Yuli Yañez-Chavez

Cooperative Extension: Yuli Yañez-Chavez, Juntos Program Coordinator
Years with the County: 1

Briefly describe your job. What do you do?
I plan and lead a bilingual college-readiness program that supports students and their families with college and career readiness, leadership development, and life skills. I organize educational activities, college visits, career exploration opportunities, community service projects, and family engagement while connecting students with resources and opportunities for their future.

What is a typical workday like for you?
My workdays are always different, which is one of the reasons I love my job! Sometimes you find me in my office organizing workshops or club meetings, or outside the office taking students on educational field trips, or at a school implementing the program. What does remain consistent is leading Juntos 4-H club meetings at St. Stephens High School, Challenger Early College High School, and H.M. Arndt Middle School twice a month, as well as leading bilingual family nights.

What is your favorite aspect of your job—what do you enjoy doing most? 
What I enjoy the most about my job is building relationships with students and watching them grow. I love being able to introduce students and their family members to new opportunities, whether that is visiting a college, exploring a career, volunteering in the community, or developing leadership skills. It’s especially rewarding to see students gain confidence and realize that they have many possibilities for their future.

What is the County core value you believe most relates to the work you do, and why?
The core value that most relates to my work is “Doing It Together.” Juntos is all about building connections and working together to support students and their families. I collaborate with schools, families, community partners, and other organizations to create opportunities for students to explore and prepare for their future.

What do you like best about working for Catawba County?
I like that Catawba County gives me the opportunity to make a meaningful impact in my community while empowering the next generation of leaders! 

If you could have one superpower, what would it be and why?
I would love the ability to speak every language in the world! I love meeting new people and learning about different cultures and traditions, so I would love to be able to learn and connect with others without language being a barrier.