AVANCE-San Antonio Announces Yesenia Alvarez-Gonzalez as New Executive Director
AVANCE-San Antonio is thrilled to announce the appointment of Yesenia Alvarez-Gonzalez as its new Executive Director. With over 25 years of dedicated service to the organization, Yesenia’s leadership marks a new and exciting chapter for AVANCE.
Yesenia began her journey with AVANCE as a Parent Educator in the Parent-Child Education Program (PCEP), where she worked directly with families to empower parents as their child’s first teacher. Over the years, she has led pivotal programs such as Early Head Start, Head Start, and Services to Fathers, helping countless families in the community. Her expertise in program leadership and passion for family support have been transformative for AVANCE and the San Antonio community.
Yesenia’s personal story is as remarkable as her professional path. The daughter of Mexican immigrants, she was raised by a single mother who faced hunger and homelessness. Yesenia graduated from San Antonio ISD inner-city schools, becoming the first in her family to graduate from both high school and college. She later earned her Master’s in Nonprofit Management & Leadership from Our Lady of the Lake University. Her experience and dedication deeply resonate with the mission of AVANCE to support underserved families.
“I am here today because of the strong women and mentors who guided me. But more than that, it’s the families we serve that truly inspire me,” Yesenia shared.
As Executive Director, Yesenia will focus on expanding AVANCE’s programs, strengthening partnerships with local schools and universities, and extending services across San Antonio and Uvalde. Her leadership promises to enhance AVANCE’s impact and ensure the continued success of its mission.
“We are proud to welcome Yesenia into this role,” says AVANCE CEO Dr. Teresa Granillo. “She has grown with AVANCE over the past 28 years, and being from the very community we serve, her journey embodies the heart of our mission. We’re grateful for Yesenia’s dedication to the families we serve, and we’re excited about the future of AVANCE-San Antonio under her leadership.”
Yesenia is honored to step into this role and looks forward to continuing AVANCE’s vital work. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her husband, three children, taking walks along the San Antonio mission trails, and caring for her pet kitten.
Please join us in congratulating Yesenia Alvarez-Gonzalez as she leads AVANCE into a brighter future.