“I have always been drawn to wanting to help others in my community. Spending a great deal of time as a patient at Children’s Hospital sparked a passion to give back to those who helped me so much. It’s expanded since then into ensuring marginalized voices are heard and those in leadership roles are representative of the community they lead. Much of my family are teachers or work with children in some capacity, and in non-profits. I wanted to find a way to be able to use my skills to help those who are creating the building blocks for children and making their communities a better place. If those in leadership roles represent and practice diversity, equity, and inclusion only then can we ensure marginalized voices are heard and true change is made.”

• Elise worked with two year olds at San Diego State University Children’s Center, supporting teachers and leading lessons in showing kids how to learn in every aspect of play
• She found a passion for accounting while working front desk at a Hilton in the Gaslamp district of San Diego, eventually switching to the accounting department and helping manage accounts as big as Comic Con
• She has worked in the commercial property management and development industry, working with property and project managers, brokers, and tenants in Sacramento to develop and help communities thrive

Elise lives in Denver, Colorado with her dog and cat. Balancing her passion for accounting with a company she is proud to be a part of, she loves soaking up nature in the Rocky Mountains, discovering new music at her favorite venues and festivals, and listening to podcasts that give a great laugh, help her learn a new perspective, or dig deeper into politics.