Yola came to the United States in 1980 with her husband. They are both from Los Altos de Jalisco, Mexico. Yola has five children and has lived in Little Village since her arrival. Yola started volunteering at Gary Elementary School when her son was in kindergarten. She also supported the women's domestic violence program at the Jorge Prieto Family Health Center, advocating for women and children experiencing experiencing abuse. Yola is a natural leader. She is involved in initiatives to promote school wellness, establish community gardens and develop women's leadership. Her commitment to her community doesn't stop her from making time for family, friends and neighbors. Her passion and motivation are contagious, and she pulls her friends into new projects and initiatives, such as the campaign to install a light in a high traffic area to ensure community safety. Yola's husband, her five children and four grandchildren are very proud of her and her contributions to the Little Village community.