Laura Yañez is an unapologetic educator, community advocate, and queer immigrant from Colombia. She currently teaches in the Hospitality and Tourism department and is passionate about leadership, empowerment, and supporting multicultural communities.

Laura arrived in the United States 18 years ago without speaking English. She learned the language at Highline College while working as a laborer and housekeeper, spending four years developing foundational English skills. During her time at Highline, she founded the English as a Second Language (ESL) Club and served as Student Body President (2014–2015). Her leadership and advocacy earned her multiple scholarships and awards recognizing her academic achievement and commitment to student success.

She later earned a Bachelor’s degree in Social Welfare from the University of Washington Tacoma and a Master of Education from Seattle University. Laura’s work is grounded in equity, community empowerment, and creating inclusive learning environments where students feel seen, supported, and inspired.

Beyond the classroom, Laura plans to empower communities through holistic healing modalities such as family constellations, health coaching, and ancestral medicine. She is committed to closing the equity gap and creating transformative pathways for marginalized communities through education, healing, and collective leadership.