Delaware Tech Honors Yvonne Deadwyler during Hispanic Heritage Month Celebration
Delaware Technical Community College’s Stanton and Wilmington campuses honored Yvonne Deadwyler, president and CEO of the New Castle County Chamber of Commerce, at its annual Hispanic Heritage Month Honoree Celebration on Sept. 30.
Deadwyler has strengthened Delaware’s business and nonprofit communities through her leadership, advocacy, and service. In her role at the Chamber, she supports economic growth and member success while also serving on numerous nonprofit boards focused on education, youth, and community development. Her career reflects a commitment to building stronger communities and expanding opportunities for Delawareans.
Since 2010, Delaware Technical Community College has celebrated Hispanic Heritage Month by honoring a community member whose exceptional contributions have improved the lives of Hispanic and Latino individuals throughout Delaware. Honorees are selected for their outstanding personal and professional achievements, significant community contributions, and lasting impact on improving quality of life across the state.
“Yvonne embodies the spirit of this celebration in every sense, and it is a great honor to recognize her as this year’s honoree,” said Dr. Lora Johnson, vice president and campus director for Delaware Tech’s Wilmington campus. “She is truly a remarkable force, a champion of economic development and innovation, and someone whose leadership I deeply admire.”
During the event, Deadwyler was honored with tributes from Delaware’s congressional delegation, governor, General Assembly, New Castle County, and the City of Wilmington.
Deadwyler was introduced by the 2024 honoree, Yvette Santiago, who commended Deadwyler for “breaking the glass ceiling.”
“Yvonne is the first Latino and woman of color to lead the Chamber to drive growth, support local businesses, and advocate for a thriving business community across the state of Delaware,” said Santiago.
Deadwyler reflected on her parents’ journey immigrating from Mexico, the support she’s received from her family and mentors, and the importance of lifting each other up.
“The Latino presence is felt—whether you’re in the classroom or a construction site, in clinics or in corporate suites, in kitchens or in board rooms,” said Deadwyler. “We are entrepreneurs and engineers, essential workers and executives, caregivers and creators. We are bilingual, bicultural, and we are brilliant. Our stories — your stories are the backbone of Delaware’s growth.”
About Yvonne Deadwyler:
Yvonne V. Deadwyler serves as president and CEO of the New Castle County Chamber of Commerce, where she leads efforts to drive economic growth, support local businesses, and advocate for a thriving business community across New Castle County and Delaware. Since stepping into this role in 2024, she has focused on expanding partnerships, strengthening policy engagement, and positioning the Chamber as a leading voice for business success, economic development, and innovation.
Under her leadership, the Chamber has achieved record turnout at its signature events, including the Women’s Leadership Conference, the Annual Dinner, and the State of the County. The Chamber recently launched the New Castle County Economic Partnership (NCCEP), a new initiative designed to align business, nonprofit, and government leaders around strategies for economic growth and innovation.
Yvonne joined the Chamber in 2019 and previously served as interim president, vice president, and director of member relations. Earlier in her career, she spent 12 years with MBNA (later Bank of America), where she advanced through roles in business development, marketing, product management, emerging markets, and multicultural marketing. She also brings leadership experience from the education sector, serving in advancement and development roles at Wilmington Christian School, Nativity Preparatory School, and The Tatnall School.
From 2017 to 2019, Yvonne focused on her family as chief household officer, gaining a unique perspective on work-life balance that continues to inform her leadership.
Active in Delaware’s civic and nonprofit community, Yvonne has served on the Wilmington Economic & Financial Advisory Council (WEFAC) and Economic Development Transition Committees, as a member of the Delaware Business Roundtable, and in board roles with TeenSHARP, the Emerging Enterprise Center, and Benefits Connection. She is a founding member of the African American Empowerment Fund and serves on committees at Serviam Girls Academy, Delaware Community Foundation, and Friends of Helen Graham at Christiana Care.
Yvonne has been recognized as a Delaware Business Times DE222 Honoree (2025) and received the Distinguished Hispanic Delawarean Award (2024).
A frequent speaker and panelist, Yvonne’s thought leadership has been featured in JPMorgan Chase’s Responsible Business Initiative for Justice, the Delaware Business Times, and DETV’s Women in Leadership segment.
Originally from El Paso, Texas, Yvonne resides in Newark, Delaware, with her husband of 26 years, Rick, and their three sons, Ricky, Jaden, and Zachary. Her passion for fostering strong business ecosystems and vibrant communities continues to guide her leadership at the Chamber.
