Yakira Sanders, M.Ed.

Yakira Sanders, M.Ed. serves as an Academic Advisor at the College of Southern Nevada, where she is dedicated to supporting students in achieving their academic and personal goals. With seven years of experience in higher education, Yakira has developed expertise in academic advising, student success initiatives, coaching, and creating supportive pathways for diverse learners. Her work centers on helping students build essential academic skills, overcome challenges, access resources, and navigate their educational journeys with confidence.

Throughout her career, Yakira has held several impactful roles across higher education institutions. During her assistantship at Iowa State University, she provided academic coaching for conditionally admitted students and supported the Smart Start program. She later served as a Program Assistant at the University of Northern Iowa’s Multicultural Center and worked as a Success Coach at a small private institution, where she focused on student development, mentorship, and retention efforts. These experiences have strengthened her passion for fostering inclusive environments and empowering students to reach their full potential.

Yakira’s commitment to service extends beyond her professional responsibilities through her volunteer work with Diapers for Diplomas, a partnership with Baby’s Bounty that provides essential diaper resources to student parents at NSHE institutions. She attributes her success to the resilience and perseverance modeled by her single mother, as well as the encouragement and support of women who have helped guide her throughout her journey. Yakira encourages young women entering the field to embrace curiosity, ask questions, and seek support, recognizing that valuable resources and opportunities often come through building connections and advocating for themselves.