Rena Zdanowitz graduated with a BS from Columbia and a BHL from the Jewish Theological Seminary. Rena worked as a librarian at Temple University and the Reconstructionist Rabbinical College while working for an MLS degree at Drexel University.

When she moved to New York, Rena pursued a career in accounting. She worked for the Anti-Defamation League for 27 years, the last ten as Comptroller. She continued her education at night and earned an MBA degree from Baruch College.

Rena is married with four children and is an accomplished knitter.