A proud first-generation Chicana and daughter of Mexican immigrants, Yanelit was raised in San Pablo, California, and has over 5 years of experience serving underrepresented communities. She earned an Associate’s in Sociology and Certificate in Social Work from Berkeley City College and a Bachelor’s in Sociology from UC Berkeley. Through her own lived experience navigating mental health challenges and the barriers to accessing support as a woman of color, Yanelit has become passionate about mental health care that is holistic, accessible, and culturally responsive.
Through a cultural and trauma-informed lens, Yanelit has worked as a Mental Health Advocate at the Undocumented Community Resource Center, served as a Mental Health Commissioner for Contra Costa County, and interned at Cultura y Bienestar where she organized a traditional dance event and co-facilitated groups. She returned to CYB in 2024 and works as a Behavioral Health Educator. She incorporates cultural sensitivity, trauma-informed practices, and spiritual knowledge in her work and aims to help others tap in to their own power. Outside of her professional work, she is an active dancer in the Son Jarocho community, enjoys spending time with friends, and likes to spend time in nature.