Since 1998, Malena has worked as an advocate for the arts through non-profits and start-ups by extending her expertise across the fields of advertising, marketing, publishing and graphic design.
In 2005, she received a BFA in Graphic Design from FIT-SUNY. In 2007, she joined the staff of Jonathan LeVine Gallery working as their Media Relations Coordinator, and rose to become one of their longest-tenured Associate Directors through 2014, managing artist relationships, planning mural projects and exhibitions (including off-site art fairs and pop-up locations), overseeing the gallery's brand identity as well as building its social strategy.
From 2014—2021, Malena worked at Japan Society where she maintained a cohesive brand identity and covered a wide range of design needs across the institution as Manager of Graphic Design & Creative Strategy. In this role, she was responsible for design and production of print and digital materials for development and program areas, including exhibitions, performances and film screenings. Additionally, she provided team members with creative direction on content for web, email and social as well as video, animation and motion graphics.
From 2014—2017, Malena also served independently as Creative Director for Brooklyn-based soap brand, Local Lathers. In 2022, Malena began her current position as Associate Director of Creative at Human Rights Watch, bringing her design experience and interest in social justice causes into the humanitarian sphere to support their mission of global advocacy work.