Her Story
About Yanira
Yanira Vanegas Scott, MBA, is a bilingual nonprofit leader dedicated to strengthening communities through education, strategic partnerships, and community engagement. As Executive Director of El Refugio in Sanford, North Carolina, she leads initiatives that expand access to literacy programs, workforce development, language education, and essential community resources for individuals and families. Her collaborative leadership brings together schools, businesses, healthcare providers, government agencies, and nonprofit organizations to create sustainable solutions that improve educational and economic opportunities.
Scott's diverse professional background includes experience in nonprofit leadership, education, data management, and law enforcement, providing her with a well-rounded perspective on serving communities. She earned her Master of Business Administration from Wake Forest University, building on her bachelor's degree in Criminal Justice from Western Carolina University. Throughout her career, she has become known for her ability to build trust, develop innovative programs, manage cross-functional partnerships, and lead organizations through growth and change while maintaining a strong focus on mission-driven impact.
Scott attributes her success to perseverance, adaptability, and a lifelong commitment to learning and serving others. She believes meaningful relationships, integrity, and collaboration are the foundation of lasting community change and encourages emerging professionals to remain flexible, seek mentors, and never stop asking questions. While she recognizes long-term sustainability as one of the nonprofit sector's greatest challenges, she remains optimistic about the opportunities created through strategic partnerships and technology to expand services, maximize resources, and strengthen communities for future generations.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Yanira
01What do you attribute your success to?
Success, to me, comes from perseverance, a willingness to keep learning, and a genuine passion for serving others. I also believe that building meaningful relationships and treating people with empathy and respect creates opportunities for growth, collaboration, and lasting impact.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I've received is to stay flexible and be open to learning new things when life takes unexpected turns. Some of the greatest opportunities come from unexpected paths, and a willingness to adapt has helped me grow both personally and professionally.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice is to not wait until you feel completely ready—growth comes from stepping outside your comfort zone. Ask questions, seek out mentors, and never stop learning. Most importantly, build your reputation on integrity, reliability, and treating others with respect, because those qualities will open doors throughout your career.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest challenges in my field is ensuring long-term sustainability while meeting growing community needs. At the same time, I see tremendous opportunities through collaboration with schools, colleges, businesses, and community partners, as well as using technology to expand resources and increase our impact.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Integrity, service, compassion, and lifelong learning
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