Yolanda enjoys trying new restaurants around the area, especially if they have a view!
How did you get started with Communications?
I started at ESD 112 in 2021 working in the Early Care & Education department. It was there that I explored my interest in communications work. Luckily, the department supported my interest and I took on all department communications needs. In doing so, I was able to sharpen my social media, writing, and design skills.
Have you always wanted to work in a creative career?
I have always loved being able to bring my creativity to my work. It doesn’t feel like work when my brain is in creative mode!
Were you always on a path to your current career, or were there some twists and turns?
I knew I always wanted to help others which led me to get a degree in Human Development with a minor in Communications from WSU. I have a special interest in serving children and families. I started my career in higher education, and it was there that I fell in love with the field of education. I saw the impact education had on students and families and was drawn to do more, which led me to ESD 112.
How has working for ESD 112 affected you creatively/personally/professionally?
Over the years I have seen the work ESD 112 does and I always feel grateful to work for an organization that does so much for our community. Also, working with the ESD 112 Communications team always inspires me to do more. They are experts in the communications field, and I enjoy learning from them. Our team consists of many creative thinkers, and it has taught me to think outside of the box. On a personal level, I always feel supported by them, and they make ESD 112 a great place to work.
What are the most fulfilling and most challenging parts of your work at ESD 112?
The most fulfilling part of my work is knowing the projects I work on will help inform and engage families. I manage district newsletters and annual reports, as well as provide general communications support for various districts and internal ESD programs. The most challenging part of my job is managing all the contracts we have. We are a busy department, and it is my job to track and bill all of the work we do.
What’s your best piece of communications advice?
Whenever I am working on a project, I like to take a step back and imagine my work through the lens of my audience. I will re-read my writing many times and ask myself, will families read this? Sometimes this means reading the message out loud, so my brain can hear it another way. If you ever hear me talking to myself that’s probably what I am doing!
I always think less is more. It is important to share engaging, impactful information but no one will stop to consider it if there is too much going on. I also love using data to support messaging.
What is your favorite way to receive information? What is your least favorite way to receive information?
I love working in a collaborative space, such as a Google Doc. My least favorite way to receive information is verbally. I like to have things in writing to reference.
During the annual NSPRA conference Yolanda went to the Museum of Pop Culture where she saw an exhibit of one of her favorite movies, Coraline.
Celebrating with family and friends is how Yolanda likes to spend most of her time.
What inspires you?
Seeing the impact of the work I do in the community. It means more to me than just on a professional level. I am raising children and want the community they are a part of to thrive. I also know they look up to me, and because of that, I set myself to a high standard.
What are your favorite ways to unplug and decompress?
I love taking family road trips and being out in nature–exploring new places where there aren’t many people around. I also enjoy doing arts and crafts with my kids, deep cleaning, and spending quality time with friends and family.
What hobby would you get into if time and/or money were not an issue?
Pottery, gardening, traveling. I am most interested in traveling to Greece, Thailand, and all of our national parks.
Where are you from and what brought you to Southwest Washington?
I was born and raised here in Vancouver, Washington, and my family lives here. I briefly lived in Mexico, and then Arizona, but the PNW will always feel like home. Being able to experience all the seasons and having the beach/mountain/desert climate all within a few hours from me is why I continue to stay–that and being close to my family, of course!
Where did you go to school in Vancouver?
The beginning of my school years were mainly spent in Vancouver Public Schools as I attended Lincoln, Franklin, and Washington Elementary. When my family returned to Vancouver from Arizona when I was in 8th grade, I attended Discovery Middle School. Most of my high school time was spent at Hudson’s Bay High School, where I graduated.
What has changed the most about Vancouver since you were a kid?
The thing that has changed most about Vancouver since I was a kid is the sense of safety. As a child, I roamed the neighborhood unsupervised, and all of the neighborhood kids did as well. Now, when my kid plays outside I go out with him, and it’s in a fenced yard.
What teacher or mentor had the biggest impact on you growing up?
The person who had the biggest impact on me in school was my counselor, Ms. Mikaele. She was my counselor from the time I started Discovery Middle School until I graduated from Hudson’s Bay. As a kid who moved around a lot, having a trusted, consistent, and reliable adult in my life meant everything to me. She made sure I was on track and included me in other opportunities throughout high school. After high school, her help continued by writing a letter of recommendation to help secure a college scholarship.
As a mom and an education communicator, what is one thing you would change about the current public school system?
I would improve parent/community engagement. It takes a village to raise a child, and the public school system is a perfect example of that. Parent engagement is essential to the success of a child, and providing a level of communication to facilitate that engagement is important to me. Part of that is also engaging the wider school community and making sure they are aware of the amazing work that is happening in schools.
