Raised in Detroit, Yolonda enjoys using her interpersonal communication skills to create successful outcomes for families and their communities. With over 25 years of experience of community development, she has led many community initiatives that have led to systemic changes that address social and racial equity. In 2019, she was recognized by Fairfax County’s Neighborhood Community Services for her community efforts. Currently, Yolonda serves as the Executive Director of LAZERA Ministries whose mission is to o provide human centered programs and services that educate and bring restoration to community members during times of hardship and despair. The organization provides program that provides free healing programs and safe space for marginalized communities. Her ability to move from inspiration to implementation was highlighted on channel ABC7. Yolonda is also a sought-out lived experience consultant and community facilitator due to her unique approach to conduct human centered interviews, focus groups as well as interactive workshops and training that explore social and emotional awareness, community building, family development, and decision-making with a local and global perspective.

Yolonda has a B.A. in Communications from George Washington University, an M.A. in Family and Marriage Counseling from Liberty University and is a veteran of the United States Marine Corps. She lives in Alexandria, VA with her husband of 20 years and 2 sons. Yolonda seeks to “awaken the human concern of others to bring healing, peace, unity, and world changing results to humanity – one person and one community at a time.”