Yevonne is the chair of Public Schools First NC, a nonpartisan nonprofit dedicated to advocating for a unified pre-K–12 public education system in North Carolina. Collaborating with parents, educators, business and civic leaders, and communities, the organization works to ensure every child is prepared for productive citizenship. Yevonne, who holds a Ph.D. in sociology from NC State University, is also the Director of the Center for Urban Affairs and Community Services at NCSU. With a background in social work and education, she has been a lifelong advocate for children and public education, including serving as a Wake County Commissioner. A founding member of multiple nonprofits, such as WakeUp Wake County and Great Schools In Wake Coalition, Yevonne's dedication to community service is reflected in her efforts to improve public education and civic engagement throughout North Carolina.