WE'RE MORE THAN A SUPPORT GROUP, WE'RE A POWERFUL FAMILY
Sarah Taylor is a first- generation Panamanian-American, Founder and Executive Director of
Yo Soy Ella, Inc.
In 2012, Sarah applied her wealth of knowledge for public service and personal lived experiences to form the non-profit organization, Yo Soy Ella, which translates to "I Am Her/She." YSE is a diverse intergenerational support system that provides women of marginalized groups, Domestic Violence survivors, and individuals experiencing mental/emotional challenges with counseling services and
self-enrichment programs.
Because health is comprehensive and trauma is multi-layered with complexities, YSE is co-led by a diverse experienced team of women, that enact as guides that intersect culture, spirituality, and community with deep compassion to usher women towards improving their quality of life.
"I want to empower women to liberate their voices, their outcry, their pain, their untold stories. For internalizing your inner voice has no place in healing." -Sarah Taylor
SARAH TAYLOR | LCSW, Founder and Executive Director
MEET OUR BEAUTIFUL SISTERHOOD
Yo Soy Ella Inc. couldn’t have been possible without the diverse, passionate, beautiful and spiritually centered group of women to assist with the vision of YSE. Each woman contributes their proficiency, educational tiers, personal experiences, and belief-systems which encompass the essence of Yo Soy Ella Inc.
Maria is our 2020, newest appointed President of Yo Soy Ella. She attained her Masters Degree in Social Work, and is currently a Community Client Housing Navigator at Chicago House, a social service agency that supports individuals impacted by HIV/AIDS and the broader LGBTQ community with housing, health, and employment support.
Maria Berkowsky LCSW
President
Evelyn's expertise includes marketing and communications, project management, social service advocacy and facilitator in both for profit and non-profit industries.
Melinda Evelyn I.M.C, M.A
Advisor
Jayna has over a decade of experience working and volunteering for nonprofits. She is a licensed clinical social worker specializing in trauma therapy. Jayna currently works in community mental health. Her passion is building and supporting programming that centers the wellness of Chicago's BIPOC community.
Jayna Gagner LCSW
Group Therapy facilitator
Diana is a licensed professional counselor in the Chicagoland area. She is passionate about helping teens and adults navigate relationships, body-image, and first generation struggles. You can find her leading our Book Club, Sips & Reads, a place for women to gather in community to share stories, laughter, and heartfelt discussions.
Diana Chavez LPC, NCC
Group Therapy Facilitator
Hagar is a Talent Acquisition professional at Comcast NBC/Universal. Her skill sets lie in business communication and
strategic workforce planning. She is the Founder and lead florist for Petite Floral Creations, a boutique floral company.
Hagar Duel M.B.A
Administrative Operations
Vilma is the Administrative Assistant at Saint Joseph Hospital. Here she assists the Chairperson, Vice Chair Person, management and medical staff in the Pathology Dept. She's also a member of Lazos Panamenos, which coordinate two large annual events for the Panamanian community in Chicago.
Vilma White
Event Coordinator
Carla
Carla Escobar MAPP
Secretary
Natalie has a long standing career teaching with Chicago Public Schools. In 2019, she received her Masters degree in Social Work from Loyola University-Chicago. Natalie specializes in children and family services.
Natalie Ochoa-Rogers MSW
Program Development
Parul is a Naturopathic Practitioner
Holistic Health Practitioner
Neurolinguistic Practitioner
Doula
Parul Patel
Community Outreach Coordinator, Board Member Interim
Kuani is YSE's Treasurer. She is a first- generation Panamanian-American, who obtained her Masters in Business Administration at NIU. She is currently the NUP Finance Director, while working at Northwestern University for 10 years. She is the co-founder and co-owner of Kuanity. She specializes in organizational behavior and operations.
Shakuani White-Lascelles MBA
Treasurer
Natalie is a dedicated advocate for social justice and community empowerment. With over five years of experience in the nonprofit sector, she has successfully managed multi-million dollar grants and has dedicated herself to connecting underserved communities with the resources they need to thrive. Natalie's commitment to amplifying marginalized voices and fostering inclusive environments drives her work to create positive change. She is skilled in grant management, program coordination, and administrative support, and she is eager to leverage her expertise to contribute to meaningful initiatives. Natalie holds a deep belief in the power of collective action and is dedicated to advancing equity and opportunity for all.
Natalie Joaquin BA
Group Therapy Facilitator
Jenifeer Salamengo
Teen Program Coordinator
