Yolanda
Yolanda was elected to the Torch of Wisdom Foundation Board of Directors in 2010. She served as President/Board Chair from 2015-20, assistant treasurer from 2010-14, and is currently the Fund Development Director.
Yolanda is employed at Cummins, Inc. as a Senior Program Manager. She manages the multi-million-dollar portfolio of new electrification (EV) products for Cummins’ major commercial vehicle customers. Yolanda facilitates cross-regional and cross-functional business units communications and ensures the proper prioritization of EV project objectives. She has held several other positions in corporate America and as an entrepreneur.
She was previously employed by DENSO International America as Community Outreach Lead and Senior Business Strategist for Mobility and Electronics, owner operator of Yolanda Durfield State Farm Insurance Agency for 15 years and worked for Ford Motor Company in various positions that includes, a Product Strategy Analyst, Business Development Specialist and Engineer. Because of Yolanda’s interest in nonprofit work, joining the board as a volunteer enabled her to use her professional and entrepreneurial experience to grow influences, establish strong connections, and make a deeper impact in SE Michigan communities. She is extremely proud of the partnerships, youth, and family impact we have nurtured as a team of passionate volunteers.
Yolanda received a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign and a Master of Manufacturing Engineering & Master of Engineering Management from Northwestern University. Yolanda is an Executive Board member of the James E. Wadsworth Jr. Community Center Youth Leadership Academy as well as the Southfield Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.’s Executive Board.