Representing the Commission on African American Affairs
Dr. Yolanda Geolingo has called Yelm, WA, her home since 2007. She is originally from Moss Point, Mississippi, and joined the United States Army in 1995 and completed her service in 2004 after her deployment to Operation Iraqi and Enduring Freedom. Prior to going into the military, Yolanda earned her Bachelor's in Business Administration from Alcorn State University in Lorman, MS. While in the military, she earned a Master's degree from Troy State University in Troy, AL, in Human Resources Management. Upon completing her military tour, Yolanda earned a second degree in Public Administration with a concentration in Government Contracting and National Security Affairs from Troy University in Troy, AL.
Yolanda enjoyed her time in the military because she learned critical organizational and team-impact skills and knowledge. Those skills and knowledge allow her to work collectively and cohesively toward any goal. Yolanda is currently working at Seattle Children’s Hospital as a Manager, Employee Relations, and Operations Consultant with over 28 years of experience in Human Resources. She prides herself on caring for others by addressing their concerns and looking for a sound solution.
Yolanda received her doctoral degree in Public Administration at Walden University this year. As her administrative project, she developed and implemented racial equity, diversity, and inclusion workplace competencies for a WA State agency. She is very active in her community through her sorority, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. In addition, Yolanda is a member of the Board of Directors for the Society of Human Resources Management Olympia Chapter. Since she has completed graduate school, Yolanda plans to get her certification in Human Resources, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion, focus primarily on the Black Community issues, and recommend creative solutions.
Yolanda enjoys spending time with her family and friends, traveling, watching football, binge-watching television shows, trying new adventures, and playing with her Yorkies, Yellis and Yuri.