Who We Are

Explore the core of what makes Elevate Programs International

What is Elevate

Elevate Programs International, a pioneering social enterprise, emerged from a shared vision to enhance collective progress towards global equity. Built on a network of prominent industry leaders, subject matter experts, and facilitators, Elevate engages with stakeholders across sectors to foster collaboration. Founded on the principle of two-way knowledge exchange, Elevate co-designs and facilitates immersive humanitarian programs and cultivates leadership growth through our professional development opportunities. Elevate’s advisory arm supports organisations with a shared vision through comprehensive services for humanitarian program planning and execution. This full-circle approach underscores our commitment to empowering individuals, organizations, and communities alike.

Our Origin

Born from a keen awareness of the stark divide between theory and industry practice in the humanitarian sector, Elevate was forged from a shared passion for equity and justice, coupled with a profound appreciation for the catalysing power of education’s multiplier effect.

Our Vision

A world where greater two-way humanitarian knowledge exchange enhances our collective progress towards equity.

Our Mission

To advance community empowerment and guide international best practice through the facilitation and co-design of humanitarian education and development programs.

Our Impact

Exchange: Return wealth to disadvantaged communities through profit sharing and targeted cooperation.

Enable: Lower the barrier to entry for humanitarian organisations looking to operate in challenging or remote environments through expert advisory services.

Educate: Build the skills, knowledge and consciousness of multi-disciplinary professionals through in-country programs to elevate humanitarian best practice globally.

Empower: Amplify the voices and perspectives of in-country stakeholders through sustained partnerships to fuel community empowerment.

Our Values

Respect and Humility: We first understand our place in global, ecological, and community contexts before we engage in our work.

Integrity and Equity: We live and practice resolute ethical principles and always embed a justice-based approach in what we do.

Connection and Collaboration: We foster long-lasting connections between people, communities, and places through sustained and inclusive collaboration.

Empowerment and Localisation: We enhance individual and community agency through reciprocal knowledge-sharing.

Our Network

At Elevate, we’re dedicated to providing a platform that connects passionate and skilled professionals from diverse sectors. Our approach focuses on forging connections, fostering collaborations, and expanding our network and partnerships to promote the adoption of best practices in humanitarian sectors. We prioritise ongoing learning, adaptation, and evolution to effectively address 21st century challenges.

The Elevate Community is comprised of like-minded individuals, communities, and organisations committed to learning from each other. Through collaboration, knowledge-sharing, and the exchange of best practices, we strive to advance humanitarian programming, assistance, and development efforts

Click here to see the Elevate Network or read more about the Elevate Approach!

Elevate Network
The Elevate Approach

Matt Dorfstaetter

About

Matt Dorfstaetter, Managing Director of Elevate, brings extensive experience as a senior executive and board director in the humanitarian sector. With a proven track record of driving impactful change and fostering resilience, Matt has effectively managed multi-million dollar budgets and led large, dispersed workforces to successful outcomes. He leverages his expertise to forge strategic partnerships and implement innovative solutions to 21st-century humanitarian challenges. As the co-founder of Freedom in Disasters in 2021 and Elevate in 2023, Matt demonstrates entrepreneurial spirit and visionary leadership, solidifying his reputation as a recognized leader in the humanitarian sector.

Raman Law

About

Raman Law is part of the Elevate Core Team as Finance lead, managing the organization’s financial operations. He is passionate about the equitable access to education and explores funding and sponsorship opportunities for programs to allow for involvement by as many people as possible. He is currently pursuing his master’s in aerospace engineering. 

Advaita Nitturkar

About

Advaita Nitturkar is part of the Elevate Core Team as Programs Lead, where she explores global program opportunities, manages participant engagement, and liaises with stakeholders. She is currently studying environmental and humanitarian engineering and has professional experience across six countries. Driven by a deep commitment to positive change, Advaita is passionate about tackling the world’s most pressing challenges through an intersectional approach, striving to create sustainable and inclusive solutions that benefit both people and the planet.

Sarina Ulrich

About

Sarina Ulrich is part of the Elevate Core Team as Communications Lead. She focuses on building and managing partnerships, developing event concepts and oversees strategic communications. Driven by a desire to address critical global issues and work towards a more equitable future, she is currently completing a degree in Environmental and Humanitarian Engineering. Specifically, the nexus of climate change and food and water security, is where Sarina finds her passion.

Nicole Lott

About

Nicole Lott, is part of the Elevate Community of Practice, having been involved in the Humanitarian Innovation Seminar 2024. She is a Senior Leader in Government and Private Sectors, has a diverse background spanning disaster and emergency management, policing, corrections, and retail sectors. Her specialties include strategy development, risk transformation, and workplace investigations, driven by a commitment to fostering a more just and sustainable world.

Scott Daniel

About

Scott Daniel is part of the Elevate Community of Practice, having  been involved in the Humanitarian Innovation Seminar 2024, sharing his expertise in Humanitarian Design. Scott is a Senior Lecturer in Humanitarian Engineering at the University of Sydney. Formerly a high school mathematics and science teacher, he has since transitioned into international consultancy, working in 10 countries across 5 continents. His expertise encompasses humanitarian engineering education and practice and socio-technical thinking.

Caitlin Wyndham

About

Caitlin Wyndham is part of the Elevate Community of Practice and has been involved in the Humanitarian Innovation Seminar 2024, sharing her expertise in social justice advocacy and program management. Caitlin, a Senior Staff Member at Blue Dragon Children’s Foundation, brings 25 years of experience in non-profits across multiple countries, specializing in program design, grants management, and advising on evidence-based strategies for combating human trafficking.

Dimitrios Tzioutzios

About

Dimitrios Tzioutzios is part of the Elevate Community of Practice, having been involved in the Humanitarian Innovation Seminar 2024. He is a Postdoctoral Researcher at the Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU) focussing on disaster risk reduction, Natech accidents, risk communication, and participatory risk management processes, particularly in the context of technology acceptance and community perceptions in emergency safety systems.

Susan Henry

About

Susan Henry is part of the Elevate Community of Practice, having been involved in the Humanitarian Innovation Seminar 2024, sharing her expertise in emergency management with a focus on community resilience. With over two decades of experience from the Australian Emergency Management Institute, Susan excels in Emergency Risk Management, Planning, and enhancing Community Resilience.

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