America Yorita-Carrion is married to her college sweetheart and they’re raising two children in Boise, Idaho. America loves to dance, volunteer in her kindergartner’s classroom, and explore the outdoors. Her family’s favorite winter activity is ice fishing.

Originally from Mexico, America immigrated to Washington State as a child where she was raised in a migrant farmworker household in the Yakima Valley. Her life experiences as an undocumented human led her to public service within the nonprofit sector and in the Higher Education field.

America believes in the power of living a life that “pays it forward” in ways that honor her own pursuit of joy and also make valuable contributions to the community.

Participation in the Boards & Commissions Fellowship Program will continue to strengthen America’s network, and she looks forward to gaining more confidence and preparation from the growth experiences with the cohort, mentor, and other community members who support the Fellowship experience to effectively serve in Idaho. America is excited for the opportunities thereafter, particularly engagement and advocacy focused on issues that impact children, youth, and families.