Who We Are
Elaine Gurule
Board President
Elaine is the founding Board President of the Small Town Project, where she oversees our mission of improving the quality of life in her small town of Rocky Ford, Colorado. She is a local Realtor® and Title Agent with Otero County Title and has a first-hand view of how big of an impact distressed properties have on home values. Elaine's commitment to improving the lives of residents in the Rocky Ford community developed from a background in early childhood education where her passion for seeing young children learn and flourish now finds purpose in seeing her community revived and flourishing. Seeing a great need in our community for a group of small giants to give the town the care and attention it deserves, Elaine co-founded the Small Town Project with a passion for nurturing the community.
Elaine along with her husband and children live on Washington Avenue in Rocky Ford.
Elaine Gurule
Board President
Adrienne Encinias
Board Director
Adrienne is a 2002 Rocky Ford High School graduate, healthcare worker, and committed community member. She has been involved in numerous school and community groups and is passionate about promoting programs for our youth and at-risk populations.
Adrienne lives with her husband and children on South 2nd Street in Rocky Ford.
Adrienne Encinias
Board Director
Nevaeh Chavez
Youth Board Director
Nevaeh is a Rocky Ford High School Student (Class of 2022) and our very first Youth Board Member. Her biggest strength is her enthusiasm, and she is passionate about lifting up the people around her. Her understanding of the importance of community involvement comes from her family and grandma, and she is committed to doing her part in leading positive improvements in the community that will make it a better place for kids, teenagers, and families.
Nevaeh lives with her family in Rocky Ford.
Nevaeh Chavez
Youth Board Director
Soraya Shiranlou
Board Director
Soraya Shiranlou
Board Director
Soraya is a 2006 Rocky Ford High School graduate with a Master's of Business Administration degree from the Colorado State University-Pueblo. She is also the founder of a well-known digital marketing company, Modern Media Marketing.
Soraya lives with her fiance, Sam, and two dogs on Spruce Street in Rocky Ford.