Zenia Brizendine serves as the Director of Community-Based and Adult-Based Programs at Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central California, overseeing services across Fresno, Madera, Kings, and Tulare counties. With more than 17 years of experience in human services and over 12 years dedicated to the organization, she is deeply committed to strengthening communities and empowering youth.

Born in San Jose, California, and raised in Madera, Zenia earned her degree in Social Work from California State University, Fresno. During her time at Fresno State, she was actively involved in the Social Work Student Association, where she gained valuable insight into the growing need for human services and community-based programming. Her early work supporting initiatives addressing homelessness, food insecurity, and family support helped shape her holistic understanding of community needs.

Zenia began her career in human services in 2009 at the Madera County Food Bank, laying the foundation for her lifelong commitment to service.  In addition to her professional leadership, Zenia served as a Big Sister in the Big Brothers Big Sisters program from 2019 to 2024, mentoring a young girl through her adolescent years and demonstrating her commitment to service on a personal level.

Under her program leadership, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central California has received national recognition from Big Brothers Big Sisters of America, including the National Palatium Award in 2025. In recognition of her leadership and impact, Zenia was also honored as a recipient of the Business Street’s 40 Under 40 Award in 2023, highlighting her contributions to the community and her field. She is driven by a passion for helping others and takes pride in empowering resilient youth to realize their full potential.