Hailing from Chicago, Lena has grown strong roots in the education system through her time working in schools in the heart of Chicago’s west side. In her seven years of programming and development work, she ensured funding for, and led the implementation of, opportunities for students including mentorship programs, internships, and guest teaching drop-ins. Working in partnership with teachers, donors, funders, and sponsors, Lena cultivated a network of support for these programs to ensure their continued success after initiation.
After earning her Masters degree in Social Work, Lena moved into the alternative and therapeutic school settings, where she worked to lead individual and group therapy through mindfulness, writing, art, and discussion to promote self reflection and mental health skills building. An enthusiastic believer in education as a vehicle for change and youth empowerment as a requirement for effective community growth, Lena has worked with each of her schools to examine the systemic barriers her students face and has sat on committees for Restorative Justice, Culturally-Responsive Classrooms, and Trauma-Informed practice.
After gaining critical clinical insights, Lena is excited to be back on the administrative side of things, serving in the Grants and Impact role with Deep to support the expanding and lasting impact that an investment in youth and community development can have.
When she isn’t in the heart of a grant portal, Lena can be found tackling her stack of to-be-read books, scouring a flea market, or hunched over her studio table with clay in hand.