Yesenia Nely Aquino Bautista

Regional assistant director

Heritage University Tri-Cities

Age: 29

Current city of residence: West Richland

Briefly describe your company:

Heritage University a Hispanic- and Native-serving institution that empowers a multicultural and inclusive student body to overcome the social, cultural, economic and geographic barriers that limit access to higher education. We embrace transformational student-centered education that cultivates leadership and a commitment to the promotion of a more just society.

How long have you worked there?

2.5 years

Please list any degrees and professional certifications.

• Harvard University: Online Master in Education candidate in educational leadership (higher education pathway) at the Harvard Graduate School of Education.
• Eastern Washington University: Bachelor’s in children’s studies. Minors: Sociology, psychology, Spanish.
• University of Washington: certificate in practice-based coaching.

Briefly describe your job and what you do.

As the Tri-Cities regional assistant director at Heritage University, I support the current development of the new university site in Kennewick. I support outreach, recruitment and student support efforts to increase access to higher education. I co-lead admissions, financial aid, advising, enrollment and retention strategies at the Tri-Cities site, while serving as a key representative of the university in the region. I collaborate with higher education institutions, school districts and community organizations to promote educational opportunities, advocate for students and develop partnerships that provide scholarships, internships and career pathways. Additionally, I serve on the HU staff educator senate’s nomination committee.

Tell us about your work history.

My work has included working with children impacted by substance abuse, connecting low-income families to support systems, improving bilingual early childhood programs, assisting special education teachers during Covid and launching a cross-departmental diversity, equity and inclusion committee. I also volunteer as a translator, support cultural events and work on initiatives for at-risk students in the Tri-Cities.

Tell us about your first job.

Selling conchas with my grandpa as a street vendor in Oaxaca, Mexico. The strictest boss I’ve had in my life thus far.

What advice would you give to your younger self about achieving success?

Your indigenous identity does not need to be outwashed for you to achieve success.

What was your dream job as a child?

Teacher.

Who are your role models – and why?

Jesus: Because of his profound role in leadership, both historically and spiritually, he exemplified servant leadership, moral integrity and transformational influence. Unlike leaders who sought power, he led with humility. His deep compassion embraced society’s outcasts, healing the sick and advocating for love, justice and forgiveness. With unwavering moral courage, he challenged corruption and injustice, remaining committed to his mission even until death. Jesus empowered his followers, mentoring them to continue his work, and his teachings laid the foundation for movements in ethics, human rights and charity. His leadership endures not through conquest but through the power of love, grace and selfless sacrifice, inspiring me to lead with integrity, empathy and purpose.

What would be your top three priorities to make our community a better place?

More volunteers involved with shelters who serve homeless youth, free full-time child care for low-income students matriculated in university, and more climate change information sessions.

Tell us about your community involvement/community service:

I am actively involved in advocacy, education and community engagement. I volunteer and support our local League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC) by sharing resources I know about that benefit students, work on projects that align with uplifting at-risk students and encourage students to become involved in events held by LULAC that impact their communities.

I assist as a translator and vendor coordinator for the Tri-Cities Diversity & Inclusion Council’s annual cultural celebration.

At Columbia Basin College, I serve on the planning and nomination review committee for the Martin Luther King Jr. celebration and MLK Spirit Award.

My previous roles include providing communication and translation support for Luchadores Por Cambio, establishing a children’s corner at Recovery Café, mentoring an academically at-risk student through Communities in Schools and tutoring Amistad Elementary students in literacy with The Children’s Reading Foundation.

What else should we know about you?

I am a proud Zapotec indigenous woman from the state of Oaxaca, Mexico.

How do you achieve work-life balance?

During my lunch time, I go on walks (walkies) if the weather is nice, and after work spending time with my family and more walkies.

Do you have family? Pets? Tell us about them.

Two chihuahuas. Hueso (bones) was adopted, and Otuza (means female samurai) was gifted to me by my little cousin Daisy for my birthday.

How long have you lived in the Tri-Cities?

23 years

What’s your dream vacation?

In Oaxaca within the mountains, enjoying the view of nature from a hammock and eating an orange with Tajin.

Planner or procrastinator?

Planner

Introvert or extrovert?

Introvert

First car?

Honda Civic

Favorite thing to do in Tri-Cities?

Dance socials and classes on salsa, cumbia, bachata, hip hop, heels.

What would people be most surprised to learn about you?

I have dual citizenship in Mexico and USA. I lived in Mexico as a child.

Favorite Tri-City restaurant?

Casa Rosita/taco truck

Favorite day of the week?

Saturday

Text, email, phone call?

Phone call

Would you rather travel back in time or to the future?

Back in time. I’m trying to meet my Granma Florencia who passed before I was born.