Turning Texas Blue

A proud Tyler native, Yolanda R. Prince was raised on faith, resilience, and the expectation that you don’t wait for change—you step up and create it. As the second of three children, a twin and an older brother, she early on learned the importance of family, responsibility, and standing firm in what you believe. Yolanda is a public servant, organizer, and leader who is not afraid to challenge systems that fail the people they are supposed to serve. Her work is centered on three priorities: advocating for rural opportunities and holding the government accountable, addressing economic affordability, and expanding access to healthcare.

She has taken that fight beyond words. Yolanda marched in Washington, D.C. for the reauthorization of the Voting Rights Act because she believes access to democracy is non-negotiable. As a national delegate representing Senate District 1, she helped ensure her community had a voice on the national stage. Her leadership roles with the League of Women Voters, NAACP, and the Smith County Democratic Party reflect a consistent pattern—she steps into spaces where decisions are being made and pushes for fairness, transparency, and results. Yolanda has never been a bystander in her community. From volunteering with the Girl Scouts and Special Olympics to mentoring youth and organizing community-centered events, she has consistently shown up where she’s needed. Through her business, she has also created spaces that bring people together while giving back—most notably her annual mother-daughter tea, which supports and uplifts families while honoring her mother’s legacy.

Professionally, Yolanda brings both expertise and execution. With degrees in public administration and public relations from Stephen F. Austin State University and a Master of Public Administration from the University of Texas at Arlington, she has built a career focused on real outcomes. As a project manager with Prairie View A&M University’s Texas Juvenile Crime Prevention Center, she works directly on initiatives aimed at reducing juvenile crime and strengthening families, tackling problems at their root instead of ignoring them. Yolanda also understands that economic stability doesn’t happen by accident—it requires investment, opportunity, and leadership that prioritizes working people. She has built businesses, supported community initiatives, and continues to advocate for stronger schools, better wages, and resources that allow families not just to get by, but to move forward.

On healthcare, she is clear: the current system is failing too many people. Yolanda supports expanding access, lowering living costs, and ensuring that no family is forced to choose between their health and their financial stability; especially in underserved and rural communities. Yolanda doesn’t approach leadership passively. She brings urgency, clarity, and a willingness to take on tough fights; because for her, this work isn’t theoretical, it’s personal.