About Us

Our Mission

At Elevate Diversity, we strive to be the go-to hub for professionals seeking meaningful connections, career advancement, and impactful service opportunities, with diversity at the heart of our community.

Our Values

Meet Our Team!

Faye Almeshaan

Co-founder

With a background in VC and entrepreneurship, Faye is now the CEO of Almeshaan Consulting, a performance management consultancy, driving results for high-growth companies. Originally from Kuwait, she has lived in 5 cities before settling in Vegas. She's passionate about gender and racial equity, trying food from all over the world, and her 2-year-old doxie, Choco!

Ruel James

Co-founder

As a senior People Operations leader and cofounder of Elevate Diversity, Ruel excels in community outreach, development, and strategic leadership. With a passion for fostering inclusive communities, Ruel brings a wealth of expertise in scaling impactful organizations.

Kirstie James

Co-founder

Kirstie has dedicated her career to nonprofit work, bringing a wealth of experience and deep commitment to service. Raised in Las Vegas, she now calls Dallas, TX home, where she serves as a Development Officer at the SPCA of Texas. In her free time, she enjoys relaxing with her two pugs, modeling, and exploring her new city.

Sandra Oviedo

Director of Service

Originally from Mexico City, Sandra has called Las Vegas home and served in diverse volunteer activities around the Las Vegas Valley for different organizations.

Jessica Robinson

Director of Professional

As an experienced leader in healthcare, Jess is a Regional Nurse Manager in home infusion who helped found and now co-chairs the Women's Resource Group at her employer. Originally from Florida, Jess has lived in 9 states plus Haiti. She is passionate about equity and inclusivity in the workplace, being the best auntie to her little guys, and loves her orange cat, King Fergus.

Julia Quintanilla

Director of Social

Julia is eager to combine her love for socializing and event planning in this role. After a decade in the classroom, she began working as an education and event planning consultant. Born in Queens to Mexican and Chilean parents, she is an older sister, dog mom, former Kindergarten and yoga teacher, and festie bestie to many.

Our Board

Shantel Love

Board Member

Shantel Love is a dynamic and influential leader, currently serving as the Global Vice President of Customer Success at Pearson Education. Shantel is a sought-after keynote speaker, customer success thought leader, personal branding coach, real estate investor, and executive sponsor for employee resource groups. She currently serves on the advisory board for Girlz Who Sell, continuing her mission to support and inspire the next generation of leaders. Shantel Love's journey is a testament to her resilience, vision, and unwavering commitment to fostering diversity and inclusion in every sphere she touches.

Ryan Rubio

Board Member

Ryan Rubio is a leader in the Las Vegas community, having held the position of Executive Director at Caesars Entertainment and MGM Resorts International, where he focused on reimagining Las Vegas through strategic partnerships. His experience in these high-profile roles provides him with unique insights into the operational challenges faced by major global enterprises. Currently, as an investor and operator of Zero Labs, Ryan leverages his experience and network to support and fund innovative startups driven to uplift diverse voices and create thriving communities.

Jarrett Applewhite

Board Member

Jarrett Applewhite is a serial entrepreneur, strategic marketer, and a dedicated community advocate, known for his passion for uplifting diverse voices and fostering inclusivity. His entrepreneurial spirit and extensive experience in founding and scaling businesses bring a wealth of practical knowledge to the board of Elevate Diversity. Jarrett is also the Founder of Happy Hour for Hope, using his expertise to support local nonprofits in fundraising for their causes. His expertise and connections guide our vision to build a more inclusive future.

OUR STORY

We started Elevate Diversity because we were new to Las Vegas and, honestly, just wanted to make some friends. We couldn't seem to find another community that had what we were looking for: a diverse group of ambitious professionals who liked to have a good time and cared about giving back to the community.

We were hoping to make 5 friends, but when an overwhelming 35 people showed up to our first event, we knew so many others were looking for a community just like this one.

Now, with over 1,500 members and weekly events that range from social to professional development, and, of course, community service, we want to continue the work we're doing and have an impact on even more people and communities.

Our vision is a world where anyone can inherit a wealth of support, connections, and opportunities that provide a level playing field at success.