Social Model Recovery Systems (SMRS) is excited to announce the appointment of Zelenne Cardenas as our new Chief Strategy Officer.
Zelenne has been an integral part of our organization since 1993, starting her career as a Project Assistant working within the disenfranchised community of Santa Ana.
Through her exceptional leadership and organizational skills, Zelenne quickly rose to the position of Director, where she empowered the Santa Ana community to advocate for their own needs, fostering positive change. She then took her expertise to the Los Angeles Skid Row Community as Director of Prevention Services, where her dedication to giving a voice to the voiceless led to significant improvements. Under her guidance, the Skid Row Community tackled critical issues, including the overconcentration of alcohol outlets, lack of childcare for unhoused families, and barriers to school attendance. Zelenne played a key role in establishing community organizations that continue to advocate for essential services such as restrooms, showers, laundry facilities, and other community needs.
A published author and recipient of multiple awards, including the Community Leader Fellowship from The California Wellness Foundation (TCWF), California Peace Price for work in Skid Row from TCWF, Mujeres Destacadas/Outstanding Woman award for leadership from La Opinion, and Local Hero of the Year during Hispanic Heritage Month from Bank of America. Zelenne’s proven track record of transforming small projects into diverse service centers demonstrates her commitment to helping the disenfranchised, aligning perfectly with SMRS’s mission for growth and impact.
In her new role, Zelenne will oversee the development and implementation of our strategic initiatives, ensuring they align with our core values and long-term goals. Her experience in driving growth and fostering collaboration makes her an invaluable addition to our leadership team.
Please join us in welcoming Zelenne Cardenas to her new position at Social Model Recovery Systems. We are eager to see the positive impact she will bring to our community and the individuals we serve.
