MEET THE TEAM
Nadia Cates
Founder and Executive Director
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 Barillas
Program 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.