AHSIE announces Yolanda Cataño as inaugural Executive Director

June 1, 2022 12:00PM PST

Dear AHSIE Community,

The Alliance of Hispanic Serving Institution Educators is excited to announce Yolanda Cataño as our inaugural Executive Director. This is a big step for AHSIE and the AHSIE community, that will help us grow as an organization and help better support our members. Ms. Cataño previously served as VP of Governance for AHSIE and helped lead AHSIE’s business plan development and Council Elections. Dr. Norma Guerra will be stepping into the VP Governance role as Ms. Cataño transitions into the Executive Director Role.

Ms. Cataño is a first-generation, queer Latina scholar and practitioner. Yolanda’s interests are heavily influenced by her traditional Mexican upbringing, strongly believing in the value of family. Ms. Cataño has worked in many capacities over the years working for HSI’s. Yolanda’s professional journey started at San Diego Mesa College as an Administrative Technician for their Title III, STEM Conexiones Grant. Yolanda’s HSI work includes serving as a consultant for the Peer Ambassadors program (Title V) and as an HSI Educational Researcher for their Title III STEM Grant at Cuyamaca College. Most recently, Yolanda served as the Interim Associate Dean of Institutional Effectiveness, Equity, and Student Success at Imperial Valley College where she helped support the Title V TALCAS grant.

In her time away from HSI work, Yolanda loves dancing salsa and bachata (pre-COVID 19) and enjoys traveling. AHSIE is thrilled that Yolanda has decided to take on this role, we know her energy will help AHSIE continue to grow and lead in HSI spaces.

I am excited to welcome Yolanda on behalf of the AHSIE Council. Bievenida, Yolanda!

Paloma Vargas, Ph.D.

AHSIE President