People, Operations and Administration Director

Elena Maria Reilly leads People, Operations and Administration teams and functions at Rise Up Together. She ensures that Rise Up Together and their global partners have the human, financial, and technological resources needed to build power and transform communities. Elena brings over 25 years of experience leading child, youth, and women-centered education, health, and protection programs in Latin America, Southeast Asia, Sub-Saharan Africa and the United States. She uses data, participatory analysis, and collaborative problem-solving strategies to drive social change.

Elena has collaborated with more than 21 non-profit organizations and United Nations Agencies on participatory research, curriculum development, strategic planning, operational efficiency, and resource mobilization. She has worked in 29 countries and 13 U.S. states.

Elena holds a bachelor’s degree in Anthropology from Dartmouth College and a master’s degree in education from Harvard University Graduate School of Education. She enjoys reading novels, riding her bike, and exploring swimming holes near her home in Birmingham, Alabama.