Meet Yolanda, a Senior Grant Specialist in the Department of Anesthesiology. With over 25 years of banking and accounting experience—and a passion for education—she brings a wealth of expertise to her role. Since joining WashU Medicine in 2020, she has been instrumental in managing grants and financial operations with precision and care. Outside of work, Yolanda enjoys watching TV, reading, and dedicating time to her manuscript, aspiring to become a published author. Follow along for a glimpse into a day in her life!
2:15 AM: I slightly nod as my husband plants a kiss on my forehead before he heads to work. Before slipping back into deep sleep, I debate-should I sleep in until 4:45 or 5:30 AM? If it’s a campus day, 4:30 is the move. But if it’s WFH type of day, I’m rolling with 5:30, since the commute is just from one room to another.
4:45/5:30 AM: First things first, I pray…I’m grateful to see another day! Then, I check my vibe to see what am I in the mood to listen to as I get ready. Lately, it’s been Mint Condition’s “So Fine” (blame TikTok). It’s definitely a lot of two-stepping and prancing around as I shower, and dress. The song is on repeat… It’s been played at least 50 times – but it’s okay! I’m very certain it’ll make the top-played list for the year!
If it’s a campus day, I grab my WashU t-shirt or a denim top and with black pants. Denim and black – always a win! If I’m home, it’s a jogging suit. Ever since WFH became a thing, my wardrobe has simplified! No more wrestling with clothes, shoes or the latest trends.
6:30 AM: If I’m heading to campus, I pull out of the driveway with my 80’s/90’s playlist ready to go! Do I ever let a full song from this list play? Nope! One minute in (two if I’m really feeling it) and I’m tapping the steering wheel to skip to the next. My playlist consists of Heavy D & The Boyz, Alanis Morissette, Frankie Beverly & Maze, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Jodeci, MC Lyte, Janet Jackson…and of course, New Edition, and Michael Jackson. The list goes on!
Highways? Not happening (I think this is due to old age) so my commute is a little longer but it’s all good because I have entered full concert and band mode, and don’t mind if the next car over is watching! I’ve allowed them to have front row seat at no charge.
Once I arrive at the garage, I slowly drive to the designated level and back in – it’s what I consider “Presidential style” arrival but on a budget. For a quick second, I wonder what life would be like if I had a chauffeur. Reality hits. That’s not my life, and I’m not Miranda Priestly (The Devil Wears Prada). But hey, it was nice while it lasted.
I gear up for the mile-long hike to the office. Hoka’s laced and headphones on. Yes, I’m tracking every step because my steps matter. And because The Walking Dead is one of my all-time favorite series, my mind shifts to survival mode – looking for the best places to run in a hurry just in case a zombie apocalypse decides to pop off. My mind looks at the roof and I wonder if I would ever be able to make it to the top. Oh gosh, my brain never takes a break!
If I’m working from home, the routine shifts – my special candles are lit, and I start my day with my pastor’s past sermons, affirmations, or an audiobook. I take a moment to journal. Regardless of where I am, one thing stays the same – I check in on the folks that I do life with. Life is too short not to; plus I need to know we all made it to this day!
I once read “give yourself the best part of the day.” By now, I feel like I’ve done just that!
7:45AM-4 PM: Now it’s time to lock in. I’m in full work mode! I tap in with the team – Good Morning… Happy (whatever day we’re in)…My vibes are good and light is what I want to give! A lot of hours are spent in meetings with directors, division chiefs, and colleagues discussing policy, submissions, grant updates, financials, the future of research… basically, all things grants. When I’m not in meetings, I’m focusing on post-award tasks such as setting up research grant funds, tracking expenses, reconciling financial reports, analyzing data, reviewing invoices, tracking time & effort, compliance monitoring, closing awards, etc… Lunch happens somewhere in between – whenever and however it fits in.
After 4 PM, I start wrapping up – sending emails, reflecting on what worked (or didn’t), and checking in with family and friends about random things like the weather, dinner plans, crazy “what if” ideas, or the latest news. My adult-ish children are a whole vibe, so we FaceTime because mama bear needs to see their faces. Then, it’s time for the Peloton but only if I’m able to watch an episode of Good Girls, First Wives Club, or Reasonable Doubt. Otherwise, I’m not going to make a full hour.
Evening wind-down: A hot shower infused with eucalyptus oil because if I can’t get to the spa, I bring the spa to me. My husband and I catch up and find a good movie. If it’s summer, we’re always watching Shark Week or anything related to it!
The last couple of hours before bed, I’m writing (because my friends absolutely love the stories I tell) or going down the rabbit hole on Google. If my Google search bar could talk, it would tell you that I search things such as:
“What was Stephen King thinking when he wrote Children of the Corn?”
“What do people do after they turn 50?” (Which might be signs of mid-life crisis?)
“Homes for sale in Beverly Hills”
“What is the current temperature in Bora Bora?”
And just like that, another day, another vibe!
Why should women in our department attend the WoW Retreat in April?
Last year, I had the pleasure of experiencing my first WoW retreat! I’m such an introvert so I didn’t know if this would be my kind of thing – but I was so wrong. Stepping outside my comfort zone allowed me to truly connect with other women in the department and it turned out to be an incredible experience. It was the perfect balance! I highly encourage all WoW to come out and be a part of this uplifting experience – it’s a great way to step beyond your usual work boundaries and connect on a different level. Sometimes it’s about simply showing up and supporting the vision. Plus, this year they’re doing professional headshots – and who doesn’t love a good photo shoot?