Yahaira G. Corona
Board Member
Yahaira G. Corona is a Diversity & Inclusion crusader, accomplished HR Business Partner, and passionate leader. Yahaira serves as the Chair for HACE’s Young Professionals Board. Through her leadership, HYPN has exceeded fundraising goals for HACE throughout 2015-2018. Yahaira says she is a product of the organization’s mission and stands by its values. Prior to being the Chair, Guzman participated as a volunteer for University Leadership Network activities, served as Secretary for HYPN, and is an alumnae to the Mujeres de HACE Women’s Leadership program.
Yahaira has a unique blend of professional experiences within the public, nonprofit, and corporate sector. She recently joined the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago, as a Senior Project Manager, Diversity & Inclusion. Yahaira leads important projects and efforts related to D & I trends and The Chicago Fed’s Financial Services Pipeline. Formerly, Yahaira worked as a Human Resources Generalist for Ventas Inc., and as a Senior Employee Relations Specialist at JLL managing various HR initiatives. Her employee resource group (ERG) involvement at JLL led her to serve as the National Membership Chair for the Latino Employee Resource Network’s (LERN) Advisory Board, increasing membership for the ERG in her tenure. As well as a member event coordinator for the Chicago Chapter of the Women’s Business Network, and a Junior Achievement liaison to increase JLL’s visibility in diverse communities. Prior to JLL, she served as a community ambassador for domestic violence and sexual assault victims throughout Kane and Cook County. As a Legal Advocate with Sarah’s Inn and a Case Manager at the City of Elgin she facilitated training on social services, victims’ rights and the legal system to area schools and community agencies.
In 2017, Yahaira was recognized by Negocios Now as a “Latinos 40 under 40” recipient for her positive contributions to young Latinos in the Chicago area. Yahaira attributes her leadership to a lineage of fearless Puerto Rican women.
Yahaira is a member of Gamma Phi Omega International Sorority, Inc., where she helped establish the first alumnae chapter (Phi Alpha) in Chicago, IL and served as undergraduate chapter (Epsilon) President at her alma mater. Yahaira also serves as a member of Casa Central’s Emerging Leaders Auxiliary Board. She earned both her Master of Public Administration and Bachelor of Arts in Public Policy from DePaul University.
Yahaira grew up in Elgin, IL. In her spare time, you will find her performing with a Latin dance team in Chicago, traveling with her husband, and designing DIY craft projects.