Yelena M. Rivera Vale has been working as the communications program manager for C21U since 2023. She oversees marketing and communications efforts, project management, leadership communications and development, editing and copywriting, design, web development and content management, social media, event promotion, and more. She is also an instructor for GT1000/2000 and serves as the chair for Tech's ERG HOLA.

Yelena joined Georgia Tech in 2014 after moving from Puerto Rico to Atlanta to work with Housing and Residence Life as GTCN TV and web operations coordinator. She was later promoted to web development and communications specialist for the Student Engagement and Well-Being Division in 2021. Before joining Georgia Tech, she had a long career in the television industry in Puerto Rico, where she worked as a producer, director, and writer for the formerly PBS-affiliated station, WIPR.

Yelena is a fervent advocate for diversity, inclusivity, and belonging. She champions gender equality, sustainability, and well-being.