We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Yamila Rollan escalona a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Yamila, we’re thrilled to have you on our platform and we think there is so much folks can learn from you and your story. Something that matters deeply to us is living a life and leading a career filled with purpose and so let’s start by chatting about how you found your purpose.
Finding purpose can be a deeply personal journey. For me, it stemmed from a very personal experience – the loss of my only sister to a drug overdose. That tragedy sparked a fire within me to make a difference, to prevent similar losses and empower others struggling with addiction.
Yaya Por Vida became a way to channel that grief into action. Our mission to provide harm reduction resources, advocate for social justice through the healing properties of art expression, and empower individuals aligns perfectly with my desire to honor my sister’s memory. Witnessing the positive changes in participants’ lives – from finding stable housing to building leadership skills – is incredibly rewarding. It’s a testament to the impact we can have, and it fuels my passion every day.
Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
Yaya Por Vida is more than an organization to me; it’s a culmination of personal experience, unwavering commitment, and a deep desire to make a positive impact. My passion for supporting individuals struggling with substance use disorder stems from a profound loss – the passing of my younger sister to a drug overdose. This heartbreaking experience ignited a fire within me to prevent similar tragedies and empower others on their path to recovery.
Yaya Por Vida, named after my sister, embodies her spirit and unwavering strength. Through harm reduction services, social justice advocacy, and innovative peer led art programs, we strive to create a support system for those most affected by the justice system’s war on drugs and substance use disorder.
The most fulfilling aspect of this work is witnessing the transformation in our participants’ lives. Whether it’s securing stable housing, developing leadership skills, or simply finding a sense of community, every positive step forward is a testament to the power of hope and resilience. Seeing this firsthand fuels my dedication and keeps me motivated every day.
At Yaya Por Vida, we’re constantly pushing the boundaries of what’s possible. We are proud to announce the launch of our Art as Healing mobile drop in center, partnership with IDEA Exchange Miami on our Overtown outreach and the start of two new community memorial murals coming up this Summer. Additionally, we’re expanding our art as peer support programs into Okeechobee, Vero Beach, Port St. Lucie and Martin County. These programs will incorporate iour art as healing sessions in English and Spanish to provide a holistic approach to healing. We want to thank SUSTAIN University of Houston’s Trauma Informed Spaces Program for awarding us the funds for this long awaited expansion in Dade and Rite Life Services for their unwaivering support of our Art as Healing launch in the Treasure Coast.
If you’re looking for an organization that’s making a real difference in the lives of others, I encourage you to learn more about Yaya Por Vida. We welcome volunteers, donors, and anyone who shares our vision of a more just and compassionate world.
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
Looking back, three qualities have been instrumental in my journey with Yaya Por Vida:
Resilience: The fight for social justice is a marathon, not a sprint. There will be challenges, but resilience allows you to bounce back, learn from obstacles, and keep pushing forward. Surround yourself with a supportive network for encouragement during tough times.
Cultural Awareness: Our community is rich in diversity. Cultural awareness allows us to understand the unique perspectives of those we serve, tailor our approach accordingly, and build trust within these communities. Actively seek out opportunities to learn about different cultures, challenge your own biases, and practice respectful communication across cultures.
Empathy: Connecting with the individuals we serve on a deeper level is crucial. Empathy allows you to understand their struggles, build trust, and create a safe space for healing. Listen actively to the stories of those you encounter, volunteer with relevant organizations, and seek out educational resources on fostering empathy.
Okay, so before we go we always love to ask if you are looking for folks to partner or collaborate with?
Who We Seek:
We’re excited to connect with:
Corporate Sponsors: Businesses committed to social responsibility and giving back to the community can be incredible partners. Companies with a focus on health and wellness, social justice initiatives, or employee well-being particularly resonate with our mission.
Private Donors: Individuals passionate about supporting those impacted by the justice system and advocating for harm reduction are the backbone of our organization. We welcome contributions of all sizes.
The Power of Partnership:
By partnering with corporate sponsors and private donors, we can:
Expand Our Programs: Increased funding allows us to offer a wider range of critical services, such as expanding access to harm reduction kits, developing innovative peer support programs, and incorporating art therapy into our recovery workshops.
Fuel Innovation: Collaboration allows us to explore new and creative approaches to tackle complex social issues, leading to a more sustainable and effective impact.
Raise Awareness: Partnerships increase our visibility, allowing us to educate a wider audience about the critical work we do and the urgent need for social justice reform.
Contact Info:
- Website: yayaporvida.org
- Instagram: yaya_por_vida
- Facebook: Yaya Por Vida Foundation
- Linkedin: Yaya Por Vida Foundation
- Youtube: Yaya Por Vida Foundation
