Elana Helgesen, MPA, serves as the Senior Director of Development at Didi Hirsch Mental Health Services since June 2019, where responsibilities include establishing philanthropic partnerships and developing strategies for funding initiatives aligned with the organization's mission. Prior to this role, Elana was the Senior Grants Manager at Didi Hirsch, managing grants to support strategic initiatives. Previous experiences include serving as the Director of Grants at Pacific Clinics, acquiring $55 million in grants over five years, and as a Grant Writer at College of the Canyons, where $5 million in annual grant revenue was achieved. Elana has also held positions in public affairs, communications, and event management across various organizations, including Glendale Community College and California State University, Dominguez Hills. Elana holds a Master of Public Administration degree in Nonprofit Management from California State University, Northridge, and a Bachelor of Arts degree in English - Creative Writing from the University of Southern California.