS from Aurora University, and he enjoys a wide range of outdoor activities.
Rick is passionate about social justice issues and continually seeks ways to better support underserved communities.