About

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In 2014, Yolanda noticed the lack of parent presence at her child’s school and took action by founding the Eagles Parent Teacher Student Association (PTSA) at George Washington Carver and Bruce Street School for the Deaf. As PTSA President under the National Parent Teacher Association, Yolanda fostered a culture of engagement and volunteerism that led to two parents being hired by the district as teacher aides, showcasing the power of community involvement.

Recognized for her dedication, Yolanda was selected as the parent representative on Mayor Baraka’s Education Steering Committee, where she toured Community Schools across the country and contributed to the creation of the Southward Community School Initiative. She further drove parental engagement by developing a survey that proved instrumental in connecting parents with the school community.

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In 2015, Yolanda deepened her commitment to education by founding Parents Educating Parents, Inc. (PEP, Inc.), an organization where she now serves as Chief Executive Officer. PEP, Inc. empowers parents and caregivers by linking them to resources and helping them navigate the educational system.

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Yolanda’s advocacy also extends to early childhood education. She successfully filled 500 Pre-K slots within 30 days and helped secure the expansion of Pre-K 3 and 4 programs at George Washington Carver and Bruce Street School for the Deaf. In 2023, working alongside Newark Community Street Team's leadership, Yolanda advocated for and achieved an increase in safe passages for the Newark Board of Education School District, promoting student safety.

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As an education advocate, Yolanda’s top priority is enhancing parent involvement and strengthening community engagement to build a thriving educational environment for every student.