East Tulsa
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- 2,925clients have received services from six co-located nonprofits in east Tulsa's new micro-community resource center.
- 75+small businesses have gained access to capital, technical assistance and mentorship opportunities through Elevate East.
- 14%of 25+ year old east Tulsa residents have a bachelor’s education or higher, compared to 33% in Tulsa County.
Building a neighborhood for everyone
Home to a rich blend of cultures, east Tulsa is the city's fastest-growing community, driving economic and social vibrancy.
A community that welcomes all walks of life
Over 80 languages are spoken and 25 countries are represented by Global District residents. The neighborhood is home to people from all around the world seeking a welcoming place to settle in the Heartland.
Our approach
GKFF's Elevate East is a collaborative community and public-private initiative that provides families with resources and opportunities while preserving and enhancing east Tulsa’s cultural assets and commercial corridors.
By funding comprehensive programs and services that enhance education, housing, health and economic opportunities for the community, Elevate East supports Tulsans with the resources they need to succeed.
Learn more about Elevate East Tulsa on their website.
What we support
Our focus areas:
- Postsecondary: Reaching key educational milestones, providing our kids with a path toward opportunity.
- Placekeeping: Living in safe, healthy neighborhoods with vibrant spaces and revitalized places.
- Prosperity: Building wealth, assets and financial independence through great jobs, homeownership and community-wealth building.
By 2030, Elevate East will:
- Increase access to postsecondary opportunity opportunities within the East Central and Tulsa Honor Academy feeder pattern.
- Ensure families live in a thriving and healthy neighborhood by investing in place-keeping and beautification.
- Build community wealth through economic development, civic engagement and innovative practices.
Elevate East is working collaboratively with community members to create opportunities for families to thrive."
Neighborhood programs we support
Our Team
Cynthia Jasso
BioCynthia Jasso
Senior Program Officer
Cynthia Jasso Burke is a senior program officer at GKFF who leads the foundation's Elevate East initiative, a comprehensive neighborhood development strategy seeking to expand pathways to economic prosperity in strategic east Tulsa neighborhoods. She joined GKFF in 2020 after spending time in education, first as an educator and then moving into leadership roles at Teach For America, where she led the region's fundraising and communications efforts. Jasso Burke has been recognized for her volunteerism and service by the Tulsa World, Association of Fundraising Professionals and Oklahoma Hispanic Institute. She is the proud daughter of Mexican immigrants and a first-generation college graduate from UCLA. She is a mom, wife and an avid K-Drama fan.
