Bio

Se’Lena Bustamante, the Visionary and Executive Director of Embraced Beginnings Inc., founded the organization in 2022, achieving nonprofit status in 2023. With a background in social services, Se’Lena has encountered countless displaced and underserved youth, many of whom have experienced institutionalization in facilities, detention centers, and psychiatric hospitals. Her diverse roles in the field have included residential counseling, therapy, case management, chemical dependency counseling, education within schools, department of human services work, clinical assessment, and Intact Specialist.

Throughout her experiences, Se’Lena observed a common thread among the youth she encountered: vulnerability, fear, and pain. Motivated by a desire to address these systemic issues, she embarked on a mission to create a solution. Inspired by the nurturing environment of her own grandmother's home, Se’Lena envisioned a residential facility where underserved youth could experience genuine love, healing, and safety a vision that gave birth to Embraced Beginnings Inc. Se’Lena firmly believes in the transformative power of new beginnings and the importance of embracing life's journey. As Executive Director, she will actively engage in programming within the home, providing essential life skills, financial literacy, job training, educational planning, and community reintegration support.

Originally from Chicago, Illinois, Se’Lena relocated to Massillon, Ohio, where she attended Washington High School. She earned a degree in Psychology from Central State University and pursued further studies in Social Administration with a focus on children, youth, and families at Case Western Reserve University. Presently residing in Dekalb, Illinois, Se’Lena is a proud mother of three and serves as a Family Preservation Intact Specialist ensuring that local children have a voice in their community.

Beyond her professional commitments, Se’Lena enjoys traveling, spending time with loved ones, cooking, and serves as the Asst. Children Youth Experience Director at her local church. Currently, she serves as a clinical assessing case manager, partnering with the state of Illinois to support individuals in need.