Visnia has served for more than 9 years in the foster care community working directly with children who have been abused and neglected. Her love for children and dedication to keeping all youth safe has brought her to YES Institute. As Administrative Manager, Visnia is the administrative anchor for YES and originally from Chile, she is fluent in Spanish ensuring our work is available for Spanish-speaking families. Visnia is committed to making a difference in the community and to the healthy development of children.

What skills and expertise do you bring to the team?

Not only am I organized, but my time management skills help me prioritize my tasks in order to be exceptionally efficient. I am a reliable team player and will always do what needs to get done in order for the team to win. I have over 9 years experience in the foster care system, worked in customer service and even worked at at daycare with little ones. I have worked with several different populations and have really gotten the impact of how one person can make a difference in someone’s life.

What do you find most rewarding about your work?

I’ve seen families leave YES stronger and more united than when they arrived.

What has YES Institute done that you’re particularly proud of?

I’m proud of our commitment to the community and our youth. I see there are no egos here and it’s genuinely giving back and contributing. YES Institute goes to places and reaches people who have never spoken about gender and orientation and to me that’s something to be proud of because I truly believe one person or one experience can save a life.

What is something you hope people know about you?

I hope people know that I am just another human trying to make this world a better place.

What learning experience had the biggest impact on who you are now?

I was raised in an upper middle class family. I went to private school in Chile, we had nannies, my mother did not work, and we did not lack anything. We moved to Miami because of my dad’s job. A few years later, my parents separated and my father was diagnosed with Cancer while I was in Middle School and everything changed. We learned we did not have the same income and that if we wanted to succeed, we had to work hard, accept the changes and don’t look back. I got a job as early as 13yrs old, moved homes several times, and learned to live my life in a way that worked with what I had. I learned to be responsible, reliable, learned good work ethic but most of all I learned humility.