
We exist to provide parents and youth with the tools to maximize their opportunities to succeed in their personal, professional, and community lives.
The STORY BEHIND the Founder & Martha Root
Welcome to Martha Root Community Building (MRCB)
MRCB is a Baha’i-inspired, nondenominational organization dedicated to empowering parents and nurturing children to become compassionate, resilient, and well-rounded individuals. Our journey began with Eli Pakravan, whose childhood dream was to make a meaningful difference in the lives of children. After moving to Amarillo, Texas, Eli’s work with Hispanic small businesses and as a substitute teacher at a local high school—primarily supporting refugee and Hispanic students—revealed a vital truth: the success of children begins with strong, supported parents.
Rooted in the values of love, discipline, and moral education nurtured by Eli’s Baha’i upbringing, MRCB launched its first parent empowerment program in April 2024. Within just six months, this program grew to serve over 30 families and 125 individuals, inspiring the creation of additional services to meet the community’s evolving needs.
Our name honors Martha Louise Root, an extraordinary American Baha’i woman known for her courage, detachment, and valor. Despite battling cancer in the early 1900s, Martha Root traveled the world four times, spreading messages of universal peace, education, and unity across cultures and nations. Her legacy as a fearless advocate and educator who touched the hearts of leaders and everyday people alike serves as a guiding light for MRCB’s mission today.
Eli and the MRCB team envision expanding these programs globally, fostering prosperous and loving communities where parents and children thrive together, building a brighter future for all.
We are Martha Root Community Building
Our mission is to empower parents and youth by equipping them with the tools, resources, and support needed to build a brighter future, starting this endeavor by providing parents with the environment and knowledge to nurture their kids. We believe every child, regardless of their background, deserves the opportunity to succeed and realize their full potential. We focus on overcoming the societal barriers that limit access to education and opportunities, especially for economically marginalized communities.
We provide vital resources—educational programs, mentorship, and access to technology—that enable children to resist stereotypes, inequities, and societal norms that often hold them back. By fostering an environment of encouragement and growth, we instill in them the confidence that they have the same potential and opportunities as their peers to excel in school, career, and life.
Together, we work to break the cycles of inequality, creating pathways for children to dream, achieve, and thrive—no matter their circumstances.