Born and raised in the Republic of Palau, Yvonne immigrated to the United States at the age of 13. Guided by a deep sense of purpose and connection to her roots, she graduated from Mount Tahoma High School and went on to attend Pacific Lutheran University as an Act Six Scholar. She is currently serving Pasifika youth and families as an Education Navigator.

Yvonne is deeply committed to earning her PhD in Social work and returning to Palau in the long-term future to contribute to the safety, health, and empowerment of Palauan youth, families, and elders through social services and advocacy. Her journey is driven by a calling to uplift her community, preserve cultural identity, and ensure that future generations are supported and heard.

Through her involvement with VOPIN, Yvonne finds a meaningful space to grow as a leader and changemaker. VOPIN allows her to connect with like-minded individuals who share her vision for community-driven impact and cultural pride.

Outside of her professional work, Yvonne enjoys community gardening, cooking at home, learning about Indigenous cultures, volunteering in her community, and staying connected to Palauan traditions. Her areas of expertise include youth development, program coordination, and community engagement, with a growing focus on ecological social work and cultural advocacy.