Karissa Ellis brings her expertise in spreadsheets and love of analyzing details to her role as Elevate’s Research and Data Coordinator. In her position, Karissa researches economics, housing, and community trends to support community development programming and initiatives.

She hopes to be a community resource with a goal of making data more accessible and usable.

She recently graduated from Black Hills State University, double majoring in Sociology and Human Services, and double minoring in Psychology and Political Science. She is currently earning her master’s degree in Community Development from South Dakota State University.

Born and raised in Rapid City, Karrisa said she is rooted to the area and loves being part of the sustainable growth of her hometown.

In her spare time, Karissa is outdoors perfecting her foraging skills. She enjoys learning about and identifying the diverse local plant and mushroom species in the Black Hills and Plains.