Barr Fellows

Elena Letona, Ph.D.

Director of Philanthropy, Learning, and Evaluation, Episcopal City Mission

Elena serves as the Director of Philanthropy, Learning, and Evaluation at Episcopal City Mission a racial and economic justice organization that convenes, mobilizes, and develops leaders in Episcopal communities, grassroots organizations, and faith-rooted organizations.

Between 1999 and 2008, Elena directed Centro Presente, an immigrant rights organization in the Greater Boston area. During her tenure, she led a change process that transformed Centro Presente into a member driven organization. Elena’s was serving as Executive Director when she was selected to be part of the Barr Foundation’s inaugural class of Fellows in 2005.

Elena was born in El Salvador. She attended Oberlin College-Conservatory where she earned a Bachelor’s degree in piano performance and music history, and the University of Massachusetts Boston where she earned a Ph.D. in public policy.

She has 30 years of experience working and serving the nonprofit sector as volunteer, organizer, activist, teacher, director, and consultant.