Elena had more than two decades of experiences working in the global financial services industry. As an econometrician in her first job, she developed predictive modeling to launch new products at American Express, with increasing responsibilities as Director of International Operations and Vice President of Information Management responsible for customer service, process improvement, and business analytics.
Driven by her passion to make a difference in the lives of future generations and her passion in financial and economic literacy, students, and teachers, Elena joined the Arizona Council on Economic Education (ACEE). As a daughter of parents who were both high school teachers, Elena is committed to empowering and preparing teachers to bring a world class education to their students. Elena has a Master’s Degree in Economics from Columbia University and Double Bachelor’s degrees in Economics and Math from Wellesley College. She is a graduate fellow of Lodestar American Express Leadership Academy Class VII, Valley Leadership Class 40 and Aspen Institute. She is a former Certified Financial PlannerTM, and taught financial planning and economics at universities. Elena was selected as one of three recipients nationwide for the Charles Schwab Local Hero award.
Elena is very passionate about education, professional development, economic empowerment, and international exchange, having served on the boards of Global Economic Education Alliance, Organization for Nonprofit Executives, National Association of Economic Educators, Phi Beta Kappa of Greater Phoenix, and Chinese Chamber of Commerce of Arizona. Elena has represented the City of Phoenix multiple times for cultural, education, tourism, and business exchange internationally.
