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Rooted in Community, Leading Forward: Announcing Elevar’s New Steering Committee
At Elevar, we believe leadership is most powerful when it reflects the community it serves. As we continue building capital, community, and curriculum for BIPOC entrepreneurs across Eagle County, we are proud to announce the newest members of our third Elevar Steering Committee.
These leaders bring a dynamic combination of lived experience, professional expertise, and deep community connection. As entrepreneurs, nonprofit leaders, and professionals across industries, they are not only guiding the program—they are actively shaping the experience of each cohort participant.
Welcome to Our New Steering Committee Members
Dayana Garcia
Dayana brings a strong background in finance, with a career focused on expanding access to financial knowledge and opportunity. She is passionate about helping entrepreneurs navigate systems that can often feel complex or out of reach. Through her role on the Steering Committee, she looks forward to mentoring cohort members and helping bridge the gap between financial institutions and community-based businesses—ensuring resources are not only available, but approachable and empowering.
Monica Gonzalez
As both a business owner and a graduate of Elevar’s second cohort, Monica brings a powerful full-circle perspective to the Steering Committee. She built her business from the ground up and understands firsthand the resilience required to succeed as an entrepreneur. Her experience in Elevar is what inspired her to give back—she is passionate about mentoring others as they launch and grow their businesses, and believes that resilience, community, and a positive mindset are key to long-term success.
Ricardo Salazar
As a graduate of Elevar’s second cohort, Ricardo also brings a full-circle perspective to the Steering Committee. Having experienced the program as an entrepreneur, he is passionate about giving back and supporting others on a similar path. As a local business owner, he understands the importance of trust, consistency, and relationship-building, and is excited to mentor the next generation of entrepreneurs.
Each of these leaders was selected for their commitment to equity, mentorship, and community-driven impact. We are honored to have their voices, insights, and partnership at the table.
What the Steering Committee Does
Elevar’s Steering Committee is a working group of mentors and community leaders who play a direct role in the success of each cohort.
Unlike traditional advisory boards, Steering Committee members are embedded in the program experience. They show up consistently as mentors, connectors, and champions for entrepreneurs.
Their role includes:
- Serving as mentors to cohort members, providing one-on-one guidance, encouragement, and real-world insight
- Sharing lived experience as business owners, nonprofit leaders, and professionals, helping entrepreneurs navigate challenges with practical, relevant advice
- Opening doors to networks, partnerships, and capital, leveraging relationships across Eagle County and beyond
- Shaping and strengthening the curriculum, ensuring it reflects real-time needs and opportunities in the community
- Building community among participants, fostering connection, trust, and peer support
- Championing entrepreneurs publicly, elevating their businesses and celebrating their success
This model is what makes Elevar unique—participants are not just learning in a classroom setting; they are surrounded by leaders who are actively invested in their growth.
Meet the Full Steering Committee
Elevar’s strength comes from the collective leadership of individuals who are deeply invested in this community and in the success of local entrepreneurs.
Current Steering Committee Members:
- Cecilia Galardo (Founding Member)
- Dayana Garcia (New Member)
- Monica Gonzalez (New Member- Elevar Cohort 2 Graduate)
- Rocio Martinez Alvarado (Elevar Cohort 1 Graduate)
- Luz Parra (Founding Member)
- Cindy Ramos (Founding Member)
- Bibiana Rivero
- Ricardo Salazar (New Member- Elevar Cohort 2 Graduate)
- Israel Solis
- Deisy Vazquez (Founding Member)
Why It Matters
Elevar is more than a business accelerator, it is a community-building engine.
By pairing entrepreneurs with mentors who reflect their experiences, and by elevating graduates into leadership roles, we are building a cycle of community-led success. These relationships don’t end at graduation; they evolve into mentorship, leadership, and long-term investment in the next generation.
Through the leadership of our Steering Committee, we are creating pathways where entrepreneurs don’t just succeed, they come back to lead, mentor, and shape what comes next.