upliftstaff.

FOUNDER/EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR: Gina LaMotte
Gina LaMotte earned a bachelor's degree from Global College at Long Island University in Education and Identity Politics while studying and working in India, Nepal, Brazil, NYC, Costa Rica and Taos Pueblo, New Mexico. Whether at the United Nations or on a Native American pueblo, in the slums of Rio de Janeiro or in Tibetan refugee settlements, these diverse experiences focused on innovative educational programs targeting at-risk youth. In 2004, Gina moved to Austin, Texas and began working in an impoverished public school where students frequently likened their run-down campus to a prison and mental hospital. This experience, combined with her work abroad, deeply informed the creation of UpLift Austin. In 2008, while enrolled at the University of Texas, Gina completed the Certificate Program for Non-Profit Studies at LBJ School for Public Policy and competed in the school's Social Innovation Competition, which served as the launching point for UpLift Austin.

KIPP PROGRAM DIRECTOR: Adrienne Clements
Adrienne Clements earned her B.S. in Resource and Environmental Studies from Texas State University in 2007. During her studies she had the opportunity to take courses in Sustainable Development and Environmental Impact in Costa Rica, and ran environmental and social service campaigns. She has diverse experience working in sustainability issues as an Assistant Program Coordinator and Educator for an environmental education center, as a Studio/Research Assistant at a green architecture and planning firm, and as an Event Planner and Producer for a green event company. Adrienne is currently pursuing her LEED AP accreditation through the United States Green Building Council.

PROGRAM DIRECTOR & AKINS CONSULTANT: Kizzy Hannibal
Kizzy Hannibal is an experienced children'’s art teacher and youth facilitator who earned her B.F.A in 2001. For the past 14 years, she has been motivating and empowering youth and leading community art projects locally and internationally. Her most recent work has been creating and facilitating a summer time peace conference for refugee, immigrant and local American youth to come together, cultivate peace leadership, and build lasting cross-cultural connections. She co-facilitates the year-round, Austin-based youth group that stems from this peace conference. She also founded and manages the United We Grow global mural movement.

KIPP PROGRAM COORDINATOR & OPERATIONS ASSISTANT: Elizabeth Garrett
Elizabeth Garrett earned her B.S. in Architecture from the University of Virginia in 2006. During her studies, she had the opportunity to study abroad in Beijing, China and teach English in Nong Khai, Thailand. Elizabeth comes to us from Richmond, Virginia where she worked as an architectural intern, specializing in adaptive reuse and sustainable design. Upon moving to Austin in the fall of 2009, she immediately immersed herself in the community by actively volunteering with various local organizations. Elizabeth also helps coordinate the HOPE Farmers Market, an East Austin project that promotes a healthy lifestyle while supporting local artists, musicians and community organizations.