Yahaira “Yaya” Vargas, fourth from right, received a Dr. Wesley G. Robinson-McNeese ADEI Lifetime Achievement Award. Presenters include Sheila Caldwell, the SIU Sytem’s vice president for antiracism, diversity, equity and inclusion, at far left; SIU President Dan Mahony, fifth from right; Board of Trustees Chair J. Phil Gilbert, third from right; SIU Carbondale Chancellor Austin Lane, second from right, and others. (Photo by Russell Bailey)
April 24, 2025
Employment specialist honored for ADEI efforts
CARBONDALE, Ill. — Yahaira “Yaya” Vargas has been selected as a 2025 winner of the Dr. Wesley G. Robinson-McNeese ADEI Lifetime Achievement Award in recognition of her efforts to create, sustain and expand antiracism, diversity, equity and inclusion (ADEI) with the Southern Illinois University System.
Vargas is a community employment specialist for the education and development program at the Education and Development Center, and she mentors students in the School of Health Sciences. She has also served as the executive director for the Southern Illinois Culture and Arts in Bilingual Education (SI CABE) since 2023 after four years as artistic director and three years in a volunteer role.
“This honor is a powerful reflection of your unwavering dedication, visionary leadership and commitment to building inclusive, equitable communities across Southern Illinois and beyond,” said Sheila Caldwell, the SIU System’s vice president for antiracism, diversity, equity and inclusion and chief diversity officer. “Your impact through SI CABE has been nothing short of extraordinary. Your remarkable career has been marked by exemplary advocacy and service in ADEI, leaving an indelible mark on our campus community and beyond. Your efforts have fostered a more welcoming environment for individuals from all backgrounds.”
The SIU Board of Trustees celebrated Vargas’ achievements at the board meeting on Thursday, April 17.
A Chicago native, Vargas is a double alumna of SIU, earning her bachelor’s degree in political science as a McNair Scholar and then completing her Master of Public Administration in 2019. Through her positions at SIU and SI Cabe and others, she has advocated for diversity, cross-cultural collaborations, civic engagement and fostering community involvement.
Nominators, such as Victoria Hammond, operations manager for SI CABE and administrative aide for Facilities and Energy Management at SIU, say Vargas has an unwavering dedication to inclusivity, a strong ability to connect communities and bridge gaps by emphasizing commonalities, and facilitates important conversations and meaningful relationships.
Colleen Springer Lopez, artistic director for SI CABE, said Vargas has solidified numerous partnerships in the Carbondale community and beyond that have provided many people, including marginalized populations, with access to tangible resources such as food, housing and education, as well as intangible resources including literacy, dignity and pride.
“I am humbled by this recognition, and it is not mine alone,” Vargas said. She noted that her colleagues at SI CABE and SIU as well as the community partners and mentors all have made a real impact, helping navigate complex challenges while keeping the focus on what matters, “the lives of students, especially Hispanic, Latino and those from low-income backgrounds who dare to dream beyond their circumstances. When we politicize and weaponize ADEI work, we actively participate in ignoring people’s dignity and history, and we lose our way. We can, and must, choose love, kindness, understanding, education and respect. ¡La lucha continúa, Pa'Lante! (The fight goes on. Move forward.)”