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 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 multi-generational support system that provides marginalized groups, Domestic Violence victims, and women with Mental Health challenges with counseling services and self-enrichment programs. Because health is comprehensive and trauma is layered with complexities, YSE is co-led with a diverse experienced team of women, with deep compassion and urgency to assist women improve 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 | M.S.W, 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 Seda L.C.S.W
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
Karla is the Director of Rehab services at Center Home for Hispanic Elderly. She earned her B.S degree at NIU and her M.S masters degree at SIUC.
She is currently a Speech Language Pathologist. Karla is also a Geriatric- Mental Health advocate.
Karla Voeun M.S, CCC-SLP-L
Chairwoman
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. o
Vilma White
Chairwoman
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
Chairwoman
Diana has a background in health coaching and psychology. She completed her BA at UIC and is currently pursuing her M.S. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling.
Diana Chavez B.A
Chairwoman
Ari works as an Account Executive and teaching music. Her skills sets lie in building and maintaining relationship.
Ari has a Bachelors in Education from the National University of Pedagogy en San Luis Potosi, Mexico and an Associates Degree in Music from Harper College.
Ariadna Escamilla B.A
Chairwoman
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 M.S.W
Chairwoman
Elizabeth has a background and degree in Business Management.Currently, runs her own real estate business, as an investor and also real estate agent
Elizabeth Jimenez B.S
Chairwoman
As a licensed counselor in private practice, Vanessa provides recovery-focused individual and group therapy, and crisis intervention for men and women.
Vanessa Gamino LCPC
Member
Yesika is currently the program manager for Carole Robertson Center for Learning at 3 different sites within the Little Village and Lawndale area in Chicago. She serves as the community outreach liaison for YSE.
Yesika Kruse B.S
Member
