MENACC is led by a full-time professional staff member who shapes the center’s vision, balancing the evolving needs of MENA students. The Assistant Director supervises the student staff, supports individual students, manages daily operations, organizes events and programs, collaborates with various campus departments, contributes to multiple committees, and carries out a range of additional responsibilities to enhance the center’s impact on campus
Professional Staff
Lena Ginawi
Assistant Director
Born and raised in South Burlington, Vermont, Lena has lived there her whole life. As she’s grown older, she’s learned to appreciate Vermont’s scenic hiking trails and its beautiful fall foliage—all of which she enjoys with the company of friends. Lena is the child of immigrants with her father from Egypt and her mom from Yemen. After earning her B.A. in Religion from the University of Vermont, she earned her M.Ed. in Higher Education and Student Affairs also from the University of Vermont. In graduate school, Lena served as a graduate assistant at the University of Vermont’s Mosaic Center for Students of Color, where her passion for serving Middle Eastern and North African (MENA) students and creating inclusive environments for all minoritized students solidified. During her time as the graduate assistant, Lena developed ethnically affirming programs for MENA students with the goal of increasing their visibility on campus and fostering a sense of belonging. In addition, Lena has worked at the Office of International Student Services at Champlain College, Residential Life and Conference Services at Fordham University, and the Center for Diversity, Empowerment and Community at Saint Michael’s College. Lena hopes to continue imagining and building more just and equitable environments for MENA students at Yale as Assistant Director of the MENA Cultural Community. Beyond her professional commitments, Lena loves spending time with her friends and family, watching sunsets and enjoying the outdoors!