Zarena M. Leblanc, MA

(She/Her)—Zarena Leblanc is the Training and Engagement Manager at ALSO. In this role, Zarena supports technical assistance efforts by creating content for trainings, researching and engaging with key consultants for trainings and supporting the programmatic and administrative activities associated with the Underserved Technical Assistance Grant. She also manages internal training for new staff and partners increasing agency capacity and is involved in growing ALSO’s niche area, the intersection between community violence and domestic violence. She is also a lead facilitator for ALSO’s Your Life is my Life Bystander Intervention Training.

Prior to her work at ALSO, Zarena taught English as a Second Language to migrant/immigrant professionals and youth for over 5 years. She also worked at various YMCA’s as an after school counselor, tutor and fitness instructor. Zarena received her Bachelor of Arts in Humanities from the University of South Florida and her Master of Arts in Latin American and Caribbean Studies from Florida International University. Her studies focused on representation of culture within Afro-Latin and Latin populations.

Zarena believes in relationship building as the foundation of meaningful interactions and positive change. She believes that connecting with others, no matter their background, and offering an ear, shoulder or hug to engage in deep connections is an unidentified form of public health. She asserts that when individuals are able to listen and connect on deeper levels with a variety of people, healing occurs. When Zarena is not working she teaches and attends dance fitness classes, spends time with her family, drinks copious amounts of tea and travels any chance she gets.