Helene earned a B.A. in African American Studies from the University of Virginia. She began her career in nonprofit and fundraising in Washington, DC, with the Save Darfur Coalition and Youth Service America before relocating to the San Francisco Bay Area. Helene worked in several organizations and hospital foundations such as Project Open Hand, San Francisco General Hospital Foundation, and the Lucile Packard Foundation for Children’s Health. Helene serves on the Board of Directors for Dining Out for Life International and the St. Catherine’s School Alumni Board. Helene relocated to Houston in the fall of 2024 with her husband Tony and dog Virginia. She enjoys working out, traveling, going to concerts and live sports, and wine tasting.