Volunteering has always been at the center of Zena Martin’s life. She grew up surrounded by the belief that people must help one another be their best selves by giving back to communities in whatever way is needed. Zena’s nearly 20 years of Junior League service—across two continents and four Leagues—is rooted in this view of the world.

While Zena is currently a Sustainer in the Junior League of Atlanta (JLA), she has also served with the Junior League of London (JLL), the Junior League of the Golden Isles (JLGI) and the Junior League of Savannah (JLS). As President of the Junior League of London, Zena’s unique international perspective and emphasis on diversity and inclusion led to a successful League year full of growth. She spearheaded a Transformation Rollout and helped to recruit the most ethnically diverse new Member class in Junior League of London history. Prior to her time as President, Zena put her public relations and communications skills to work as the Communications Director of the Junior League of London, where she helped raise the profile of her League externally and improved communication to Members. A strategic thinker gifted at putting projects into motion, she also served as Community Vice President there, forging new partnerships and programs and strengthening existing ones. In both the Junior League of London and the Junior League of Savannah, Zena was awarded Sustainer of the Year.

As an At-Large Director on The Association of Junior Leagues International (AJLI) Board, Zena chaired the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Committee for three years, and led the launch of The Accelerator Fund, which helped 25 Leagues advance their commitment to DEI. In her roles on the Board, including as Member of the Issues Committee and her Strategic Linkage engagement with 25 Leagues, Zena liaised between the Women of Color Affinity Group and the AJLI Board.

Zena is passionately involved in a variety of nonprofit organizations outside her work with The Junior League. She is a Fellow of the Royal Society for the Encouragement of Arts, Manufactures and Commerce, as well as a Volunteer Reader for her YouTube channel Miss Zena Reads® and Reading Rockets, and Social Action Committee Chair for the First Congregational Church of Atlanta.

Professionally, Zena is a marketing communications consultant for private and public organizations, including Microsoft, Kellogg’s, Tetley, Sky, Channel 4, and BBC Worldwide. She’s held senior positions at Lewis PR, Hill & Knowlton, and Firefly Communications, among other well-respected communications firms. A frequent public speaker, trainer, and media pundit on all aspects of communications, Zena has contributed to CIPR, IPRA, PRCA, Thomson Reuters, BBC Radio, and the London School of Journalism.

Zena earned her Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from Amherst College, where she was also elected Senior Class President.