By Maya Rahman-Rios, Elevo, Manager, Communications
For almost 20 years, Elevo has been committed to making a big impact on the schools we serve. From the partnerships we build with districts to the students we take pride in working with every day, we are incredibly grateful to have a stake in communities across the state. On September 19, 2024, we officially opened the doors to our brand-new office in Salinas, California. This new home will allow us to support the surrounding community and school districts more closely.
Salinas has always been a place of growth for Elevo. As Director of Operations, Monterey County, Maya Popolizio says, “We’ve come a long way since 2018 when we first launched a small grade-level release program during the day at Salinas City Elementary. We had about maybe five full-time staff and 15-20 coaches. Fast forward six years, and here we are. Our region has grown, and we have multiple partnerships with districts using our in-school and after-school programs.”
And, the expansion doesn’t stop there. “We’ve grown to employ 20 full-time staff, here in this office. And, we have over 200 coaches, all predominantly from the community that they serve.”
When our coaches come from the community they serve, they’re able to form stronger connections with their students, changing both their students’ lives and their own for the better. Sy Alli, current Site Success Manager and former Elevo Coach, shares his story about the beginnings of his Elevo journey.
“I was living in a homeless shelter when I applied for the job. My housemate gifted me his car so that I could get to the interview and actually get the job as a coach. We know the attitudes we have to have, the compassion that our coaches have to have. I tell our coaches, ‘If you have compassion and care, these kids need you.’ It’s a privilege to work with these children.”
This office allows us to continue to tell the stories of people like Sy, people who are ready to grow with Elevo and make a big impact in their community. Elevo is proud to continue to give back to a city that has given so much to us and provide opportunities to its residents.
“We’re incredibly excited to become part of this thriving city.” Popolizo says. We can’t wait to see what’s in store. Many thanks to all of our team members who made this happen for us, and to the Salinas Chamber of Commerce for supporting us through it all. Thank you for allowing us to be even more present in the community.
For more photos from the ribbon cutting, click here.
