Meet Elevāt

Julie Johnson

Co-founder + CEO

As a mother to three children, I can't imagine the pain of not being able to put food on the table for my children. In my travels to over 30 countries, I have discovered that no matter the color of your skin, the clothing you wear or where you are from, mothers everywhere desire the same things for their children—safety, health and education to live up to their full potential. I love that I get to participate in offering women the chance to provide for their families in a safe and dignified manner-work that they can be proud of and gives them confidence in their abilities to create beauty and continue age old craft traditions.

Ben Peres

Co-founder + CFO

I have worked in the finance industry for the past 20 years. My paradigm on business was forever altered after reading Creating a World Without Poverty by Muhammad Yunus. The idea that every person has the power to change the world with their everyday purchases has made me think about business in a whole new way. Upon completion of a Masters Degree in Economic Development and Entrepreneurship, I knew the type of company I wanted to help create. That company became Elevāt.

Deb Rohloff

Operations Manager

I am so excited to be able to promote Elevāt, our products, and our mission to the community. I really enjoy planning Elevāt events and participating in sales because I am passionate about the women we serve and excited to be a part of Elevat’s day to day operations. I am also a wife and a mother of two beautiful children.

Bethany Jackson

Photographer

I love photographing authenticity and natural beauty, and I have been doing that for over 10 years. I own Bethany Jackson Photography and am co-owner of Twin Cities Headshots. Some of my other loves are singing, my fiancé, and Shih Tzus. I’m excited to partner with Elevāt because we are both passionate about finding and sharing the beauty we find and create around the world.

Abigail Holtz

Community Engagement

Connecting people to promote social reform, that is my motivation. As an intern for Elevāt, I developed a passion for helping women in developing countries provide a sustainable source of income for themselves and their families. Every woman deserves a dignified source of work that will allow her to keep herself and her family taken care of. Now as the community engagement director, I get to tell the stories of the women and encourage others to get involved with the powerful mission of Elevāt.

Carmen McKee

Social Media Coordinator

When I went on Elevāt's trip to Spain, I witnessed firsthand the significance of handmade, fair-trade products and the positive effect that this work has on the lives of women artisans around the world. I am excited to be a part of the Elevāt team; it's an honor to serve, empower, and encourage these artisans as we seek to provide an outlet for their voices to be heard, their abilities to be rewarded, and their value to be recognized.

Tia Cook

Internship Coordinator

A visit to Spain was my first real introduction to Elevāt, and I’ve been on board with them ever since. I admire the way Elevāt creates opportunity for an individual’s future success through drawing out excitement in their natural strengths and skills. The interns that spend their time working and learning with us are a crucial part of our team, which, in turn, empowers the artisans to support their families. I’m eager to work with them for a cause we’re all working towards.

Katie Platt

Intern

Currently, I’m a senior English - Writing major at the University of Northwestern in St. Paul. I am interning with hopes of continuing in the content writing field, but I am excited to expand my knowledge in all Elevāt may have in store for me this semester. I was drawn to Elevāt because of its beautiful story and strong values, so naturally I am excited to join such an inspirational team.