Jackie Reyes-Yanes has marked a milestone in Washington D.C. public administration by becoming the first Latina to lead the Mayor’s Office of Community Affairs (MOCA).
His track record reflects an unwavering dedication to the Latino community and a deep commitment to public service.
Professional career and significant contributions
Prior to assuming the directorship of MOCA, Reyes-Yanes served as director of the Mayor’s Office of Latino Affairs (MOLA) since January 2015.
During his tenure, he increased the agency’s budget from $2.9 million to $5.9 million, allowing for the allocation of more than $13 million for programs that improved the quality of life for Latinos in the District..9 million, allowing the allocation of more than $13 million for programs that improved the quality of life of Latinos in the District.
In addition, he was instrumental in the design and implementation of the Immigrant Justice Legal Services Program in D.C. (IJLSG), providing crucial legal assistance to the immigrant community.
Her experience also includes roles as Director of Latino Affairs and Community Outreach for the late D.C. Councilmember Jim Graham.
In this position, he led initiatives to address the needs of the District’s Latino residents, including organizing gang prevention events that contributed to the reduction of violence and crime on the streets.
She played a crucial role in securing funding for the reconstruction of the Monsignor Romero Apartments in Mount Pleasant, destroyed by fire in 2008
Recognition and community leadership
Reyes-Yanes is widely recognized both in the District and nationally and internationally for her dedication to creating safe environments for the immigrant community.
She has been featured in the book “Sí se Puede”, which presents 25 successful Salvadorans in the diaspora, written by Ana Margarita Chávez Escobar.
Commitment to the community
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Reyes-Yanes demonstrated exemplary leadership in keeping the MOLA office operational, ensuring that the Latino community had access to essential information and resources.
His ability to adapt and respond to emerging community needs was a key factor in his promotion to MOCA’s leadership.
Jackie Reyes-Yanes’ vision and future objectives
In assuming the leadership of MOCA, Reyes-Yanes has expressed his intention to strengthen communication between the community and government agencies, ensuring that the voices of all residents are heard and considered in decision making. His focus is on inclusion, equity and fair representation of all communities in Washington D.C.
Jackie Reyes-Yanes’ story is a testament to resilience, dedication and leadership. His ascension to the leadership of MOCA represents not only a personal achievement, but also a significant advancement for Latino representation in leadership positions in the nation’s capital.
Their ongoing commitment promises to continue to positively impact the Washington D.C. community for years to come.
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