As a mother of four, Yolanda encouraged her children’s curiosity and artistic interests. She watched them develop the discipline that the arts demand. She has seen how a sturdy nest and arts education in childhood has given them the courage to soar to places never dreamt of. As the daughter of a Cuban father and Mexican mother, Yolanda is a Californian who understands the immigrant experience. Spanish was her first language. Music was always encouraged in her home and when she attended college she majored in Music and Psychology. San Diego became home in 1982. Forty-seven years of planning corporate hospitality, learning to live with the ups and downs of family businesses, and eventually sitting on the board of directors, taught Yolanda to be nimble, flexible and decisive.