Her Story
About Yalanda
Yalanda Barber-Sweney is an author, speaker, entrepreneur, and behavioral health advocate dedicated to supporting children, families, and individuals with developmental and behavioral needs. As the Executive Director of Rosaleana’s Community Development Center, Inc., a human services nonprofit, she provides support for neurodivergent individuals and people with developmental and behavioral disabilities. Her work includes independent living services for young adults aging out of foster care, community-based support, and programs designed to help individuals build confidence, independence, and meaningful connections.
Yalanda is also the CEO and Founder of Inspire Your Daughters and Sons, an initiative focused on helping K–12 youth express themselves and develop confidence through visual arts, art education, creative writing, and cultural experiences. Through her publishing work, she creates children’s books, coloring and activity books, workbooks, and journals featuring foster care and special-needs characters, helping ensure that the communities she serves are represented in literature. She also leads KutieLand™ and continues to collaborate with government entities, agencies, organizations, and nonprofits to bring inspiration and hope to communities.
Yalanda’s professional journey is grounded in more than two decades of service within the foster care and human services fields. She earned a Master of Education in Counselor Education and School Counseling and Guidance Services from Albany State University and is currently pursuing a Master of Psychology in Applied Psychology at Walden University, with the goal of becoming a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA). Guided by her faith, family, passion for service, and commitment to philanthropy, Yalanda describes herself as a servant and advocate for children and individuals in care, working to create opportunities for them to be seen, heard, understood, and empowered.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Yalanda
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to four pillars: faith, family, fun, and finance. I believe in the principles of seedtime and harvest—putting in the work, listening to God, acting on His promises, executing the plan, and inspiring others along the way.
02What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to young women is to listen to God, trust His promises even when you cannot see the outcome, and move forward with faith. Execute the plan, stay committed to your goals, and inspire others as you grow and succeed.
03What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest challenges in my field is social media marketing, particularly navigating HIPAA restrictions while protecting client information. I strive to share clients’ voices and stories authentically and effectively without compromising their privacy or exploiting their experiences.
04What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values most important to me are faith, family, fun, and financial responsibility. I believe in being a good steward of money, giving back to others, and using my experiences and success to inspire and encourage those around me.
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