Lena works in the field of media, PR and communications for a range of businesses and charities including the BBC. Alongside this, she became vice chair of Hampshire Police Authority. Lena is currently a non-executive director of University Hospital Southampton where she has portfolio responsibility for patient safety, international health and equality and diversity. Previously she was chair of Southampton City College.

Lena started her career as a lecturer in London working with disadvantaged young people as well as running a training centre that assisted people to get back into work. She moved to the New Forest 20 years ago, and developed this experience further by running and delivering skills development programmes in partnership with Brockenhurst College and Southampton Solent University which helped people to get back into work as well as to develop their management skills.

Lena is the New Forest West Labour parliamentary candidate for the next general election.