Malena Rousseau, Ph.D. is an experienced social science researcher and program evaluation professional with expertise in qualitative research (but she does quantitative work too!), data collection and analysis, and technical writing. She is dedicated to using her research skills to support community changemakers in maximizing the impact and effectiveness of their programs. Malena centers justice, equity, and inclusion in all aspects of her work, with an emphasis on highlighting the voices and lived experiences of communities of color, LGBTQIA+ individuals, and those who are traditionally under-represented in research and policymaking spaces.

Malena grew up in Charlotte, North Carolina and earned a B.A. and Ph.D. in anthropology from Duke University and University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill, respectively. She has worked on anthropology and public health research projects in the US and abroad, including completing her dissertation research in the Andes of Ecuador. Malena also has extensive professional experience in working with nonprofit and philanthropic organizations.