Yolonda was born in Charleston, South Carolina and raised on the coastal Sea Islands of Hollywood as the youngest of 7 children. Dr. Yo’s integrity and love for people was instilled by her parents and she seeks to share her values with others. As a servant leader and educator, Yolonda displays positive attributes that friends, family, and colleagues observe consistently.
An Educated and Experienced Change Agent
Yolonda Holmes does not take anything for granted. She has worked hard to become a ground-breaking and charismatic leader. Dr. Yo received her formal education in the Charleston County Public School System. She then graduated from Voorhees College, now Voorhees University, a Historically Black College or University. Ranking 7th in her graduating class, she completed a Bachelor of Science Degree in Criminal Justice.
Yolonda was awarded an academic scholarship to Indiana State University where she received a Master of Science Degree in Criminology. Next, Dr. Holmes added a Master of Arts degree in Management to her educational portfolio, then advanced to complete her dissertation research graduating with a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) degree from the School of Public Service Leadership at Capella University.
In 2005, Dr. Holmes retired from the United States Department of Defense after years of service. Currently, she’s employed with the Charlotte-Mecklenburg School System (Family and Community Engagement Office), where she passionately works as a change-agent to meet the academic, social, emotional, and athletic needs of students, teachers, families and the community.
A Grateful Servant, Not a Politician
Dr. Yo was appointed as Director of the Anointed, Reigning, Mighty, Youth (A.R.M.Y.) Ministry and voted by the Mecklenburg Board of County Commissioners to a 3-year term on the Mecklenburg County Women’s Advisory Board where she served as Chair (2020-2022). She also served as the 2nd Vice Chair of the 12th Congressional District.
Other community and professional involvement include the Mecklenburg County Criminal Justice Community Engagement Group, formerly served as a board member of the Charlotte area American Cancer Society, and remains an active member Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.
A Believer With a Spirit of Oneness
Yolonda reigned as the 2019-2020 “Woman of the Year" at New St. John Missionary Baptist Church (NSJMBC) in Charlotte, NC. Since joining NSJMBC
with her family in August 2016, she’s served as one of the Associate Pastors under the tutelage of Pastor Eric W. Baker. She sings on the praise team, fervently preaches God’s word, teaches Sunday school, vacation bible school, and bible study within a potent biblical context and strong practicality to life.
Her favorite scripture is Galatians 2:20 “I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live: yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me".
What Makes Yolonda Holmes Different?
“I seek to serve in the NCGA because I feel I was chosen to ensure that the needs of all North Carolinians are met,” Holmes said. She continues to say, “I'm a viable candidate because I'm a servant leader and community engager at heart who responded to the call.” Dr. Yo feels inspired to collaborate with local resources and organizations to make a positive impact in North Carolina.
Yolonda brings a fresh perspective to the political arena. She embraces and understands the daily struggles that families face in our community and throughout North Carolina. Her bold voice resonates with words to encourage and motivate others towards change. As the wife of Darrell Sr., mother to Darrell Jr. and Brooke, daughter, sister, auntie, and many other roles of compassion, she has what it takes to serve with everyone’s values in mind for an inclusive future for North Carolina.
"I feel I was chosen to ensure that the needs of all North Carolinians are met."
DR. YOLONDA HOLMES
