Meet EGAL’s Newest Team Members
By Emma Garcia
The Center for Equity, Gender & Leadership (EGAL) is thrilled to announce the addition of two exceptional individuals to our team: Jorge Barrios and Zena Barakat, who will serve as the Program Manager and Associate Director, respectively.
Before joining the team, Zena worked as an executive design director at IDEO, where she specialized in communications and research. Zena’s work focused on leading IDEO towards a more inclusive, equitable, and responsible future, taking the lead on its inclusive design portfolio.
Prior to taking on the role of Program Manager, Jorge completed a Master of Development Practice at UC Berkeley in 2023. Back home, He worked for the Mexican federal government as head of the legal department of the High School Scholarship Program and as a regional coordinator at BBVA Foundation. Now, Jorge’s focus is supporting programs that center around advancing diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging in business.
Both Zena and Jorge exemplify the kind of passionate, driven individuals EGAL seeks to embody through our mission of educating Equity Fluent Leaders. Their personal journeys and professional achievements reflect a deep-seated belief in the power of inclusivity and the importance of building bridges between marginalized communities, academia, and the business sector.
Before her career as a design strategist, Zena was a journalist and documentary filmmaker, fueled by telling stories that could make a difference. Similarly, Jorge’s passion for social justice and equity has been a longstanding aspect of his work. He has dedicated his career to promoting the welfare and development of historically marginalized groups in Mexico.
Jorge highlighted EGAL’s focus on fostering open communication, and recognizing and celebrating team achievements as fundamental to creating an inclusive and welcoming environment. This emphasis on acknowledgment and celebration is critical for nurturing a sense of belonging within our organization.
Moreover, both Zena and Jorge have expressed enthusiasm for EGAL’s ongoing initiatives, including strategic industry partnerships and projects with major organizations like Meta and Google. Their involvement is poised to significantly enhance our efforts to promote diversity within the business world and forge connections that benefit historically underserved communities.
The Center for Equity, Gender & Leadership is very grateful to have these two amazing individuals supporting our mission. We are excited to see the advancements made by both Jorge and Zena in the coming future, as we work to radically humanize business!
