Lorena Kourousias

Lorena Kourousias (she/her) serves as the Executive Director of Mixteca Organization, Inc., where she leverages her extensive experience in advocating for underprivileged communities. With a strong foundation in psychology and social work, Lorena’s expertise particularly shines in her work with Latinx women, addressing the multifaceted challenges they encounter at the intersection of immigration status, culture, class, and race.

Before joining Mixteca, Lorena navigated the complexities of re-establishing her professional credentials after relocating from Mexico to New York City. This personal journey through cultural adaptation and overcoming migration trauma informs her empathetic approach to supporting newly arrived immigrants.

Lorena earned both her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in Psychology from the prestigious National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM) and holds a Master’s Degree in Social Work from Hunter College, CUNY. Her academic background is complemented by her real-life experience, starting from her upbringing in an environment marked by gang violence and societal neglect, which she transcended through her commitment to education.

As a testament to her resilience and dedication, Lorena transitioned from her early days in the U.S. as a housekeeper to a recognized leader in the nonprofit sector. Her work has earned her numerous accolades, including the prestigious 2021 Zaragoza Award for her outstanding contributions to the Latinx community during the COVID-19 pandemic. Lorena’s leadership at Mixteca since May 2019 has been marked by a commitment to fostering resilience and empowerment within immigrant communities, driven by her belief in the transformative power of education, community and solidarity.

Lorena joined Brooklyn Org’s Board of Directors in May 2024.