Yari Cortez serves as the Programs Coordinator at HACIA, where she uses her diverse background in urban planning, case management, and administration to support HACIA programs. Her responsibilities include data management and compliance tracking, facilitating clear communication with stakeholders and participants, and advancing sustainability programming. Driven by a commitment to create equitable and inclusive communities, Yari is eager to support HACIA participants secure construction jobs and assist the business capacity team support small businesses to ultimately ensure that wealth is poured back into the community.

Yari’s dedication to multicultural experiences is enriched by her experience as a Fulbright English Teaching Assistant Fellow in Brazil. She holds a B.A. in Environmental Studies and Latin American Studies from Bates College.

Having recently moved to Chicago, Yari is enthusiastically exploring the city’s vibrant neighborhoods with friends.