Jelena Ristović is from Podgorica. She graduated from the Faculty of Philosophy in Nikšić with a degree in English language and literature, and then completed specialist studies at the Institute of Foreign Languages of the University of Montenegro.

She started her work engagement as a translator at the Public Broadcasting Service – RTCG. After her engagement at RTCG, she spent two years at the “MINA” news agency, where she also worked as a translator. During 2009, as part of the Internship program of the Center for Democratic Transition, she was engaged in the Montenegrin Ministry of Defense for the translation/interpretation of working documents and official meetings with international partners. In addition, she performed general office duties in the Cabinet of the Assistant Minister of Defense of Montenegro during that period.

In the same year, she started working at the Youth Initiative for Human Rights (YIHR) as an office manager, where she was in charge of office and administrative tasks, translating YIHR reports on the state of human rights in Montenegro, as well as providing logistical support within YIHR program activities.

She has been with the Civic Alliance since the foundation of the organization in 2011, where she was first in charge of administrative duties, office duties and translation of reports and various documents. From 2019 to 2021, she coordinated the work of the School of Political Studies, one of the leading programs of informal political education for NGO activists, politicians, journalists and public servants. Since August 2021, she has been engaged as the coordinator of a UNHCR project aimed at providing legal assistance to asylum seekers, persons with approved international protection and persons at risk of statelessness.

Jelena likes long walks, travel, the sea, nature, socializing, relaxing music, books and pilates. In addition to CA projects, outside of working hours she also coordinates her family with husband Boris and children Irina and David.