Alena Finnell was born in Atlanta, GA, and raised in Indianapolis, IN. There, she completed her term of service with Public Allies Indianapolis. During her term, she was able to work closely with Peace Learning Center, developing racial equity workshops. Her work with Peace Learning Center culminated in receiving Serve Indiana’s National Service Member Award. Prior to this, she had volunteered with Dayspring Homeless Center and worked in education with her alma mater, Herron High School. She is currently studying English at Columbia University. She hopes to pursue a career in English education and inspire a love for literature and writing in her future students. Along with reading, Alena is passionate about promoting educational equity, community asset building, and exploring her new home of New York City. Alena is excited to learn more about how she can work to promote racial equity in her community, as a Segal Fellow.