Congratulations Yammilette Rodriguez!

We are thrilled to announce that Vesper Society board member Yammilette “Yami” Rodriguez was appointed by Governor Gavin Newsom to the California State University (CSU) Board of Trustees.

Yami will serve an eight-year term at the nation’s largest four-year public university, with 486,000 students on 23 campuses. Created in 1960, CSU educates the most ethnically, economically, and academically diverse student body in the country that prepares its students to become leaders in our changing economy.

A long-time Central Valley director at the Youth Leadership Institute, Yami joined the Vesper board in 2019 and currently serves as chair of the governance committee. We asked Yami about her experience with the CSU system.

This appointment has great significance for me because my higher education experience was so meaningful. CSU Fresno gave me the opportunity to be engaged as a leader at a young age. One of the many things I valued most about CSU Fresno were the mentors, counselors, and professors who supported me as adult allies. They opened doors for me as a student leader and I became President of the Hispanic Business Student Association.

What experience from your youth development work will guide you in serving as a CSU trustee?

After working with young people for the past 20 years in the nonprofit and higher education sectors, I have seen firsthand the need that many students encounter throughout their educational journeys. I will pursue access to higher education which means equitable college enrollment for people from all walks of life which includes streamlining the process for transfer students. I want to make sure that pathways are opened for first generation, low income, and historically marginalized students. Student success is a top priority and all CSU students deserve a quality education with innovative programming to prepare them for an ever-evolving workforce.

According to 2020 estimates, 39% of California’s nearly 40 million people are Latinx, making them the largest ethnic population in the state. We commend the CSU system for recognizing the expertise and commitment to youth that Yami brings. We know she will uplift through service, break down barriers, and elevate community voices.

Vesper Society is proud to walk with Yami as we work towards our vision of a world that protects human dignity and enhances human potential.