Our New Executive Director
Yolanda Fields
Yolanda Fields is the Executive Director of Breakthrough and a committed and passionate non-profit and community leader. She started her 20-year career with the East Garfield Park-based organization as a volunteer in 2001, after seeking to make a positive impact following the events of September 11, 2001. Prior to joining Breakthrough, Yolanda spent 10 years leading teams at a major telecommunications company.
During her tenure at Breakthrough, Yolanda has led all of Breakthrough’s adult programs, which includes housing, homeless services, violence prevention, workforce development, behavioral health, and food access programs. Yolanda has walked alongside those experiencing homelessness and crisis, and her compassionate leadership has created a culture of dignity and respect for all.
Yolanda resides on the West Side of Chicago and is also the Director of Women’s Ministry at New Landmark Missionary Baptist Church, located in East Garfield Park. Yolanda is an integral board member of the Advocate Charitable Foundation, providing resources to organizations across the West Side.
Community Advocate
Yolanda lives in and is committed to the West Side of Chicago.
Seasoned Leader
Yolanda has been leading at Breakthrough for over 15 years.
Vision Shaper
Yolanda has been a key voice in shaping the vision and work of Breakthrough.
Lauren Cole, Associate Director of Housing
Compassionate, warm, loving...these are the words that come to mind when I think of Yolanda. Her experience and character marry for a well rounded leader. I know Breakthrough will continue to do great things under her guidance.
Lauren Cole, Associate Director of Housing
Compassionate, warm, loving...these are the words that come to mind when I think of Yolanda. Her experience and character marry for a well rounded leader. I know Breakthrough will continue to do great things under her guidance.Lauren Cole, Associate Director of Housing
Bill Curry, Chief Program Officer, Breakthrough Youth Network
As our Founder and Executive Director, Arloa has led the organization from a place of high integrity and humility and with the heart of a servant. I'm confident that Yolanda will follow in that same heritage as a high-integrity, humble leader who seeks good for others.
Bill Curry, Chief Program Officer, Breakthrough Youth Network
As our Founder and Executive Director, Arloa has led the organization from a place of high integrity and humility and with the heart of a servant. I'm confident that Yolanda will follow in that same heritage as a high-integrity, humble leader who seeks good for others.Bill Curry, Chief Program Officer, Breakthrough Youth Network
NyEdra Turner, Program Coordinator, Violence Prevention Initiative
Yolanda is the true meaning of Breakthrough’s core values. The overflow of love she pours out into our hearts is beyond amazing and genuine.
NyEdra Turner, Program Coordinator, Violence Prevention Initiative
Yolanda is the true meaning of Breakthrough’s core values. The overflow of love she pours out into our hearts is beyond amazing and genuine.NyEdra Turner, Program Coordinator, Violence Prevention Initiative
Antonio Daniels, Volunteer Coordinator
Yolanda is a true leader who sees the big picture! She has a tremendous amount of capacity that never ceases to amaze! She does her homework yes, but gets things done by including others all the while grooming them to lead well within their context!
Antonio Daniels, Volunteer Coordinator
Yolanda is a true leader who sees the big picture! She has a tremendous amount of capacity that never ceases to amaze! She does her homework yes, but gets things done by including others all the while grooming them to lead well within their context!Antonio Daniels, Volunteer Coordinator
Lisa Gwin, Director of Early Childhood Education
Yolanda is a beautiful example of courageous yet humble leadership. She inspires me to work harder, love deeper, give more generously, and commit more fully to loving God and loving others. I am honored and so very grateful to not only work alongside her, but to call her my friend.
Lisa Gwin, Director of Early Childhood Education
Yolanda is a beautiful example of courageous yet humble leadership. She inspires me to work harder, love deeper, give more generously, and commit more fully to loving God and loving others. I am honored and so very grateful to not only work alongside her, but to call her my friend.Lisa Gwin, Director of Early Childhood Education
Bradley Troast, Associate Director of Institutional Giving
Yolanda is the embodiment of what Breakthrough intends to be. She demonstrates dignity to all, whether it’s someone on their first day or in their 20th year at Breakthrough.
Bradley Troast, Associate Director of Institutional Giving
Yolanda is the embodiment of what Breakthrough intends to be. She demonstrates dignity to all, whether it’s someone on their first day or in their 20th year at Breakthrough.Bradley Troast, Associate Director of Institutional Giving
Press Release
Please download and use this press release as you recognize and celebrate our new Executive Director, Yolanda Fields. Yolanda will become Breakthrough’s Executive Director effective April 1, 2021.