Zarek Mena, OPN-CG

A caregiver at heart, Zarek focuses on providing resources, improving outcomes, and removing barriers to care for patients. She was instrumental in the creation, program implementation and accreditation of the breast center at Norwalk Hospital Nuvance Health, including its numerous support programs.

Zarek values the importance of mentorship, connection, and networking to propel the field on patient navigation forward. She has led local and national speaking engagements bringing her shared life and career experience to improve programs and address health equity for the cancer community. Zarek’s ongoing commitment to grow the field of patient navigation and sharing her knowledge base has included the co-creation of Patient Navigation Advisors.

Zarek’s passion in serving the under-represented and historically excluded communities has led to addressing various needs such as food insecurity, cold capping, grant funding, screening and prevention, integrative medicine, as well as financial toxicity. Her experience as a stage 4 colon cancer survivor, caregiver and knowledgeable professional provides first-hand representation in the field of patient navigation.