Trustee Highlight: Elian Hurtado

We sat down with Board member Elian Hurtado Jarve to find out about her interests, background and what she loves most about Tulsa.

Elian is founder of Galera Business Consulting. As a Venezuelan immigrant living in Tulsa for the past 26 years, she has been a fervent supporter of Tulsa and its Latino entrepreneurs. In 2020, she  was appointed as a trustee of the Tulsa Authority for Economic Opportunity (now  PartnerTulsa), and has served on a number of Boards across Tulsa, including Tulsa Global District, College Bound Academy, Coalition of Hispanic Organizations, Growing Together, YMCA of Greater Tulsa, and La Cosecha, and was the Commissioner of Economic Empowerment for the City of Tulsa. During the pandemic, Elian aided more than 75 undocumented Tulsa business owners by helping them access support funds they needed to stay afloat.  She was also  named a 2022 Pinnacle Award Winner by the Mayor’s Commission on the Status of Women.  

Q: Why do you serve on the PartnerTulsa board?

I believe it is important to represent my community, and to share a different point of view.  PartnerTulsa shares my vision in creating opportunities for all.

Q: What current PartnerTulsa project are you most excited about?

I am excited about developments in East Tulsa and the expansion of the PartnerTulsa team to include bilingual staff members. As an advocate for programs and resources for the Hispanic community, I am excited to see Tulsa embrace inclusive outreach.

Q: What is your vision for Tulsa?

I want Tulsa to be a city where resources and opportunities continue to be available for everyone, and a place where small businesses and local entrepreneurs – regardless of their race or economic background – can find full support from government agencies, nonprofit organizations and local initiatives.  Tulsa is a welcoming city, and we must continue to celebrate our differences and promote diversity and inclusion.