Elena Lavarreda

Elena Lavarreda is an experienced professional with a strong background in political organizing, policy analysis, and leadership within various organizations. Currently serving as Chair of the Board of Directors at the Prison Policy Initiative since January 2020, Elena also holds the position of NJ Political Director at 32BJ SEIU, where involvement spans from September 2014. Previous roles include Board Member at the New York Abortion Access Fund and Research Fellow at the New York Hotel Trades Council. Elena has academic credentials from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, where a Master of Arts in Gender and Women's Studies was obtained, and Smith College, where a Bachelor of Arts in the Program for the Study of Women and Gender was earned. Early work experiences include positions at Voces de la Frontera, Arise for Social Justice, and UNITE HERE, among others.