Matt is a New Orleans native with a lifelong love for all NOLA sports. After graduating from Ben Franklin High School, he went on to the University of Colorado-Boulder where he finished with a degree in Political Science. Matt then embarked on a five-year teaching career, including three years in New Orleans where he earned his teaching certification through the TeachNOLA fellowship program. Prior to joining Elevate, Matt worked as a fundraiser for IU-Health Positive Link, an HIV service provider while earning a Master of Public Affairs degree in Nonprofit Management. During this time, he also served a fellowship with CCS Fundraising, a leading nonprofit consulting firm in Chicago. Matt is excited to return home to use his experience and education to improve the lives of youth in New Orleans.

A native of Atlanta, Reverend Irvin L. Bell and his wife Sarah relocated to New Orleans immediately after their wedding in 2006 to serve the Gulf Coast in recovery efforts. He served for five years as a site coordinator and city director for two year-long volunteer programs upon moving to New Orleans. Rev. Bell’s passion for urban communities has led him to serve on numerous boards and community organizations, including as Chair of the Board for the Health and Education Alliance of Louisiana Board and as a board member of Morris Jeff Community School where he created the Community Engagement and Communications Committee. Bell founded and was the Executive Director of the Abundance of Desire Community Wellness, a nonprofit organization focused on holistically improving the lives of the underserved through the tenets of health, education, and spirituality. Irvin and his wife Sarah are the proud parents of Ruby, Anderson, and Olivia.