Elena Castanon,
Community Engagement Manager

Having lived and worked internationally in France, Spain, and Venezuela, Elena Castanon understands the nuances of developing meaningful connections across cultures. Elena is passionate about creating community, and for the past 15 years, Elena has utilized her expert language and interpersonal skills to foster deep connections with the Bay Area Latinx community and their organizations. From consulting on impactful, creative marketing strategies for the Consulate of Mexico to facilitating community meetings on housing affordability, Elena has helped clients effectively engage Spanish speakers at the local, regional, statewide, and international levels. 
 
Elena is a skilled researcher and Spanish-language focus group moderator who has gathered deep and meaningful insights across the diverse Latinx community. Most recently, she conducted a series of interviews with community leaders to ensure community priorities remain at the forefront of the Port of San Francisco’s Waterfront Resilience Program.

Elena has a BA in Modern Languages and Business Management from the British Open University. She is fluent in Spanish, French, and English. In her free time, if Elena is not off taking photos of her globe-trotting adventures, you can find her at home cooking and entertaining friends and family.