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Volunteer Spotlight: Elita Ross

Meet Elita

Elita Ross is the volunteer Lead for our Planning Committee for the upcoming Social Justice Build, even though this will only be her second event with 48in48! Elita joined in the Women’s Build 2023 as a Project Manager, where she led her team in building the site for Ignite Arts and STEM (previously ASHE Arts & STEM Academy), and enjoyed the event so much that she stepped up to lead behind the scenes.

Elita comes to us from Connecticut, working at a real estate investment company that she owns. She is a self-taught Full-Stack Web Developer and builds or redesigns websites on the side.

Joining 48in48

Elita heard about 48in48, like many volunteers, through Facebook! She saw information about our Women’s Build posted in a ‘Black Women in Tech’ group, and signed up! We love to hear about the ways our existing 48in48 community engages new volunteers in our mission. Elita says she right away “knew [48in48] was something I wanted to be a part of.”

Elita has some background in nonprofit work, so our mission of supporting small nonprofits felt personal to her. She knows the impact that increased visibility and capacity can make on a nonprofit with limited resources.

“I love that all the events are centered around inclusivity…”, she says. “Bringing people together from all walks of life and all across the globe together to support these amazing nonprofits that are doing the same.”

“Not only will you learn about awesome nonprofits and their missions, but you’ll also meet amazing people. You will not regret it … Keep and open mind and jump right in.”

Advice from Elita

Her advice to an unsure potential volunteer? The same as so many of our volunteers – just do it! Elita says the reward will be easy to see and feel. “Not only will you learn about awesome nonprofits and their missions, but you’ll also meet amazing people. You will not regret it … Keep and open mind and jump right in.”

“It was amazing working with this nonprofit. Not only were they very involved, but they pretty much free rein to bring their vision to life. Needless to say, the nonprofit loved it and is aiming for a brand relaunch at the start of the year.”

One of our favorite things to hear from Elita is the way she felt welcome in the 48in48 community. “What provided the most positive experience for me wasn’t just the amazing nonprofit I got to work with. It was also the amazing team I was one and meeting so many other people sharing their awesomeness with me. That’s what sticks with me. That’s what makes me want to keep coming back for future events.”

We’re so glad Elita plans to keep joining us! You can too – sign up for a 48in48 event today!