Board Member Yazmin Navarro (R)

As an immigrant, Yazmin Navarro was taught the importance of a great education. Since then, she has strived to ensure the success of a strong education for generations to come. As an award-winning educator and American diplomat to El Salvador, Yazmin has served both students and families in both the United States and around the world, giving her a unique perspective on education.

Yazmin has worked with children and families from all walks of life, including gifted and talented students, special needs students, at-risk youth, and English language learners. She has also worked with students in out-of-school-time programs. She has been hands-on in the classroom teaching, as well as creating programs that will improve education for children.

As a Department of State employee, Yazmin never forgot her roots in education and continued serving youth through a Department of State-sanctioned program while stationed abroad in El Salvador. Yazmin continues to volunteer by teaching Spanish in her local community and serving as a volunteer at her daughter’s school.

Yazmin was the first in both her close and extended family to not only graduate from high school but to attend college. After graduation, she pursued her college degrees. She graduated with her bachelor’s degree in English in 2012 and in 2015 finished her master’s in public administration.

Awards:

• President’s Award for Educational Excellence

• State Department’s Franklin Award

Yazmin currently resides in Johnstown with her husband, who honorably retired from the Marine Corps after faithfully serving for 20 years, and her school-aged daughter who attends public school.