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 grew up in Los Angeles after her family emigrated from Michoacán, Mexico. She is a powerful woman and leader who graduated from Cal State L.A.
In addition to dedicating her time and energy to her husband and two amazing children, she also supports students and families in the Provo City School District as a social worker and advocate.
Claudia shares her love for her roots with the community by teaching folkloric dance classes. She loves to support our Ella Rises youth to discover their identity and pursue their dreams.
Rut Beltran Astorga
Board Member
Rut was born in Sinaloa, Mexico, and is a graduate of Brigham Young University, where she earned both her bachelor's and master's degrees.
​
Currently, Rut serves as a student advisor for multicultural students at BYU, dedicating her time to empowering students from diverse backgrounds. She is passionate about helping youth pursue their academic and personal dreams.
Her voice and experiences help elevate the people she serves.
​