Meet Yvette: Honoring the Past, Building the Future

From Inspiration to Achievement

Yvette’s journey began in high school, where her history teacher, Ms. Emily Cassie, encouraged her to believe in herself and apply for the Dell Scholars program—a nudge that opened her eyes to possibilities she’d once thought out of reach. Entering California State University, Dominguez Hills, Yvette wasn’t sure about her path, but with the encouragement of her family, and especially inspired by her late father, she graduated with a major in accounting. “I feel a lot of satisfaction that I did something for him,” she says.

Amid personal loss, the consistent support of the Dell Scholars program—through check-ins and teletherapy—helped Yvette stay on track to complete her degree in five years. “I had a lot of people checking in on me, always making sure I had the resources I needed,” she shares.

Campus Engagement to Career Launch

Determined to make every moment count, Yvette got involved on campus as treasurer for the Black Student Union and later as vice president of the Accounting Society. These roles helped her connect with major firms like PricewaterhouseCoopers and Ernst & Young and even led to a scholarship opportunity.

After graduation, she attended a direct hire event for the IRS. Though the wait was long, her persistence paid off: “It took a while to hear back, but I was thrilled when I finally got the position,” she recalls.

Focused on the Future

Now training as a revenue agent at the IRS, Yvette remains focused on building her expertise and earning certifications—her story a testament to resilience, determination, and the power of support in turning challenges into triumphs.