Pronouns: She / Her / Ella

As a bilingual, bisexual, Jewish, Latina daughter of an immigrant, Dena Zaldúa’s passion for social justice is both very personal and the driving force behind her 20-year career working mostly in philanthropy with non-profits and educational institutions. She has found a home for her calling to bring about a just and joyful world in her work as the Development Director for the MRG Foundation. As Development Director, Dena is honored to manage the fundraising programs of MRG, working closely with donors, board, staff, and volunteers to raise the funds to be granted to the radical, cutting edge, and grassroots social justice grantees of MRG.

Before joining MRG, Dena was the Operations Manager for the Center for the Study of Women in Society at the University of Oregon. Prior to that, she was Development Director at Parenting Now and Associate Director of Development at the National Center for Lesbian Rights. Dena also works as a consultant to help individuals, groups, and organizations check their race, class, gender, and other privileges and learn how to truly walk the talk of equity and justice. Dena earned a BA in Art History and Women’s Studies from Williams College, and is a member of Hispanics in Philanthropy and the Williams College Latinx and Bisexual, Gay, Lesbian, and Transgender Alumni Associations.

Dena lives and works remotely in Eugene with her son.  Dena started in March 2019.