Ella Rises

Utah • Nonprofit Program

Empowering the Rising Generation of Young Women

Ella Rises helps young women pursue higher education and embrace their heritage through joyful, high-impact activities in mariachi, art, and STEAM — all guided by mentors and community leaders.

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IMPACT HIGHLIGHTS

Our Community Impact

1,176

Participants Served

1,409

Community Events

90%

Program
Completion

$197,538

Donations Received

The Ella Rises Experience

A joyful blend of culture, creativity, and college-going confidence — designed to help every girl see her own brilliance.

Art & Heritage

From large-scale murals to creative workshops, girls explore their cultural roots and share their stories through art.

Mural & visual art projects
Ballet Folklórico & performance
Latina guest artists & storytellers

Mariachi & Music

Ella Rises Mariachi builds skills, stage presence, and community — giving young women a powerful way to express identity and joy.

Mariachi rehearsals & performances
Music mentors and role models
Confidence on and off the stage

STEAM & College Pathways

Hands-on STEM activities, university tours, and mentoring help girls imagine themselves in college and in high-impact careers.

STEAM classes & experiments
Campus and industry visits
Leadership & goal-setting workshops

Programs in Action

Moments from Ella Rises events, summits, and workshops.

Ella Rises students wearing lab coats and gloves in a biomedical research lab — Future scientists in action during a hands-on biomedical lab experience.

Ella Rises mariachi students rehearsing together in traditional dresses — Mariachi practice building musical skill, stage presence, and confidence.

Student focused on a STEAM activity at a classroom table — STEAM activities sparking curiosity, creativity, and problem-solving.

Ella Rises students posing together outside the Huntsman Cancer Institute — Inspiration on the horizon during a college and research center visit.

Two young Ella Rises dancers in colorful folklórico dresses sitting in front of red gift bags — Young dancers wearing vibrant folklórico dresses before a community performance.

Mentor kneeling beside mariachi students as they practice trumpet together — Mariachi trumpet section getting one-on-one coaching from a mentor.

Group of Ella Rises students in purple shirts posing in front of the BYU letters and mountains — College-going dreams coming into focus during a campus visit to BYU.

Ella Rises teens and guest performers smiling together after a cultural dance workshop — Connecting with Latina role models at a cultural dance and storytelling workshop.

Small blue robot decorated with a Día de los Muertos skull drawing while holding a marker — Coding robots to draw Día de los Muertos–inspired designs during STEAM class.

Student carefully painting a sugar-skull illustration with watercolors — Sugar-skull watercolor project helping girls explore art and cultural heritage.

Two students on the floor filming a stop-motion scene with an iPad and hand-drawn background — Storytelling through stop-motion animation with hand-drawn sets and characters.

Students painting details on a large colorful mural with plants and abstract shapes — Adding final touches to the Ella Rises community mural.

Why Ella Rises Matters

With every workshop, rehearsal, and summit, girls are building confidence, leadership, and a stronger connection to their heritage.

“The goal-setting exercise gave me tools I can reuse at school. It made everything feel achievable. I would definitely recommend this.”

– Ella Rises participant, 12th grade

“As a mentor, I see firsthand how art, music, and STEAM can open doors. These girls are future engineers, artists, and leaders.”

– Ella Rises volunteer mentor

“The organizers ran things smoothly, even with a big crowd; I left energized to keep learning. Next time I'll bring a friend!”

– Ella Rises participant, 9th grade

Get Involved

It takes a whole community to help each girl rise.

Enroll

Know a 6th–12th grade girl who would love Ella Rises? Sign up now to join our empowering programs and events!

Volunteer

Teach, mentor, or chaperone at events and workshops. Share your skills and help create safe, joyful learning spaces.

See Opportunities

Sponsor

Donate, fundraise, or host experiences that keep Ella Rises accessible and free for participating families.

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