Arlene Velazquez is Food For The Poor’s (FFTP) Executive Vice President and Chief Human Resources Officer. She is responsible for driving the strategic transformation of the Human Resources Department to provide solutions to workplace issues that support and optimize FFTP’s culture of excellence, team member development, and organizational effectiveness.

Arlene has more than 20 years of experience in human resources, organizational development, talent management and strategic leadership, primarily working for global organizations in the oil and gas and manufacturing industries. She has traveled the world supporting organizations with their people strategy and has

learned the value of diverse cultures. Arlene joined FFTP in 2021 as Human Resources Director and was promoted to her current position in November 2023.

Arlene holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology from the Pontifical Catholic University of Puerto Rico and has taken graduate courses in Organizational Psychology at Springfield College. She eventually settled in South Florida where the tropical climate reminds her of her hometown in Puerto Rico. As a proud Puerto Rican, Arlene loves dancing, eating good food, and spending time with family and friends.

“There is beauty in the diversity of backgrounds and faiths converging for a common purpose at FFTP. Our inspirational drive to excel comes from the belief that through our roles, we can support, empower, and contribute to our mission of transforming lives. Following Jesus Christ’s example of doing for others is not just inspiring but a blessing. We are privileged to share God’s love. Together, we can truly make a difference in the countries we support.”

– – Arlene Velazquez