Yolanda Zepeda, PhD

Assistant Provost for Diversity and Inclusion
Ohio State University

Yolanda Zepeda is assistant vice provost in the Ohio State University Office of Diversity and Inclusion. She leads university wide efforts to advance diversity, equity and inclusion in faculty recruitment and hiring, and she works to promote the adoption of model practices in the recruitment and advancement of students from underrepresented groups.  Yolanda facilitates institutional collaborations, partnerships and community outreach projects that expand access and support for marginalized and racialized communities, overseeing a range of targeted programs that promote the full inclusion of students from diverse backgrounds.  These include Latinx Student Success programs, parenting student support, students underrepresented in STEM, DACA/undocumented students and support for women of color.  Yolanda oversees the campus magazine, ¿Que Pasa, Ohio State?, a 25-year old publication that highlights Latinx scholarship and activity at Ohio State.  She is engaged in service beyond the campus, including advisory boards for the Gates Millennium Scholars Program and the Children’s Defense Fund of Ohio, and serving as a mentor for the Latina Mentoring Academy and Femergy. Yolanda was recently awarded the Prospanica Comunidad Award for her contributions to support and inspire members of the Columbus Latinx community.