Press & Conversations

Turning digital skills into economic opportunity

Ignite Business Insider / Joseph Haecker

In this founder interview, Elias discusses TechStart's mission, his early work building websites, and the role of digital skills in creating income and community opportunity.

Our mission revolves around empowering individuals to leverage technology as a means to create happiness, financial independence, and community well-being.

Belonging, contribution, and community

FOX5 Las Vegas / KVVU

In a February 2025 FOX5 interview, Elias reflected on belonging in the United States and the relationship between community contribution and immigration uncertainty.

Whether America sees it that way or not, I feel as American as anybody else, you know, my community recognizes me as an American

An immigrant perspective on family and community

The Nevada Independent

The Nevada Independent featured Elias in reporting on immigration uncertainty after the 2024 election, connecting his account of family separation with his entrepreneurial work and community life.

I haven't seen my own parents in five years,

A founder's journey across education and entrepreneurship

Business Matters Podcast

On Business Matters, Laura Nowlan interviewed Elias about his background, educational experiences, and entrepreneurial development as the owner of TechStart.

A community resource for veteran entrepreneurs

8 News Now / KLAS

8 News Now covered the Veterans Entrepreneurial Library at Nevada Partners. Elias discussed creating a welcoming place where veterans could contribute their experience, collaborate, and mentor young people.

create a safe space for veterans to come and contribute their talents to our space and connect and mentor youth

Creating connections for startup founders

Alter New Media

A partner recap documents a Women of Global Change workshop and Promise Startups pitch practice at Nevada Partners. It credits Elias and GEW Vegas with helping connect the event to its judges.

Digital skills and a connected business community

Arab American Chamber of Commerce — Las Vegas / Apple Podcasts

Elias joins Maui Sanadiki to introduce the Arab American Chamber's business podcast and discuss membership, networking, cybersecurity, and digital marketing.

Building opportunity with veteran entrepreneurs

Alter New Media

A Freedom Week partner recap identifies Elias as a facilitator of the Veteran Entrepreneur Library event at Nevada Partners, connecting veteran entrepreneurship, community resources, and opportunities to share experience.

Hosting a conversation about immigration and advocacy

Arab American Chamber of Commerce — Las Vegas / Entrepreneurs News Network

Elias and Maui Sanadiki co-hosted a conversation with attorney Michael Shamoon about immigration experiences, legal advocacy, and Arab American community participation.

A new place to learn, work, and build

EveryoneOn

EveryoneOn announced a computer lab and coworking space at Nevada Partners, supported by Visa and Alliant Credit Union, to expand access to computers and digital skills in Las Vegas's Historic Westside.

Community Access Lab expands digital opportunity

PR Newswire

An Alliant Credit Union announcement documents the Community Access Lab at Nevada Partners, connecting computer access, digital and financial literacy, and small-business opportunity. The release identifies Elias as the computer lab host.

Bringing small-business voices into public conversation

Alter New Media

Elias joined a small-business advocacy panel as a Nevada Partners representative. The event recap also recognizes his contribution to Global Entrepreneurship Week's live video and podcast work.

Documenting the people behind local entrepreneurship

Alter New Media

Global Entrepreneurship Week partner coverage identifies Elias as an opening speaker and interviewer, helping bring local founders' experiences into the event's public conversations and media coverage.

Building a coalition for more equitable homeownership

The Nevada Independent

The Nevada Independent examined the Coalition to Make Homes Possible and its effort to address the Black homeownership gap. Elias discussed Homie's reflection on racial equity and its contribution of expertise and relationships.

We took a moment to really evaluate ourselves and our role in racial equality in America,

A public conversation about the homeownership gap

Vegas PBS / Nevada Week

On Vegas PBS's Nevada Week, Elias joined a panel on racial disparities in homeownership, family wealth, and practical ways to connect prospective buyers with education and assistance.

You know, whether you know it or not, you are investing in homeownership. It's just not your home you're investing in.

Homie recognized for its place in the community

Vegas Chamber

The Vegas Chamber named Homie its Emerging Business of the Year and quoted Elias, then Social Impact Manager, on the company's relationships with the Southern Nevada community.

We are so grateful to be received with open arms by the community,

Understanding the barriers facing first-time buyers

Las Vegas Review-Journal

In Review-Journal reporting on Las Vegas's competitive housing market, Elias explained challenges facing first-time buyers without existing home equity and pointed to the importance of education and assistance.

First-time homebuyers generally don't have those options,

Helping buyers find a path through a difficult market

KNPR / Nevada Public Radio

In a KNPR housing discussion, Elias emphasized the value of education, down-payment assistance, and coalition resources for people who felt homeownership was beyond their reach.

People who think the real estate market is stacked against them should know that there are resources available to help them.

Connecting Las Vegas residents with homeownership resources

KTNV Channel 13

KTNV interviewed Elias and Nevada Partners' Ela Garcia about Make Homes Possible, including homebuyer education, financial preparation, and access to assistance. Elias discussed the coalition's Black homeownership focus and resources available to the wider community.

But all of the resources are available for everyone,

Homeownership, family stability, and shared opportunity

KNPR / Nevada Public Radio

Elias joined Southern Nevada community leaders on KNPR to discuss the Black homeownership gap, barriers facing prospective buyers, and the coalition's work connecting households with relevant resources.

For most Americans, your home is your biggest bedrock,

Launching the Coalition to Make Homes Possible

PR Newswire

Homie announced a coalition bringing housing organizations, nonprofits, public agencies, and real estate professionals together around Black homeownership in Southern Nevada. Elias spoke about the value of the community partnership.

That is why we are honored and grateful to help create this much-needed community partnership.

Early recognition for youth technology education

VEGAS INC

VEGAS INC listed Elias, founder of Tech Start for Kids, among the nominees for its 2016 Top Tech Exec Awards.

Student advocacy in the debate over university fundraising

Las Vegas Review-Journal

Review-Journal coverage documented the UNLV Foundation's rationale for a speaking fee and student leaders' request that some or all of it be returned. Elias appeared as student body president and a co-signer of the request.

Student reaction to university spending

CBS News

Coverage of Clinton's response to student concerns over a university speaking fee.

The students are outraged about this,

University accountability

The Washington Post

National coverage of the debate over university speaking fees amid student austerity and tuition increases.

When you see reckless spending, it just belittles the sacrifices students are consistently asked to make.

Student leaders call for accountability

Business Insider

Business Insider covered Elias and Daniel Waqar's request that Hillary Clinton return some or all of a university speaking fee.

When we heard $225,000, we weren't so thrilled,

Student advocacy reaches a national audience

CNN

CNN's Erin Burnett OutFront aired a clip of Elias discussing shared responsibility for education funding during the debate over a university speaking fee.

And it's time for private entities to come back to the table as well.

Clarifying the student case for responsible spending

Washington Examiner / Red Alert Politics

Washington Examiner coverage of the Ralston Reports interview included Elias's distinction between foundation donations and student funds, alongside his argument for using university resources responsibly.

It's not coming from student funds directly, it's coming from the foundation.

Advocating for affordable higher education

Las Vegas Sun

As UNLV student body president, Elias challenged the burden of a proposed tuition increase on students and families. Las Vegas Sun reporting connected his advocacy with his own experience paying for college.

Moving toward a Tier-1 university is a great aspiration, but you can't do it on the backs of students,