Yolanda is set to fulfill her purpose – to encourage, inspire and motivate others to live their healthiest and most active life yet, no matter the age or circumstance and without judgment. As a POUND ICON as well as an NASM Ambassador, Yolanda has encouraged others with a passion for fitness to become certified instructors or trainers.
In her spare time, Yolanda enjoys vacationing with her family, which includes her husband and three children, shopping, reading, watching movies and volunteering in her community. She cannot wait to MAKE NOISE with you!
What are your 3 earliest memories in life?
Long family vacation road trips to Mississippi or Las Vegas – my parents, 6 kids, laughing, arguing and eating cold fried chicken and pork chops
Learning to drive on my dad’s lap before my feet could touch the pedals
Playing with my cousins while our parents went out to family parties. I remember listening to vinyl records – Michael Jackson, Whitney Houston, and Luther Vandross
If you could live in any TV home, what would it be?
The Huxtable’s house. It was nice and not too big, and the family loved being home!
If you could have dinner with anyone from history, who would it be?
I would love to have dinner with my mom’s mom (my grandmother). She died in a fire before I was born with 2 of my brothers, who I also did not meet. My mom told me so many stories about how close they were and how she would not leave the house during the fire because she couldn’t get everyone out in time.
I would also love to have dinner with my husband’s mom. She died when my husband was in junior high school. My husband was raised by his grandmother, and she was the most lovely, beautiful spirit! I could only imagine how beautiful and loving her daughter was. My older kids experienced having a great grandmother, for that I am grateful.
If you could choose your own rockstar nickname, what would it be?
Victoria. Not only is this my middle name, I have always said Victoria is my alter ego – from my hair styles to taking chances even when afraid. Victoria means conqueror!
If you had two hours left on earth what would you do?
Spend it with my husband/children/grandchildren in peace.
My father passed in my house. Me, my husband, and another couple prayed over him. We knew we only had a little time left with him. I remember during our prayer we’d asked him to release anything he’d was holding on to and give it to God. We heard him responding and tears came to his eyes. He turned over to go to sleep. We woke up the next morning to check on him and he had passed in his sleep. Although I was deeply sad about my father’s passing, I have never experienced the level of peace that I still have to this day! I got to spend the last few hours with my dad, and I know he passed in peace! From that day, I knew two things – one, I never want to have regrets of not spending time or telling someone I love them before they pass. You will know and feel my love. And two, I want to pass in peace surrounded by family.
Whom do you secretly admire?
People operating in their gift/purpose. Doing what they love and sharing it with others. There are so many people that have not experience this for many reasons – I believe mainly due to fear, the unknown, or death.
What’s the best thing that ever happened to you?
I married my best friend almost 20 years ago. And our 3 beautiful kids. And now POUND ICON!
What do you want people to say about you once you’re gone?
I loved unconditionally, was forgiving, and laughed from my soul!
What’s one thing you’re certain of?
Change
Who’s your favorite rockstar (actual or figurative) and why?
My mom. Next to my husband, she is my biggest supporter. Where I’m rollin’, she’s rockin’! She does not play about her exercise classes, her kids or her grandkids (great grandkids). She goes hard for her health and her family.
What superpower would you most like to have?
To send love through the airways that will land on people with prejudice, hate and discord in their heart. Change their heart and ultimately change the world for the better.