For Malena, sustainability represents a personal and moral imperative: when faced with the tangible effects of our extractive lifestyles and modes of production, how can we make an impact? Growing up in an environmentally-conscious family influenced Malena’s early understanding of health and sustainability, but her own commitment to advocacy and her vocational expression of environmental stewardship were born through her studies and life experiences. From her work as an academic and in non-profit organizations to her volunteer experience on organic farms in northern Italy, Malena has cultivated a deep sense of social responsibility and a connection to the earth. Her background in both public health and psychology informs her systems-based approach and her understanding of the interconnectedness of all things–humans, animals, and nature–yielding a careful thinker who aims to heal and regenerate through her work. Prior to joining WRNS Studio, Malena worked in an environmental and public health nonprofit organization, advising purchasers, architects, and designers on how to find healthier building materials. A solutions-oriented professional with a passion for creating user-friendly and resilient spaces, Malena works on WRNS’s Sustainability Team to shepherd projects through benchmarking systems like LEED, WELL, and LBC and conducts research on sustainable building best practices, looking for opportunities to make sustainable choices the easy choice during the design phase and beyond.
Malena earned her Master of Public Health and Bachelor in Psychology at the University of San Francisco. Outside of work, Malena enjoys cycling (including bicycle touring), writing, and reading historical fiction, endeavors that help her deepen her understanding of place, context, and human influence on the environment.