Yanka is a proud Enroot alum whose journey with the program began soon after she moved from Curitiba, Brazil to Cambridge at 14 years old. As a student at CRLS, Enroot became a space where she felt grounded, supported, and encouraged to dream beyond what she thought was possible. This experience eventually helped her discover her voice and passions, shaping her path toward creativity, youth work, and leadership.

After high school, Yanka attended Massachusetts College of Art and Design, strengthening her love for storytelling and visual communication. Her professional journey led her to Cambridge Community Television, where she spent several years uplifting young people through inclusive youth programming, media education, and community-centered storytelling.

Returning to Enroot as a staff member is a full-circle moment that fills Yanka with gratitude and purpose. She brings lived experience and a deep belief that every young person deserves to feel seen, valued, and capable of shaping their own future. Yanka speaks Portuguese fluently and Spanish conversationally, and she knows firsthand the power of having support while navigating a new country, a new language, and a new school system.

Outside of work, Yanka loves spending time with her two cats Mochi and Miso, going on long walks (no matter the weather!), and doing reformer pilates. She also enjoys photographing weddings, watching novelas, and capturing the beauty in everyday moments (100k+ photos on the camera roll can confirm this!)