Jelena (Ena) Babic Barnes

Ena Babic Barnes serves as the Executive Director of the Iowa Credit Union Foundation, the philanthropic arm of the Iowa Credit Union League. ICUF’s mission to champion financial well-being for all includes serving as a strong advocate and supporter of housing affordability. Before becoming the leader of ICUF, Ena served as a ICUF Program Manager where she led financial education initiatives and fundraising campaigns.

Ena brings international experience and related insights to the PCHTF board. Before moving to Iowa, she held various leadership positions with nonprofit and trade organizations in Serbia and led expansion of programs and strategies focused on European integration and community development. Ena believes the impact of housing affordability is universal and its effects profound — capable of transforming communities and lives alike.

Ena graduated from University of Belgrade’s Faculty of Political Sciences with a degree in International Relations, and in 2021 started a grad (Master) program in Public Administration at Drake University. She also has a long list of certifications, ranging from Civic Engagement in American Democracy from Duke University to Feminism and Social Justice from University of California.