The inaugural AL DÍA 40 Under Forty event will be a showcase of the most diverse and impactful young professionals in various fields of work across the Philadelphia region.

At the virtual event, taking place August 20, 2020, Yolanda Jimenez Colon, 39, will be one of the 40 honorees. She is the Manager of Community Engagement & Programs at Gateway Health. 

As part of the lead-up to the event, AL DÍA asked each of the 40 honorees the same three questions and collected their responses. 

Here are Yolanda Jimenez Colon’s responses:

My professional journey, like many Latinas, has been at times very challenging but at the same time very rewarding.  One of the biggest challenges has been balance.  As professionals, we always want to be the best, over perform and over achieve.  That is admirable and something we should continue to aim for.  However, with that comes the balance and responsibility.  Being the best includes taking time for self-care, professional development, etc.  We must be well-rounded individuals who know when to say no and when to say yes to adding additional projects, activities and initiatives to our already full plate.

One of those small victories came recently in the form of being part of the launch of the organization’s new brand.  I was featured on the company’s website and brand book. My favorite part was that they included my quote, “ I wanted to work for a company with heart, a company that cared for its members and communities….I feel like I’m an advocate-often a microphone to make the community’s voice be part of the conversation.” Another achievement was being the first Latina at my organization to receive the Living Proof of Core Behaviors Award.  The prestigious award recognizes and rewards employees or teams that exemplify all four Core Behaviors while making significant contributions to the organization. Lastly, last year our business resource group (BRG) SALUD, which I’m the Chair of Communications, conducted their first ever panel discussion which I lead in organizing and executing.  The panel, entitled Social Determinants of Health in the Latino Community, was the highest rating business resource group event in the history of the company’s business resource groups.  With over 350 event participants, it was one of the highest attended and most watched in all of our campuses.  As a result, I was asked to present before the company’s executive leadership and the Diversity and Inclusion board.

For true inclusivity to occur we need to have corporations make investments that are equitable and representative of the population.  We need Latinos at the table where we can influence policy. There is no reason for companies not to have Latinos on their executive leadership teams!   Our differences, our unique perspectives, our cultural background and our experiences are an asset to corporations. 

To register for the upcoming AL DÍA 40 Under Forty event, click here. 

For more information about the event, reach out to [email protected].

For sponsorship opportunities, contact [email protected].