Team
Our team is committed to supporting social justice initiatives and uplifting people and communities across the United States
Shantel Suárez Ávila
she/her/ella
Founder & Principal Strategist
San Diego, CA
Shantel Suárez Ávila is the Founder and Principal Strategist of Más Allá, a values-driven fundraising consulting firm dedicated to advancing equity and justice. With over a decade of experience, Shantel has raised more than $50 million for women-led and Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC)-led organizations, beginning her career at Obama for America Headquarters in 2012. Guided by care, creativity, and commitment she partners with organizations to close funding gaps, resource with care, and reimagine philanthropy and the non-profit sector to empower communities to thrive. A proud co-steward of the Community-Centric Fundraising San Diego Chapter, Shantel is passionate about fostering bold, equitable systems that challenge the status quo.
Shantel is an alumna of DePaul University, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts in Public Policy, and holds certifications as a Project Management Professional (PMP) and Change Management Specialist. Originally from Chicago and now based in Escondido, California, Shantel draws inspiration from her Mexican immigrant roots and her love of community, nature, and connection. When she’s not strategizing for change, she enjoys yoga, gardening, and outdoor adventures with her dogs and husband. Connect with Shantel on LinkedIn.
María Reneé Morales
she/her/ella
Strategist
Austin, TX
María Reneé is a Latina, bilingual (Spanish and English) Social Worker, relationship builder, community advocate from Guatemala. She received her Bachelor's from St Edward’s University and Master's from the University of Houston. She has always been an organizer at heart and has worked with the Texas's community since she moved to the USA in 2013, specifically with the Latine community. She uses her cultural background, core values, experience, and education to advance causes for the freedom and equality of BIPOC communities. Maria Renee loves spending her time with her partner and 2 doggies! Connect with Maria Renee on LinkedIn.
Elisabet Barrios-Dugenia
she/they
Data & Curriculum Builder
Long Beach, CA
Elisabet Barrios-Dugenia is devoted to creating a more welcoming and interconnected world. Her intellectual work and life’s passion revolves around developing programs, events, and initiatives that foster a sense of belonging for people of all backgrounds. As a doctoral student in the Department of Sociology at UC Irvine, her research centers the impact of migration, race, economic background, and sexuality on social integration. During her time off, Elisabet likes to spend time at the beach catching sunrises and sunsets and exploring new terrains with her once-in-a-life-time adventure partner, Annasel. Connect with Elisa on LinkedIn.
Our Consultants & Advisors
The people that make our work extra magical
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Ariadna Ginez
Fundraiser, Ceramicist, Model & Photographer
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Tasha Magett
Project Management Expert
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Veronica Martinez
Queer Latina Artist & Illustrator
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Adria Márquez
Intersectional Agent of Change & Multicultural Strategist
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Patricia Mota
President & CEO, Advocate for Access & Equity, & Advisor
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Danielle Tutson
HR Expert & Entrepreneur
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Vanessa Valentin
Marketing & Comms Expert
Certifications
Aside from our track record and awesome fundraising/resource organizing skills, we have many abilities to enhance our work with you.
Project Management
Project Management Professional (PMP) through the Project Management Institute
Change Management
Change Management Specialist through the Management & Strategy Institute