Elena Centeno ’23 is a Fearless Leader

Congratulations to recent graduate, and soon-to-be Cornell freshman, Elena Centeno ’23, who has been recognized as a ‘Future Fearless! Leader’ by Fearless! Hudson Valley for her courageous leadership in creating awareness and educating her peers about the subjects of interpersonal violence and abuse. Her story appears in their 2022 Annual Community Impact Report:

Elena – Storm King School Student

Can you tell us about yourself?

I initially took over the role of president for The Storm King School lntersectional Feminism Club (IFC) at the beginning of my sophomore year. At first, it started as ‘just a club’ I ran, but it quickly became a passion of mine. Leading this club helped me find what I would like to pursue and what I will ultimately be studying in college. Through IFC, I have had the pleasure of assisting Fearless! and being a part of all the wonderful things they do for women and families in need.

How did you first become involved with Fearless! Hudson Valley?

After researching local organizations to fundraise and collect donations for, I came across Fearless!. Knowing that some previous students from my school had led some donation drives to help out, I immediately knew I wanted to be part of the Fearless! community as well.

What would you say to others your age about the importance of giving back?

Giving back to organizations like Fearless! is one of the most rewarding experiences. Many of us are given privileges and opportunities that victims and survivors are often denied, and we must use this privilege to help others and make the world a better place for us all.

What impact do you hope you will have on the community?

I hope that everyone around me, especially my classmates, take my motivation and commitment to help as an example to help others. As for the people I helped through Fearless!, I hope all the Storm King School lntersectional Feminism Club does to help affects them in a positive way and helps them gain a better quality of life.

What message would you share with potential future leaders?

It is essential that in every leadership role we take on, we must do good to make our future brighter and better for everyone.

What inspires you most about our work?

I am most inspired by the type of people Fearless! Hudson Valley helps and how they inspire others to help aid these often-overlooked groups of people.