Heleena Mathew graduated from Brandeis University in 2015 in international and global studies with a minor in English.

She works as a Movement Ecology Training Coordinator with the Ayni Institute in Boston. She was born in Akola, India, but immigrated to the U.S. when she was six to pursue an American education. During her freshman year at Brandeis University, Heleena worked as a grassroots organizer for the campaign to reelect President Obama and built support for him on campus. Over the summer, she passed on her knowledge to a team of community organizers and staffed events for the President and First Lady. She went on to become the Co-campus Director for Massachusetts in the Obama 2012 Presidential campaign. In this position she managed approximately 200 students and built college teams from the ground up to campaign throughout New Hampshire. She spent an academic year abroad in South America.

Heleena is passionate about rights for immigrants and women and hopes to work towards progress for both these groups. During her 2013 Segal Citizen Leader Summer Internship, Heleena worked at NARAL Pro-Choice Massachusetts. Segal Founder Carolyn Casey was her Segal Coach.