Yolanda Calderón has had such a positive impact on the community and the lives of our youth. Currently, Yolanda works for the City as a Program Coordinator for the after-school and summer programs for the Community Center. For ten months of the year, she coordinates the after school program which includes homework help, indoor and outdoor activities and play, along with supervising a staff of twenty people.  During the summer months, the staff works full time, providing summer day camp with activities such as swimming, park trips, water games, weekly field trips, and free lunch programs provided by the SCV Food Services Agency.


Yolanda has lived in the Santa Clarita Valley since 1992.  Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with her husband, Adalberto, and two children, Isabela (age six) and Natalia (age five).  Yolanda also enjoys scrap booking, beading and dancing. 

After graduating from Hart High School, Yolanda started working for the City as a Recreation Leader.  One year after the City opened the Community Center, Yolanda was hired to work part-time to help “kick-off” the Center programs.  She was instrumental in the development of the after school program—the most comprehensive program at the Center.  Many opportunities were created for youth to get tutoring in their native language, learn to read, go on field trips and play sports.  Yolanda created and supervised programs that would lure children away from joining a gang, and toward joining activities at the Center. She worked her way up to a full time position as Program Coordinator and continues to make a difference in the lives of our youth. Yolanda states, “I am so passionate about the Community Center. I have grown up with the Center and feel a deep responsibility to the local community.  I strive to give children and their families what all families need; resources, recreational activities, educational outreach, and a place they can call home.”

Despite her busy work schedule, Yolanda also participates in other organizations.  She works in partnership with Paws for Healing, The Sunrise Rotary Club, Girl Scouts, Boys and Girls Club, State Farm Insurance, and many other local organizations. It is evident that Yolanda is passionate to the children in our community and making it a better place for them to live.  She is very influential and has impacted many of the lives of others through leadership and creativity.

Yolanda has been such a positive role model in our community.  In 2001, Yolanda was the recipient of the “Whatever It Takes” Community Center Award.  She was also nominated in 2005 for the  “Community Leader of the Year” by the Santa Clarita Chamber of Commerce, Hispanic Business Committee for her outstanding community service and leadership.  In 2006, she received the City of Santa Clarita Parks Recreation and Community Service Award for her outstanding contributions and dedicated service.  In 2007, Yolanda was also awarded the Urban Hero Award by the People for Parks. 

Thank you, Yolanda, for doing “Whatever It Takes” to making our community a great one to live in.  Your leadership has positively impacted our youth, and your ability to touch the lives of those around you is truly extraordinary.