Elena brings more than three decades of commitment to RiseBoro and the communities it serves, guided by a deep belief in the power of community and individual agency. Passionate about working with people—especially young people—she dedicated her undergraduate and graduate studies to understanding systems of social change and how they can be designed and sustained to create meaningful impact. When she was introduced to RiseBoro, she immediately recognized it as the place where she could put those principles into action.

Born and raised in Brooklyn, Elena knows the power of community. Her work is grounded in dignity and a commitment to meeting people where they are, while standing alongside them as they navigate challenges and move toward the next step in their journey. With a team of exceptional individuals, she leads a Division that designs, implements, and evaluates programs providing critical social, emotional, cognitive, cultural, vocational, and mental health supports to thousands of youth, young adults, and adults each year. She works closely with cross-functional teams, government partners, funders, and community stakeholders to ensure high-quality programming that is responsive, accountable, and mission-driven. 

Currently, Elena oversees nearly 50 government and private contracts, ensuring strong implementation, compliance, and program quality across the division. Through her leadership, she continues to advance RiseBoro’s mission and build systems that promote sustainability, accountability, and measurable outcomes. With deep experience in program development, operations, and strategic planning, Elena remains driven by the belief that people thrive when given consistent support, meaningful opportunities, and a voice in shaping their futures.