Today we’d like to introduce you to Yael Londono.
Thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I was born and raised in Miami, Florida. My parents migrated from Cuba in 1967, making my four siblings and me first-generation Americans. With my mother as a homemaker and my father as a Corrections Officer, neither had the privilege of a college education. As a result, the significance of higher studies was not deeply instilled in us, and there was no college savings to fall back on.
Upon my high school graduation in 1996, I secured a full-time position as a bank teller and independently financed my college education. While working in Sunny Isles Beach, an opportunity arose to join the local Police Department as a secretary. Given my father’s tenure with Miami-Dade County, I was well-acquainted with the advantages of government roles, prompting me to seize the opportunity.
Not long after, as Sunny Isles Beach initiated the establishment of its Human Resources Department, I found a chance to delve into a domain that intrigued me. Starting as the Benefits Coordinator, I had the privilege to co-develop the department with the newly appointed HR Director. From our modest two-person team, I watched, contributed, and grew, culminating in my promotion to HR & Risk Management Director in 2014. Since then, my team and I have been dedicated to serving the needs of our colleagues and the City diligently.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Navigating my path was filled with challenges. Achieving a harmonious work/life balance was a journey in itself. At one point, I was juggling the responsibilities of being a wife and a mother of two infants, while simultaneously working full-time and pursuing a bachelor’s degree. I must acknowledge the invaluable support I’ve received from my husband as I know I couldn’t have done it alone.
Recognizing the increasing value placed on advanced education in my field, I realized that a bachelor’s degree, despite being common, wouldn’t be sufficient. To truly stand out, I decided to go beyond and earned both a bachelor’s degree in public administration and a master’s in human resources management.
Being a Latina woman in my profession brought its own set of challenges. I sensed that I was held to a stricter standard than my predecessor. Earning equal recognition, pay, and benefits required me to work doubly hard and assertively voice my needs, in contrast to some of my white male peers.
Despite these challenges, I’m proud to say that I’ve consistently moved forward toward my goals. Moreover, my journey has positioned me to guide my children towards their success. My two eldest are actively carving their paths in government: my oldest son is with Miami-Dade Transit as a Bus Technician, simultaneously working towards a Mechanical Engineering degree.
Meanwhile, my second child is gearing up for the Fire Academy. My youngest daughter, currently in the 8th grade, has her sights set on a technical high school, dreaming of a future in nursing.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
As I mentioned before, I serve as the HR & Risk Management Director for the City of Sunny Isles Beach. In essence, my role involves overseeing the recruitment, development, and well-being of the city’s employees. I specialize in policy formulation, employee benefits coordination, and risk management, ensuring that our workforce remains efficient, satisfied, and safe.
Over the years, I’ve become known for my hands-on approach and dedication to fostering a positive and inclusive work environment. I believe in proactive communication and creating a supportive infrastructure that caters to the diverse needs of our city’s employees.
What I’m most proud of is the department we’ve built from scratch. It’s been a collaborative journey of setting up systems, policies, and processes that truly reflect the spirit and values of Sunny Isles Beach. Witnessing our staff thrive and achieve their potential is a daily source of pride.
What sets me apart is my firsthand experience in building our HR Department from the ground up, combined with a genuine passion for public service. Having grown within the system, I have a unique perspective that allows me to understand the intricacies and challenges at every level, making me better equipped to enact meaningful change and support our team.
What are your plans for the future?
I’ve dedicated over 23 years to this remarkable City. From its early days to now, witnessing its growth has been profoundly rewarding. I’m eager to further amplify the potential of my staff and department, ensuring we keep pace with modern trends and technology to elevate our administration’s success.
On a personal front, I remain committed to guiding my children toward success. They must learn from my experiences while staying grounded and cherishing their heritage and culture.
