Yamilka has an eighteen-year work history in the non-for-profit sector, working with organizations such as Loeb & Troper, Bowery Residents’ Committee (BRC) and Puerto Rican Family Institute. In 2006, Yamilka began her healthcare career working with the 1199SEIU Training and Employment Funds (TEF) as a Program Assistant. In this role, she managed an education program for 1199SEIU members seeking to obtain their License Practical Nurse (LPN) certification. It was also in this role where she developed a deep passion for supporting healthcare workers in their learning and career advancement.
In 2007, Yamilka transitioned to the role of Member Service Generalist with the 1199SEIU Job Security Fund where she supported 1199SEIU members in finding employment opportunities in healthcare. A year later, Yamilka transitioned to the 1199SEIU/League Labor Management Project (LMP) as an Administrative Coordinator. In this role, Yamilka worked to support the department’s large scale events and conferences as well as provide additional strategic support services. In recognition of her commitment to teamwork and organizational goals, Yamilka received the TEF Heart Award in 2009, nominated by peers throughout the organization.
In 2013, Yamilka was promoted to the role of Development Coordinator where she coordinates skill-building courses for union and management workers. She also assists in the development of curriculum and facilitation. This role has allowed her the opportunity to work collaboratively with union and management stakeholders and aid them in achieving results that enhance the quality of care and labor-management relationships.
Yamilka maintains her passion for supporting members and healthcare teams that work to create change in complex organizations and seek opportunities for continuous growth and development.
She holds a BA in Sociology from City College of New York, is a trained facilitator in TeamSTEPPS, and currently perusing her Lean Six Sigma Green Belt.