Dear Colleagues and Community,

On behalf of WDBCCC Executive Director Tamia Brown, and the Employment & Human Services Department, it is with deep sadness that I share the passing of Yolanda Vega.

Yolanda “Jolie” Vega served as Chair of the Workforce Development Board of Contra Costa County (WDBCCC) from 2020-2024. She served the Workforce Development Board for 17 years, after joining the Workforce Development Board Youth Council in 2007. Yolanda’s dedication to the Workforce Development Board was second to none. The WDBCCC was her home, and its staff were her family. She was the ultimate working Board Member, serving as a tireless advocate for youth, veterans, homeless persons, and formerly incarcerated persons. She was amazingly selfless, going above and beyond to cook, volunteer, accompany people to court, help youth get jobs, and provide never-ending hands-on love. Yolanda served as chair of the Business and Economic Development Committee and on the Executive Committee before beginning her tenure as Board Chair in 2020.

Yolanda lived a life of service. In addition to her dedication to the WDBCCC, Yolanda was a member of the U.S. Air Force’s Survivor Advocacy Council, president of the Gold Star Mothers of Contra Costa County, and a volunteer at the Martinez VA Medical Center, among a list of other service positions. She also served as a Performance and Learning Consultant for SF Bay Area Rapid Transit District and Chair of the Circulation Commission for the City of Lafayette. Colleagues of 35 years remember Yolanda as a wonderful person and teacher. She was a sweet and kind person who gave great presentations and was a true inspiration. Her Board colleague remembers her as a true and loyal friend, who preferred talking on the phone instead of texting, liked white wine with ice to make sure it was cold, was there when you needed her the most, and always uplifted you.

Yolanda passed away early this week after a courageous battle with cancer. She will be missed for her passion, dedication, and willingness to share her heart compassionately and selflessly with others. Yolanda was a Gold Star Mom and a Blue Star Mom. With her passing, she joins her son, Senior Airman Jonathon Vega Yelner, who gave his life in the service of our country in 2008.

The Workforce Development Board of Contra Costa County is a 41-member, business-led body whose members are appointed by the Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors to shape and strengthen local and regional workforce development efforts. The WDBCCC brings together leaders from business, economic development, education, labor, community-based organizations, and public agencies to align a variety of resources and organizations to enhance the competitiveness of the local workforce and support economic vitality in our region.

Please join me in expressing my heartfelt condolences to Yolanda’s family and colleagues.

In memory of, and with gratitude for, the service of our colleague, Yolanda Vega.