Guiding Growth: Meet Some Of The Leaders Behind Elevar

Elevar believes the people closest to our community’s opportunities and challenges should help shape the solutions. That is why the Elevar Steering Committee plays such an important role in ensuring the program remains grounded in lived experience, local knowledge, and the needs of Eagle County’s entrepreneurs.

Elevar, a program of Eagle Valley Community Foundation, supports entrepreneurs and community leaders—particularly people of color, immigrants, and individuals from low-income backgrounds—as they develop business ideas, grow small businesses, launch social enterprises, and lead projects that benefit our community. Through training, mentorship, networking, leadership development, and access to capital, participants gain tools to strengthen both their ventures and their leadership.

The Steering Committee helps guide that work. Members contribute to leadership development, cohort selection, mentorship, program planning, and decisions about community investments. They bring their perspectives, professional knowledge, and relationships to the table, helping ensure Elevar evolves alongside the community it serves.

Current members include Cecilia Galardo, Dayana Garcia, Monica Gonzalez, Rocio Martinez, Luz Parra, Cindy Ramos, Ricardo Salazar, and Deisy Vazquez. Together, they represent a wide range of experiences in entrepreneurship, finance, wellness, art, hospitality, family leadership, and community service.

Dayana brings a background in finance and a passion for making financial systems and resources more approachable for community-based businesses. Monica and Ricardo are both Elevar graduates and local business owners who understand firsthand the resilience, trust, and relationships required to build a successful venture. Rocio, owner of Gula Wellness, contributes experience in entrepreneurship, holistic health, and wellness. 

These different perspectives make Elevar stronger. They help the program recognize the barriers entrepreneurs face, identify meaningful opportunities, and invest in ways that reflect the community’s goals.

We Are Recruiting New Members

Elevar is currently seeking new Steering Committee members who are excited to support local entrepreneurs and help build a more inclusive economy in Eagle County. We welcome people with lived experience, business or professional expertise, strong community relationships, or a passion for helping others grow. Prior board or committee experience is not required.

We also believe community expertise should be valued. Steering Committee members receive monthly compensation in recognition of the time, insight, and leadership they contribute.

Joining the committee is an opportunity to mentor emerging entrepreneurs, influence how community resources are invested, and help shape the future of Elevar. Most importantly, it is a chance to ensure local voices remain at the center of the program.

Interested in becoming part of the Elevar Steering Committee? Contact Marco, Elevar Program Manager at marco@eaglevalleycf.org to learn more.