Keyne and Kirsten Monson, Elevita Cofounders
Kirsten grew up wanting to travel the world and help the people in it. After marrying an international businessman, her dreams came true. Keyne took Kirsten on a business trip to India 2010, where she witnessed astounding poverty -- even among skilled artisans -- and conceived an idea to do something about it. Within months Keyne and Kirsten had established a volunteer team, secured nonprofit status, and built a website to help artisans in developing countries find a greater international market for their wares. Elevita has been an extremely fulfilling project, and the Monsons are grateful to all who have helped along the way. After living abroad for several years, Keyne and Kirsten have settled in Highland, Utah, where they are happily raising their seven children -- some of the best Elevita volunteers! Keyne and Kirsten both have a BS in Statistics from Brigham Young University, where they met, and Keyne holds an MBA from Harvard Business School. He continues to work in International Business Development for medical device companies.
Shelley Hammond Hoffmire, Cofounder
Shelley Hoffmire has over 20 years of experience working with business and non-profit organizations in corporate communication, strategic planning, fundraising, grant writing, event planning, and administration. Her positions have included Development Director, KBYU-TV and FM public broadcasting station; Corporate Communications Director, Boston Stock Exchange; Board Member, Mmofra Trom Education Center in Ghana; and independent consultant in grant writing, strategic planning, and fundraising for several non-profit organizations. Shelley holds a Masters in Administration and Policy Analysis from Stanford University. She lives with her husband in Oxford, U.K.
Malia Littlefield, Designer
Malia is a photographer and graphic designer originally from Hawaii. Now she resides in Utah with her husband and two sons. She has a BS in Business Management from UVU. Malia loves to travel and eat! She is constantly trying to learn a new art or improve a creative skill. She designs Elevita's artisan cards and helps with consistent brand imaging across Elevita's social media outlets.
Cami Larsen Bruschke, Boutique Specialist
Cami has a BA degree in Social work from Brigham Young University and is currently working on a Masters of Social work from the University of New England. The study of culture and the resilience and strength people find from within to overcome hardship has been a focus of her study. Her passion for travel, books, and food was fueled while spending three years living in Singapore with her family. Cami has actively volunteered with several international charity organizations and local youth organizations for the past 20 years. She has five children and currently lives in the Bay Area of California.
Lorraine Branham, Advisor
Lorraine recently moved to Midway, UT, from the Chicago IL area, where she was a private voice instructor, freelance vocalist, and member of the Chicago Symphony Chorus. Lorraine has performed in concert and on stage with professional and community theater and opera companies in Indiana, Utah, North Carolina, and Illinois. She holds a Bachelor of Music degree from BYU and a Master of Music in vocal performance from the Indiana University Graduate School of Music.She is married to Gunther Branham and they have four children and three grandchildren.
