Today we’d like to introduce you to Yasmine Farley.
Hi Yasmine, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
My story begins in the South, where faith, family, and community shaped who I am. I’m a proud first-generation college graduate who grew up in a single-parent, low-income household. My mom was a force—resilient, loving, and deeply committed to making sure we had more than she did. She raised me and my two siblings with faith, discipline, and a powerful belief in God, the value of education, and travel. Even though we didn’t have much, she always encouraged us to leave our hometown, see the world, and dream bigger.
I lost my father when I was 15. Though he was mostly absent from my life, his passing still left a hole I didn’t know I had. But it was the loss of my mother in 2014—right before I was scheduled to complete my Ph.D.—that truly shook me. Grieving while trying to finish such a major milestone was overwhelming, and I withdrew from a lot of things. I didn’t end up finishing until 2016, but I know she would have been proud. She always was; she bragged about her kids constantly. And today, all three of us are thriving and earning more than we ever imagined growing up. I just wish she could see us now.
I earned my B.A. in English from the University of North Carolina at Wilmington, my M.S. in Adult Education from North Carolina A&T State University, and my Ph.D. from Old Dominion University, where I focused my research on identity and career development in higher education.
I’ve always had a passion for helping people see possibilities, especially when they can’t quite see them for themselves. That calling led me to a career in higher education, where I’ve now spent 17 years supporting students as they explore their goals, define success on their own terms, and launch into the world with confidence.
I believe deeply in helping students—especially those who come from backgrounds like mine—connect their education to real-life outcomes and pathways to social mobility. I started out in student support roles, but it was during my doctoral studies that I found my true professional calling: career development. Since then, I’ve led career services teams at institutions across the country—from HBCUs to large public universities—always centering equity, access, and real-world readiness. Today, I serve as the Director of the Career Center at Cal State San Marcos, a Hispanic-Serving Institution where I lead a dedicated team focused on equity-driven career development, employer engagement, and internship access.
In 2022, I moved to California to be closer to my siblings and their five children—I was the last one left on the East Coast. Since then, I’ve embraced my most joyful role yet: Auntie Yas. I started hosting “Auntie Yas Weekends” where I take my beautiful nieces and nephews on fun-filled weekends packed with bowling, skating, movies, and homemade goodies (I’m an avid home baker) and made-up game nights with prizes. It’s my way of pouring into them some of the beautiful southern hospitality and community I grew up with.
My faith means everything to me. I’m an active member of Life Changers Ministries San Diego, where my sister and late brother-in-law served as pastors. In January of this year, we lost my brother-in-law unexpectedly. His passing made my move to California feel even more divine in timing. Being here for my sister and her two boys during this deeply difficult season has given my presence here an even greater purpose—and has reminded me that healing, support, and family are sacred.
Outside of higher ed, I wear a few other hats. I’m a certified etiquette consultant, a speaker and panelist, and the founder of Auntie Yas Travels—a travel business that helps people plan unforgettable (and affordable) luxury getaways. I’m also a proud 20-year member of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc. I believe in living fully, loving boldly, and lifting as I climb.
My journey hasn’t been perfect, but it’s been purposeful. Every step, every pivot, every challenge has led me to this place of alignment—where I get to do work I believe in, in a community I care about, while building the kind of life that honors where I came from and where I’m going. By the grace of God, I’ve made it through—and I’m so grateful for everything I have.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Not at all. The road has had more than its fair share of bumps, detours, and heartbreak—but every struggle has shaped me into who I am today.
In my academic journey, one of the first major hurdles I faced was believing I even belonged in graduate school. I didn’t graduate from undergrad with a 3.0 GPA, so I doubted myself deeply and almost didn’t apply for my master’s program. When I was admitted to North Carolina A&T on a provisional basis, it lit a fire in me. I knew I had something to prove—not just to them, but to myself. I went on to graduate with a 4.0 GPA. That experience gave me the confidence to apply for Ph.D. programs, backed by the encouragement of my professors who saw something in me. There’s something so powerful about attending an HBCU, where your faculty not only look like you but truly pour into you. I try to embody that same energy now—for my students and for my staff.
But imposter syndrome doesn’t just go away. In my life and career, I’ve often felt underestimated—whether because I’m a Black woman, because of my size, or because I look younger than I am and people assume I lack experience. I’ve had to work twice as hard just to be seen as equally capable, and that kind of constant pressure wears on you. Add to that the grief of losing my mother right before I finished my Ph.D.—that loss was seismic. It pulled me into some of the darkest moments of my life, and for a while, I truly struggled to keep going.
There’s also the personal side. As someone who’s not married and doesn’t have children, I’ve felt the sting of societal expectations telling me that my life is somehow less complete. That narrative is so heavy—especially for women—and it took time and intentional healing to reject it. I now recognize that I am whole, valuable, and successful in more ways than one. I’ve built a meaningful life rooted in purpose, love, and legacy—and I don’t shy away from that truth anymore.
Through it all, I’ve learned how to own my story without shame. I’ve learned how to take up space, celebrate my wins, and walk in the strength that’s been cultivated through adversity. It hasn’t been easy, but it’s been worth it—and I know I’m just getting started.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
At my core, I’m an educator, connector, and advocate. I currently serve as the Director of the Career Center at Cal State San Marcos, where I lead a dynamic team dedicated to helping students navigate their career paths with confidence and clarity. We specialize in equity-driven career development, employer engagement, and expanding access to internships—especially for first-generation, low-income, and underrepresented students. I’m proud to be part of a team that’s not just preparing students for the job market, but helping them pursue purpose-driven lives.
In addition to my leadership in higher education, I recently launched Auntie Yas Travels, a boutique travel planning business where I curate luxury-on-a-budget getaways for solo travelers, families, and groups. My goal is to make travel feel exciting, accessible, and personal—especially for those who often feel overlooked by the mainstream travel industry. I believe you can experience beautiful places, rich culture, and unforgettable moments without overspending—and I love helping others do just that.
I’m also a certified etiquette consultant and an experienced speaker and panelist. I’m available for workshops, keynote sessions, and event facilitation on topics ranging from professional etiquette and leadership development to equity in career education and navigating identity in the workplace. I bring energy, warmth, and authenticity to every space I enter, whether I’m leading a room of students or a conference of professionals.
What sets me apart is my ability to merge lived experience with leadership—I’m not just talking theory; I’ve lived the journey. From being a first-gen student to now mentoring future leaders, I’ve always made it my mission to help people see what’s possible for themselves. I lead with heart, I show up fully, and I never forget where I came from.
Can you talk to us a bit about happiness and what makes you happy?
My happiness is rooted in three things: my family and friends, travel, and my faith in God.
My family, my siblings, and especially my nieces and nephews—are my heart. Being “Auntie Yas” brings me so much joy. Whether I’m hosting a weekend of adventures or just spending quality time with them, they remind me of what truly matters. I’m also deeply grateful for my circle of friends who uplift, support, and laugh with me through every season of life.
Travel feeds my soul. It’s how I recharge, reconnect with myself, and explore the beauty and richness of the world. Whether it’s a solo escape, a group trip, or planning unforgettable experiences for others through Auntie Yas Travels, travel is where I feel most free.
And above all, my faith in God anchors me. It’s the foundation of who I am and how I move through the world. My faith gives me peace, purpose, and the strength to face life’s challenges with grace.
Those three things—family, travel, and faith—keep me grounded, joyful, and full of hope.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://auntieyastravels.inteletravel.com/booktravel.cfm
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thesoutherndessertdoctor
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/yasmine-farley/
- Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@dryazzy1922?_t=ZT-8xJHBrZ0vcb&_r=1
Image Credits
Erica Cullwell, Kirra Robusto, Christina Jeffries, Yasmine Farley
