Yholima Vargas-Pedroza, known as Yholy, embodies a remarkable balance of professional excellence, community leadership, and a deep commitment to enriching the lives of others. She is not only a dedicated coordinator for Alamance Community College’s ESL program but also a dynamic community advocate, cultural ambassador, and inspiring leader within the Alamance County community. Her unwavering dedication to the arts, education, and social well-being of community members truly makes her a distinguished honoree at this year’s Leading the Way ceremony.
Since joining Alamance Community College in February 2023, Yholima has been a cornerstone of the ESL program, helping immigrants and non-native speakers acquire English skills and navigate the pathway toward citizenship. Under her guidance, the program has grown, expanding opportunities for adult learners to gain both language proficiency and career training in areas such as HVAC, BioWorks, esthetics, and cosmetology. Her focus is not merely on teaching English, but on creating comprehensive avenues for personal and professional advancement for underserved populations. Before her current role, Yholima spent ten years as a Care Manager at Duke Health, working tirelessly to provide holistic care to patients, and supporting their complex needs. This experience laid the foundation for her keen sense of compassion, commitment, and drive to help others succeed in all aspects of life.
Originally from Columbia, Yholima’s influence is deeply felt throughout the communities she has served in both Durham and Alamance counties. As an immigrant herself, she has always been passionate about fostering cultural and social integration, particularly within the Hispanic/Latino community. She has played a pivotal role in initiatives targeting gang and domestic violence prevention, mentoring at-risk youth, and has been a part of the first community policing accountability board in Burlington. Her commitment to cultural preservation and celebration is especially evident in her founding of the Huepa Culture & Arts Institute in 2015. This dance academy not only celebrates Latin American heritage but also provides a vital platform for young people to engage with their culture and express themselves creatively. The institute has served not only as a platform for Yholima to mentor the young dancers of the company as well as Elon University students involved in service leadership. Yholima has always been an advocate for equitable access to the arts, believing that they are essential to building healthy, authentic communities. Through her work with the DALI Fellowship and other artistic initiatives, she has championed increased opportunities for children and teens from minority groups to participate in the arts.
Yholima is a respected and trusted leader who frequently collaborates with local organizations and advisory boards. She currently serves on several key initiatives and advisory boards, including the Community Police Advisory Team (CPAT), the advisory board for the Harwood Institute, the For Alamance Initiative, and is a 2024 LatinxED fellowship. Furthermore, she co-chairs the Esperanza Festival, an annual community event that brings together people from all backgrounds to celebrate Latin culture. In 2023, Yholima was a finalist for the Governor’s Volunteer Service Award, further showcasing her tireless dedication to service. She has also been featured in various media, including a recent segment on PBS Newshour, where she represented Alamance County in discussions about community engagement and social progress.
Yholima Vargas-Pedroza’s remarkable contributions to the community, her passion for cultural advocacy, and her tireless commitment to empowering others through education and the arts make her a deserving recipient of the Founder’s Award at the 11th Annual Leading the Way. Her leadership is felt across multiple dimensions—from the classroom to the stage to the advisory boards on which she serves. She is a shining example of what it means to lead with compassion, dedication, and an unwavering commitment to the betterment of society.
