Alena is a seasoned communications strategist with extensive experience in political, advocacy, and non-profit communications. She specializes in communicating about generative AI and the societal impacts of emerging technology, including by helping elevate the voices of impacted communities in tech policy.

Before joining Evergreen, Alena served as senior communications advisor to Governor Ralph Northam of Virginia, for whom she developed messaging and advanced media strategies to secure historic victories on issues including criminal justice reform, gun safety, and voting rights. She previously led communications efforts for NARAL Pro-Choice Virginia and has consulted for organizations including the San Francisco Public Defender's Office and California Policy Lab.

Alena enjoys second-hand bookstores, reality television, and convincing everyone to move to Richmond, Virginia. She has a Master of Public Policy degree.