San Luis Obispo, CA
Corene Canaan is a passionate community-builder, nonprofit professional, and graduate student committed to creating spaces of care, connection, and advocacy—especially for older adults and those navigating rare diseases. She currently serves as the Operations Manager for SLO Village Movement, a grassroots organization supporting aging-in-place through social connections and support services. As a Master of Public Health candidate at California State University, Northridge, Corene focuses on community health, equity, and mental wellness.
Known by many as her neighborhood’s “unofficial mayor,” Corene has a natural gift for gathering people together—whether moderating online support groups or simply organizing intimate gatherings that spark belonging. Her warm, grounded presence and lived experience make her a trusted voice in both professional and personal circles.
With a background in program coordination, public speaking, and rare disease advocacy, Corene brings both strategy and heart to every project she touches. She currently serves as a student intern at Myositis Support and Understanding, where she leads virtual summits, builds patient engagement tools, and supports education and outreach initiatives that center marginalized voices.
In her spare time, you’ll find Corene reading, listening to her favorite podcasts, chatting with friends, or walking her beloved dog, Bowie. Whether online or in person, her work centers on one simple belief: healing happens through connection.
Ambassador story coming soon!