Sociologist and political scientist, has been heading the CISR e.V. since its creation as the CEO of the organization. She is involved in the development and realization of numerous projects. Elena specializes in the organizational structure of NGOs and is a coach and trainer in the area of team development, social startups, analysis, and consultation of internal organizational processes as well as presentation and moderating skills.

Elena studied sociology at the St. Petersburg State University for Marine Technology and finished her doctorate in political science at the University of Mannheim, regarding „Conscription and Citizenship Crises within Russia: Strategies of drafting and of refusal". Up until March 2017, she was the project manager for various projects and programs at the DRA e.V. Her first sociological experiences were gathered at the Centre for Independent Social Research in St. Petersburg.