We Are MRCB

FOUNDER & DIRECTOR

Eli is a Life and Corporate Coach with more than 25 years of empowering people of all ages to bring out the best of themselves in the work environment, personal life, and within the Higher Education system.

Born in Paraguay, half Iranian/half Paraguayan, grew up in a rich multicultural environment and moved to the USA nine years ago. With a BA in journalism, artist, entrepreneur, and businesswoman. She sees herself as a “work in progress” where everything she learns and experiences must be used to help empower others. This project was born out of being a mother, colleague, teacher, and neighbor who profoundly cares about learning and providing the tools for everyone who comes across her path to succeed and be happy.

In May 2019 - City of Albany, Oregon, Elizabeth received the City of Albany’s Human Relations Commission award, which recognizes an individual for excellence in equity, diversity, and inclusion.

ADMINISTRATIVE SUPPORT

After serving as a volunteer for the past year and a half at the Baha ’i World Center in

Israel, Thiago is coming back to immerse himself in helping the community, especially empowering the youth.

His experience in working in a diverse multicultural environment, interacting with people from all walks of life and backgrounds, and his determination and joy to serve others with loving-kindness, patience, compassion, and empathy make Thiago a role model for the children and youth, we are planning to serve, at the same time that he will oversee the logistics and administrative portion of the execution of the program.

WFD GROUP FACILITATOR

Liz holds a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration and brings experience in business management. She is a mother of two teenagers and a devoted wife, with a lifelong spirit of learning—driven not only by the well-being of her family, but also by a deep commitment to serving her community.

Empathetic, service-oriented, and always willing to support others, she approaches each day as an opportunity to learn and grow. She finds joy in dancing, spending quality time with her children, and continuously seeking new experiences and adventures.

Liz serves as a Group Facilitator for the Workforce Development Starting in the Home (WFD) program at Martha Root Community Building, where she helps create safe, supportive spaces for growth and connection, and shares her success stories on how she connects with her children in meaningful ways.

WFD GROUP FACILITATOR

Rebeca brings to Martha Root Community Building a story of courage and purpose shaped by her lived experience. After a successful corporate career and years devoted to her family, Rebeca faced a significant personal challenge: a diagnosis of metastatic breast cancer. Rather than retreating from life, she transformed her journey into a source of strength and service.

Today, Rebeca serves as an oncology coach, offering compassionate support and guidance to individuals navigating serious illness. She extends her commitment to service through volunteer work that supports oncology patients and children in vulnerable situations in Mexico.

Rebeca remains grounded in continuous learning and meaningful connection, especially valuing time with her loved ones and the steadfast support of her husband. Her work exemplifies MRCB’s mission of turning adversity into purposeful service and empowering others to thrive.

Ellie Saadat joined Martha Root Community Building in 2024. Ellie was born and raised in Shiraz, Iran, part of Fars province. City of Shiraz has a rich history in culture, gardents, and poetry in Iran, and it is the birthplace of great poets Hafez and Saadi. Ellie moved to the United States in 2005 and lived in the Texas Panhandle for several years, where she completed her undergraduate and graduate education.

Phoenix, Arizona, has become home recently. Ellie is currently employed at Arizona State University and is proud to serve as an instructor with the University of Denver. Beyond her professional commitments, Ellie is deeply committed to the principle that all children should have access to foundational education and opportunities from an early age, regardless of their ethnic and financial background.

He was born and raised in Paraguay and is currently working as a Dentist with a Master's in Dentoalveolar surgery. Alejandro is also an entrepreneur, a business owner, and a partner of PYNUT. From high school, he began volunteering to empower Junior Youth groups in his neighborhood. Years later, he volunteered at the Louhelen Bahai school in Michigan-USA and the Bahai World Center in Haifa-Israel. All these experiences allowed him to learn from people from all walks of life, giving him an understanding of why it is critical to build Community for the sake of the well-being of every person on the planet.

He sees the good in people and wants to serve the Community with all his energy and soul to those who need help to move forward in their lives, hoping to see them empowered and succeeding happily through their journey.

Among his hobbies are hiking, enjoying nature, and spending time with friends.

Parker is a lifelong Amarillo native who is deeply committed to strengthening the local community and supporting small businesses. Born and raised in Amarillo, his background has shaped a strong ability to relate to young people in the community by meeting them where they are, listening to their experiences, and understanding their struggles and needs.

Two years were spent working on 6th Street, collaborating closely with residents and managing a local business. This hands-on experience provided practical insight into neighborhood-based economic development, community relationships, and the realities of running a small business.

In addition, two years were dedicated to working with the nonprofit Square Mile, focusing on community engagement and support for small businesses. This work involved helping connect local entrepreneurs with resources, strengthening community networks, and contributing to efforts that promoted sustainable growth and positive impact across Amarillo.
With a foundation rooted in service, local business, and community advocacy, his perspective brings a thoughtful, people-centered approach to board leadership and a continued commitment to empowering the next generation and strengthening the Amarillo community.