In honor of Women’s Equality Day, members of our IDEA (Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Accessibility) Committee were invited to reflect on the women in their lives who have inspired them.
Sierra Naylor, Service Coordinator, shared a heartfelt tribute to her sister, Yasmin Naylor, a woman whose strength, creativity and selflessness has left a lasting impact on Sierra’s life and career.
“Yasmin has not only been a Godsend of a big sister,” Sierra says, “She’s also been a motherly figure, a non-judgmental confidant, an artist, a virtuous figure, and most importantly, my best friend.”
Though just two years apart, Sierra describes Yasmin as someone who has “lived many lives,” maturing with grace, evolving with intention and inspiring others along the way. What Sierra admires most is Yasmin’s “big heart and her selfless attitude toward life.”
“She strongly believes that what we give is much more important than what we receive in this lifetime.”
Their bond runs deep, formed in childhood, over laughter, video games like Dance Revolution and Mario Kart. That connection runs so deep, they even have matching Mario Kart-inspired tattoos inspired by the game. “It’s more than nostalgia,” Sierra says. “It’s a symbol of our unbreakable sisterhood.”
Yasmin’s commitment to others has shaped Sierra’s own path in life, inspiring her to pursue a career in human services.
“Those who navigate life with a selfless perspective make the greatest impact in this world,” she says. “I can confidently say that I owe my commitment to this field to my sister.”
A gifted artist, Yasmin, has mastered photography, videography, painting, and drawing, earning awards and recognition. But for Sierra, it’s not the accolades that define her sister’s success.
“If I had to list all her accomplishments, it still wouldn’t compare to the impact she’s had on my life and that of my peers,” Sierra says. “Everyone who meets her walks away feeling seen, inspired, and grateful to have crossed paths with such a genuine person.”