It’s pretty much impossible to come in contact with Yesi without falling in love with her infectious laugh and heart for people. She has a passion for teaching that has taken her to places like Africa to give the priceless gift of education. Yesi chats with Gracemade about pursuing purpose, serving the marginalized, and the beauty of being a woman. Enjoy!

What did you want to be as a child? 

I always wanted to be a teacher. I would go knock on every door and invite people to my pretend school at my house. I even made ID cards for them. Every time I learned something knew I would want to show everyone.

 

What inspired you to want to start a school?

A series of events. Being able to teach in different places has shown me the power and joy that education can bring to someone that never thought it was possible. I had the opportunity to teach in Ghana in a place where they never thought they could have a school. People who didn't have the opportunity for education before began to realize how important it is and they were hungry to learn. I love that education creates that opportunity. 

What are you looking forward to in 2017? What are some of your goals for yourself and your work?

I turn a quarter of a century old this year. Whoo-hoo! Thankfully, due to the flexibility of my job, I can do some traveling. I am looking forward to a trip to Europe and other places still pending at this time.

This year is a year of lots of physical training for me. I got into triathlons last year, and I have fallen into a love/hate relationship with them. I have a couple races in 2017, but one specific race that will need all of me - it's my first Olympic triathlon. Why did I sign up? I don’t know, but it’s going down.

I will also start my teaching credential program this year. I can’t wait for that.

I am also keeping up with ministry and involving my young adults to keep serving and loving Jesus. I want to spend more time in the Word and having a prayerful life.

 What are you most passionate about?

I am passionate about showing the love of JESUS which I learn each day more and more. I’m nowhere near being the perfect model for it, but thank God He is our perfect model.  He sets these divine appointments where he’s like “GURL WHERE YOU AT? Get serving. Get ready because I ain’t playing” and I’m like “Alrighty then, I see you”

What’s some advice would you give women looking to step out and pursue their purpose ?

I will say to all my little mamis out there. Don’t you compare yourself to another woman.  Instead, encourage and seek out one another. Competing with each other doesn’t take us anywhere. Learn from each other. Appreciate each other. Congratulate each other. We all come in all sorts of shapes and sizes but what matters most is the size of our hearts and who our hope lies on. Your purpose is to work hard and hold on to the promises laid upon you. Don’t be ashamed of anything but move forward towards joy. 

Name a woman that inspires you.

My Grandmother. She's meek, but so bold and powerful. She's a good listener but at the same time she will tell it like it is in a genuine and loving way. I admire her silliness, how she prays for others, and the amount of faith she has.