Jerry Peterson (JP)

Jerry “JP” Peterson
Founder, Executive Director & President

Jerry “JP” Peterson is the Founder, Executive Director, and President of Elevate Unity, Inc., where he leads the organization’s mission to build stronger communities through music, arts, education, and inclusive programming. A lifelong event producer and entertainment professional, he is the owner of Soundstage Events, LLC, specializing in concert talent procurement, event marketing, promotions, and production.

JP has served in leadership roles with the Alberta Abbey Foundation, including Executive Board Member, Community Outreach and Programming, Talent Buyer, and Event Coordinator. He has also worked as a Talent Buyer and promoter for the Jack London Revue.

Raised in Portland’s historic Eliot neighborhood, JP witnessed firsthand the impacts of neighborhood change and gentrification. His passion for music and community inspired him to establish Elevate Unity during the COVID-19 pandemic to promote inclusion, celebrate diversity, and encourage meaningful dialogue that brings people together through shared experiences and positive community engagement.

Board Secretary

Monica Weitzel is a retired nonprofit executive with extensive experience in human resources, organizational leadership, and community engagement. She previously served as Director of People & Culture at MetroEast Community Media, where she led Human Resources, Community Outreach, and nonprofit partnerships while serving on the organization’s leadership team. She also co-produced and hosted a weekly television program highlighting the work of nonprofits, schools, and government agencies serving the community.

Throughout her career, Monica has held leadership positions in both the nonprofit and private sectors, including Human Resources Manager, Foster Care Coordinator, and small business owner. A lifelong Portland resident, she has dedicated countless hours to volunteer leadership, serving on numerous nonprofit boards and committees focused on education, youth development, community service, and charitable outreach.

As Board Secretary for Elevate Unity, Monica brings a wealth of expertise in nonprofit governance, strategic leadership, community partnerships, and organizational development, helping advance the organization’s mission of building stronger, more inclusive communities.

Bradford C. Bleidt, MBA

Treasurer 

Bradford (Brad) was born and raised in the mid-Atlantic, and most of his 30 years of professional business management experience focused on the financial service industry in Boston, MA. Brad received his MBA (emphasis on non-profit management) from the University of Massachusetts in 2017. He moved to Portland, OR, in late 2017 and began a non-profit business consulting firm.

He is currently the Director of Operations and Development at Restoration House, Inc., a well-established organization providing supportive housing. He serves as the Music Director at Our Lady of Victory Catholic Church in Seaside, OR. Brad is also the Treasurer for two other nonprofits, Elevate Unity, Inc., and North Coast Products, Inc., both 501(c) (3) registered organizations.

Brad’s professional and creative focus embodies four disciplines: business development, music, visual arts, and literary expression. All represent the focal points of his creative development and are uniquely interwoven to produce abstractions based on his life’s experiences, education, and previous solutions. A musical performance, a painting, a business consultation, and a written creation are all born out of equal passion, and the mosaic of their interaction depicts humanity and a wide range of spiritual and ethical expressions.

Brad brings substantial business management and regulatory expertise along with a creative passion to guide and support nonprofit ventures.

Mary H. Ponce is a seasoned event management professional with more than 40 years of experience producing large-scale community events, trade shows, and nonprofit fundraising initiatives. As an independent Special Events Coordinator, she provides comprehensive event planning and production services, including logistics, vendor coordination, permitting, budgeting, sponsorship development, and on-site event management.

Throughout her career, Mary has worked with a diverse range of organizations, including Elevate Unity, Soundstage Events, Muse Media Collective, the Benson Hotel, Portland Rose Festival Association, Delta Airlines, and the Portland Trail Blazers. Her previous leadership roles include Claims Manager and Legal Liaison for Butler Amusements, where she specialized in risk management and corporate compliance, as well as owner of Infinity Events, Inc.

As a member of the Board of Directors of Elevate Unity, Mary contributes her extensive expertise in event production, strategic planning, organizational operations, and community engagement to advance the organization’s mission and strengthen its impact throughout the community.

Rev. Derrial K. Peterson is an experienced pastor, nonprofit leader, and community advocate with decades of ministry and leadership service. He formerly served as Executive Pastor of St. Paul Missionary Baptist Church in Portland, Oregon, and as President of the Associate Ministers Auxiliary of the General Baptist Convention of the Pacific Northwest. His pastoral leadership also includes service at True Vine Missionary Baptist Church and Lighthouse Christian Community Church.

Rev. Peterson holds a Bachelor of Arts in Theology and Christian Leadership, a Bachelor of Divinity, and a Master of Divinity (M.Div.) from Multnomah Bible University and Seminary. As a member of the Board of Directors of Elevate Unity, he brings a strong commitment to collaborative leadership, community engagement, and advancing the organization’s mission through service, inclusion, and faith-inspired leadership.

Brika deTar is a community liaison, nonprofit leader, and performing artist dedicated to strengthening communities through collaboration, service, and opportunity. For more than seven years, she has focused on building meaningful relationships across diverse communities while bringing together people of all races, faiths, and backgrounds.

Brika previously served as Community Event Coordinator at Alberta Abbey, where she connected businesses, artists, musicians, and community organizations by creating accessible spaces for performances, festivals, educational programs, and community events. She also served as Executive Assistant to Alberta Abbey’s former Board President, J. Peterson.

As the founder and Executive Director of Operation Rescue Faith (ORF), Brika leads a nonprofit organization providing trauma-informed support for individuals and families experiencing displacement. Through initiatives including Cultures Circle, Chefs Edge, and Soul Food Coalition, ORF promotes youth development, workforce training, food security, community outreach, and pathways to long-term self-sufficiency. Brika is also an accomplished performing artist and mentors youth through music, theater, and culinary arts, reflecting her lifelong commitment to empowering others and strengthening the communities she serves.