Elva Griffin

Elva Griffin’s desire to bridge barriers and create meaningful connections has made her an integral part of Horizon Group’s afterschool team.

A California native, Elva was hired by Des Moines Public Schools, where she spent more than 10 years in Iowa’s largest public school district as a specialist for the before and after school program. She acquired skills in management systems, out-of-school-time programming, and served as an interpreter for Spanish-speaking families district-wide. As a first-generation Latina, she is passionate about creating accessibility to non-native speakers and understands the need to ensure every voice is heard.

At Horizon Group, Elva plays a pivotal role on the afterschool team, serving as a Program Manager and STEM Coordinator for the Iowa Afterschool Alliance. Her tireless dedication to promoting accessible educational experiences makes her a champion for the future of Iowa’s youth.

Elva lives in Ankeny with her husband, Aaron, and her cats Oso, Rex, and Lue. In her free time, she can be found lifting weights, traveling, and spending time with her family.