Yesenia Cervantes is a social impact leader driving workforce and community development to advance economic mobility and health equity. With over 20 years of experience, she brings a proven track record of building innovative, community-centered programs that create lasting systems-level change.
She currently serves at the Illinois Community Health Workers Association (ILCHWA), where she leads initiatives that strengthen the community health workforce through skill building, partnership development, and strategic collaboration. In addition, Yesenia is a Genentech Technical Assistance Center Consultant, providing leadership, coordination, and development of state-wide technical assistance and professional development offerings.
Previously, Yesenia was Dean of Career Pathways and Community Affairs at Instituto del Progreso Latino, where she oversaw multi-sector workforce programs and led a nationally recognized Financial Opportunity Center and contact tracer–CHW initiative addressing health inequities.
A respected voice in the field, she has secured public and private funding, supported the expansion of Financial Opportunity Centers, and is a sought-after speaker for national organizations. Yesenia holds a Leadership Certificate from the University of Chicago, an MBA from National Louis University and a BA in Psychology from the University of Illinois at Chicago.
Outside of work, she likes to travel with her family and meet new people, always seeking learning opportunities globally.