Ilena Parker

Ilena is a strategic thought partner with nearly two decades of experience leading marketing and communications for purpose-driven organizations.

As Vice President, Strategy and Culture, she guides the team in doing creative, strategic and high-impact work, and drives results for clients across sectors and issues areas. She has led engagements for clients including New Profit, HP, Games for Change, Alight, Project CETI, MetLife, TIAA and 1Password.

Previously, Ilena spent 10 years in nonprofit communications, developing a deep understanding of the practice of storytelling for social impact. Among other things, she built community and outreach programs for New York University’s emerging technology center in the Brooklyn Navy Yard; led high-profile content and communications campaigns for the innovative education nonprofit Institute of Play; spearheaded a comprehensive rebrand for the technology education nonprofit Code Nation; managed content and digital marketing for innovation consulting firm Fahrenheit 212; and dabbled in live arts and entertainment at a theater marketing agency in London.

Ilena has a Bachelor’s degree in English from the University of Pennsylvania and a Master’s degree in English Literature from King’s College London. She is the co-chair of the Board of Directors of UnLocal, an organization providing free legal services and community education programs for undocumented communities in New York City.