Her Story
About Yadira
Yadira De Santiago is an Area Director with Community Solutions, Inc. (CSI), based in San Bernardino County, California, where she leads the development and implementation of reentry programs serving justice-involved and at-risk populations. With approximately 15 years of experience in criminal justice and community reentry services, she has built her career around evidence-based programming, leadership development, and system-level collaboration. Her professional journey began in case management and progressed through supervisory and program director roles, ultimately leading her to oversee multi-site program expansion and community partnerships focused on reducing recidivism and strengthening reintegration outcomes. Throughout her career, she has held key leadership positions including Program Director and Program Manager, where she has successfully launched and scaled reentry initiatives, developed multidisciplinary teams, and built strong partnerships with probation departments, community-based organizations, and workforce providers. She is recognized for her expertise in program development, community engagement, knowledge in motivational interviewing, cognitive behavioral interventions, and staff mentorship. In her leadership roles, she has consistently focused on creating pathways for both clients and staff to grow into leadership positions, reinforcing a culture of development, accountability, and long-term impact. Yadira’s work is grounded in a deep commitment to mentorship, community engagement, and personal growth. A first-generation college graduate with a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice from Westwood College-Anaheim, she began her career inspired by early volunteer work in juvenile detention settings and has since dedicated her professional life to building stronger communities through second chances. She is widely respected for her ability to develop emerging leaders, expand access to supportive services, and foster collaborative environments that empower individuals to achieve sustainable change.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Yadira
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to the guidance of mentors and role models who have shaped my growth, my commitment to continuous education and training, my willingness to take calculated risks and embrace new opportunities, and my focus on investing in and developing the people I work with.
02What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
The advice I would give them is to take the leap of faith, because they don't know how much they'll be able to achieve if they don't push themselves to what makes them feel uncomfortable. Not only that, but being able to find a mentor or a coach, someone that they admire, in order for them to be able to grow. And for them never, ever to stop learning about leadership.
03What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest challenges—and opportunities—in my field right now is serving underserved, justice-involved populations while also building programs from the ground up. This work is demanding due to systemic barriers and limited resources, but it also presents a meaningful opportunity to create lasting change by breaking cycles of incarceration through community-focused, evidence-based reentry programs.
04What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values most important to me in both my work and personal life are growth, mentorship, and community engagement. I also place a strong emphasis on pro-social behavior and a commitment to building stronger, more supportive communities where individuals have the opportunity to thrive and contribute positively.
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