Marlene Brito is a passionate visionary with over 7 years of experience developing and implementing community engagement strategies in the nonprofit sector.  Prior to being selected as a National Urban Fellow, she served as a Community Engagement Manager at The Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts in Philadelphia.  As the Community Engagement Manager, Marlene was responsible for ensuring the various multicultural communities in the region participate in the Kimmel Center’s institutional offerings and programming.  During her tenure, she created the institution’s first community engagement program and established the organization’s first barrier free Young Professionals Group.  In 2008, she earned the Delaware Valley’s Most Influential Latino Award and the Women Making a Difference Award, for her outstanding work in the communities of Philadelphia.

Prior to joining the Kimmel Center, Marlene held various positions in the Fashion Industry, including a Marketing position with ADIDAS, where her primary role was assisting the company with product launches in specialty markets in the Northeast region.  Prior to joining ADIDAS, Marlene held an Account Executive position with Puma North America where she was responsible for selling the PUMA apparel and accessories lines to the Federal Exchange Department Stores on U.S military bases.  She also held a position as Sales Assistant for Donna Karan New York, where she assisted the Director of Accessories Sales with her sales and marketing strategies.  

Marlene’s passion for community engagement derives from her positive experiences with community organizations in Washington Heights, New York where she was born and raised.  Growing up, Marlene participated in many mentoring and community outreach programs and she credits her academic and professional success to having those opportunities.  Upon completion of the National Urban Fellowship she hopes to obtain a decision making position in government or nonprofit where she can influence the community engagement strategies in organizations across the nation

Marlene Graduated from New York University in May, 2004 with a Bachelors of Science degree in Economics and a Bachelor of Arts degree in Metropolitan Studies.