The Heart of ELSO

Together, we are the catalysts, opening minds and doors, and providing a place and support for our youth to grow.

  • Driving systems change by investing financial resources in leaders and communities

  • Providing access to paid learning and internship opportunities

  • Fostering a teaching and learning organization

  • Creating a program where youth can see themselves as confident and capable scientific leaders

Our Impact

Our mission is to catalyze learning and expand access to positive career outcomes for a more just future for all.

Our vision is to cultivate generations of innovators and problem solvers for local and global impact.

  • 280 hours of paid hands-on leadership development experiences for young adults

  • 150 youth exposed to interdisciplinary STEAMED lessons in immersive, science-based camps

  • 48 youth engaged in hands-on learning alongside corporate partners in architecture, engineering, and construction

  • 1000+ youth developed curiosity about science, engineering, and urban design at ELSO events

Who We Serve

Our programs reach youth from all across the Portland Metro Area and beyond. We worked with youth from over 60 schools during the 2025-2026 school year. View the map to find out where our participants come from.

Meet the Founders

Founded by Sprinavasa Turner (left) & Kellianne Richardson, PhD (right), ELSO's mission is to catalyze learning and expand access to positive career outcomes for a more just future for all.

“As a mother, community builder, educator, and co-founder, my vision is future focused. My wildest dreams are to follow in my ancestors footsteps; to hustle and build limitless resources for Black and Brown children and their futures, to continue our legacy of untameable pride, self determination, and power.”
— Sprinavasa Turner | sprinavasa@campelso.org

Sprinavasa B. Turner

Co-Founder & Executive Director

“My work with ELSO is very fulfilling. Every year we find deeper, more meaningful ways to grow our impact and I am thrilled at how responsive our programming has been able to be. ELSO has been an outlet for me to create the world I want to live in.”
— Kellianne Richardson PhD. | kellianne@campelso.org

Kellianne Richardson PhD

Co-Founder & Head of Operations

  • Angel Hall

    PROGRAM
    ASSISTANT

  • Diego Inzunza

    PROGRAM
    ASSISTANT

  • Divine Niyungeko

    STORYTELLING AND
    COMMUNICATIONS COORDINATOR

  • Erica Williams

    DIRECTOR OF
    DEVELOPMENT

  • Ericka Harrison

    ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR
    PROGRAM OPERATIONS

  • Erin Cathcart

    DIRECTOR OF
    CONSULTING SERVICES

  • Kenneth Turner

    PROGRAM DIRECTOR
    ELSO

  • Lea Trefsgar

    DIRECTOR OF
    ADMINISTRATION

  • Liza Dadoly

    COMMUNICATIONS
    MANAGER

  • Patrice Green

    OPERATIONS
    ASSISTANT

  • Shannon Crowner-Jones

    WORKFORCE PROGRAM
    DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR

We’re Growing!

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