Delaware Tech Honors Yvette Santiago, Director of Community Engagement at Nemours Children’s Health, during Hispanic Heritage Month Celebration

Wilmington, DE – Delaware Technical Community College’s Stanton and Wilmington campuses honored Yvette Santiago, Director of Community Engagement at Nemours Children’s Health, for her commitment to the Hispanic community and culture across Delaware at its 15th Annual Hispanic Heritage Month Honoree Celebration on Oct. 3.

Since 2010, Delaware Tech has recognized and celebrated individuals whose exceptional contributions improved the lives of Hispanic and Latino individuals throughout Delaware. 

Yvette Santiago has dedicated her 34-year career of advocacy and leadership in education, juvenile and social justice, and healthcare to ensuring children, families, and communities in the Delaware region are able to achieve their greatest potential. She has been a trailblazer for Hispanic women and others in Delaware by being the first Hispanic woman to lead and serve in leadership roles in various organizations in the state. Her commitment, dedication, and passion to amplify the needs of our most vulnerable populations and communities have made an impact that will be felt for many years to come.

In 2007, then-Governor Ruth Ann Minner appointed Yvette to serve on the New Castle County Vo-Tech School Board of Education, a position she still holds today. She was the first Hispanic woman to be appointed to that Board and to serve as its vice president and president. She is also the first Hispanic woman to serve as president of a public school district board in Delaware. In addition, Yvette serves as a board member for the Red Clay Consolidated School District’s Education Foundation, the Delaware School-Based Health Alliance, and the Partnership Inc., a subsidiary of the Delaware State Chamber of Commerce. 

“I have had the privilege of working alongside Yvette on various boards, committees, and initiatives, and I've seen firsthand her unwavering commitment to equity—not only in healthcare, which is her field of expertise, but also in education and across our state's workforce,” said Dr. Lora Johnson, campus director and vice president of the Wilmington campus. “She is truly a remarkable force, a champion for those whose voices need amplifying, and someone whose leadership I deeply admire.”

During the ceremony, Santiago was also honored with tributes from Delaware’s Congressional delegation, governor, lieutenant governor, Delaware General Assembly, New Castle County, and the City of Wilmington.