From Compassion to Community Action
Our Story
At Elevate for Change, we believe every individual holds the power to rise and that when we rise together, we build stronger, more compassionate communities. Formerly known as Papagayo, our nonprofit organization has evolved to meet the growing needs of our time, while remaining rooted in our belief in dignity, human connection, and the right to thrive.
We are a movement of dreamers, doers, and bridge-builders, dedicated to creating access, opportunity, and healing for those who need it most. From Well-Being to Sustainable Communities, Eco-Roots, and Advocacy, we rise to empower others, break cycles, and build futures with purpose.
Where It All Began
We started with heart—driven by compassion, fueled by volunteers, and powered by community. From day one, we reached beyond barriers to meet urgent needs and spark lasting change. This was more than a beginning— it was a call to rise, to uplift each other, and to co-create a better future.
Story of Resilience & Impact
Three transformative years, where we faced global challenges head-on. Instead of pausing, we innovated. We launched Colorado’s First Latino Entrepreneur Program during COVID 19, empowering vulnerable communities with tools to create, lead, and thrive. By shifting how we approached adversity, we didn’t just change programs— we changed lives.
It All Started with a Story No One Was Telling
Selected as a community nonprofit partner by the City and County of Denver during the Hancock and Johnston administrations and by the State of Colorado, to assist in crisis response efforts for two years supporting people seeking new opportunities. Due to the high influx of new vulnerable residents, the organization then received a grant to support the city’s Migrant Shelter Program.
From Crisis Response to Community Empowerment
As families transitioned out of the City Migrant Shelter Program Papagayo assisted with housing assistance to over 750 families. When the Denver Asylum Seekers Program (DASP) was launched by the City and County of Denver to support over 1,000 individuals, Papagayo was at the forefront of this innovative program and partnered with other nonprofit organizations to serve people seeking new
opportunities.
To close out 2024, we supported the work authorization clinics for those with CBP1 and TPS status. Lastly, throughout the year, we assisted host by visiting the homeless camps of vulnerable new residents to provide services and resources.
Growing Together Through Education
Also in 2024, Papagayo launched Bright Coins, our first after-school program designed to strengthen financial literacy. In collaboration with Family Resource Schools (FRS) and the Boulder Valley School District (BVSD), we introduced this initiative to help students and families build confidence, develop new skills, and create opportunities through financial education.
Now, these programs are being expanded to other school districts and with additional wellbeing, cultural and sports programing.
Empowering Through Action
In 2025, Papagayo under went a rebranding and is NOW Elevate For Change. We launched our pilot of a workforce development program with a coffee barista, ballon designer and handyman initiative. Reaching more lives through well-being, advocacy, sustainability, and education. We’re not just offering support.
We’re building resilience, dignity, and long-term change. With innovation and strong partnerships, we’re creating a future where everyone has a voice and a place. Real change happens when we rise together
Where It All Began
We started with heart—driven by compassion, fueled by volunteers, and powered by community. From day one, we reached beyond barriers to meet urgent needs and spark lasting change. This was more than a beginning— it was a call to rise, to uplift each other, and to co-create a better future.
Story of Resilience & Impact
Three transformative years, where we faced global challenges head-on. Instead of pausing, we innovated. We launched Colorado’s First Latino Entrepreneur Program during COVID 19, empowering vulnerable communities with tools to create, lead, and thrive. By shifting how we approached adversity, we didn’t just change programs— we changed lives.
It All Started with a Story No One Was Telling
Selected as a community nonprofit partner by the City and County of Denver during the Hancock and Johnston administrations and by the State of Colorado, to assist in crisis response efforts for two years supporting people seeking new opportunities. Due to the high influx of new vulnerable residents, the organization then received a grant to support the city’s Migrant Shelter Program.
From Crisis Response to Community Empowerment
As families transitioned out of the City Migrant Shelter Program Papagayo assisted with housing assistance to over 750 families. When the Denver Asylum Seekers Program (DASP) was launched by the City and County of Denver to support over 1,000 individuals, Papagayo was at the forefront of this innovative program and partnered with other nonprofit organizations to serve people seeking new opportunities.
To close out 2024, we supported the work authorization clinics for those with CBP1 and TPS status. Lastly, throughout the year, we assisted host by visiting the homeless camps of vulnerable new residents to provide services and resources.
Empowering Through Action
In 2025, Papagayo under went a rebranding and is NOW Elevate For Change. We launched our pilot of a workforce development program with a coffee barista, ballon designer and handyman initiative. Reaching more lives through well-being, advocacy, sustainability, and education. We’re not just offering support.
We’re building resilience, dignity, and long-term change. With innovation and strong partnerships, we’re creating a future where everyone has a voice and a place. Real change happens when we rise together
Growing Together Through Education
Also in 2024, Papagayo launched Bright Coins, our first after-school program designed to strengthen financial literacy. In collaboration with Family Resource Schools (FRS) and the Boulder Valley School District (BVSD), we introduced this initiative to help students and families build confidence, develop new skills, and create opportunities through financial education.
Now, these programs are being expanded to other school districts and with additional wellbeing, cultural and sports programing.
Our Mission:
Unlocking Human Potential
By nurturing well-being, leveling the path to opportunity, and inspiring lasting change. Through heart-led, community-rooted programs, we foster healing, learning, and the power to grow, so every person has the chance to rise and build a better future.
At Elevate for Change, we are committed to making a lasting impact through transparency, excellence, integrity, and unity.
We responsibly manage resources to fulfill our mission, set ambitious goals to maximize our community outreach, act with kindness and responsibility in everything we do, and foster collaboration to strengthen our collective efforts.
Our Vision:
Looking to the Future
We envision a world where every person has the support to rise and thrive. At Elevate for Change, we lead with heart, empowering individuals and communities to heal, grow, and unlock their full potential.
Together, we build spaces rooted in compassion, courage, and shared purpose, where transformation becomes a lived reality.
The Pillars
Sustaining Our Impact
Well-Being
Supporting mental, emotional, and physical health through Healing Spaces, Movement, and Connection.
Advocacy
Educating, Listening, and building Collective Solutions to create systems that reflect the voices and needs of our communities.
Eco-Roots
Inspiring environmental awareness and action through creative, Community led sustainability initiatives.
Sustainable Communities
Empowering individuals with Financial Literacy and Career Skills to uplift families, individuals, and economies.
Our Team:
The Heart Behind the Impact
Marielena Suarez
Executive Director & Co-Founder
Programs Department
Mary Alexandra Mata
Director of Digital Learning Access
Rene Colato
Director of Workforce Development & Career Pathway
Finance & Admin Department
Yoselin Arguinzones
Admin & Finance Director
Richard Lares
Information & Techonolgy Manager
Marketing Department
Jennifer Barbera
Director of Marketing & Communications
Development Department
Alexis Newton
Director of Strategic Partnerships & Impact
Partner With Elevate:
Empower Change That Lasts
At Elevate, we lead with purpose, but it’s through committed partnerships that our impact grows. When you partner with us, you’re investing in well-being, education, and opportunity for communities to rise.
Together, we build sustainable communities, foster healing, create career pathways, promote environmental responsibility, and strengthen civic engagement.
You become part of a collective movement rooted in dignity, inclusion, and the belief that every person deserves the chance to thrive.
