Yolanda joined NARBW in 2016 and was one of the core members responsible for re-launching the Chicago chapter. She is currently the chapter’s Scholarship Chair and also sits on the National Board as Secretary. Since joining, she has been very active. Yolanda has never missed a chapter meeting and participates in all chapter activities and welfare projects, even organizing last year’s breast cancer walk and fundraiser. At the first meeting after the chapter re-launch, when everyone was new to NARBW, Yolanda stepped up and volunteered to serve as Vice President.  After serving for a year, Yolanda was elected as Chapter President. During her tenure as President, the chapter had many “firsts”. Some of these include a coat drive for school age children, Avon Breast Cancer Walk, Homewood Rail Fest, a movie and bowling outing, and a host of other activities that built camaraderie among members. Yolanda is also a member of the 2020 Convention Committee and has been a co-chair of the Hospitality Night planning committee. Yolanda is the top fundraiser for the Chicago chapter. One of the fundraisers is the NARBW Scholarship Program; she has raised $2000 since becoming Scholarship Chair of her chapter. In addition, Yolanda has sold over $600 in Bakers Square pie cards, raised nearly $1,000 for the Avon Breast Cancer Walk, $236 for the Chicago chapter Popcorn fundraiser. She also sold over $1000 of the 50/50 convention raffle tickets. For the past 10 years, Yolanda has been employed at Amtrak and is a member of Notch 8 (Women of Amtrak) Leadership Program. She also stays informed on the railway industry news by attending various meetings and events including Public Transportation Subcommittee meetings, Western Railway Club events and NUTC Sand house meetings discussing new Midwest rail projects. She is married to her husband Jimmy, and they have three children and two grandchildren and another one due in May 2020.