Cancer Kinship

MANAGEMENT

CEO/Executive Director

Yolanda (Yoli) Origel

CEO/Executive Director Experience

Yolanda (Yoli) Origel brings over 30 years of extensive experience in the nonprofit sector, having held leadership roles in local organizations where she contributed to organizational development, capacity-building, program and fund development, donor relations, volunteer management, event planning, and community outreach. Her passion for nonprofit service was sparked in high school when she joined the Youth Advisory Council of her hometown, Exeter, in Central CA. There, she developed programs for at-risk youth, transitioning into a program staff position, then Program Director, and ultimately serving as Executive Director. In these roles, Yoli collaborated with the board, advisory committees, and community leaders to advance strategic initiatives, lead fundraising efforts, and enhance outreach activities. Her career flourished further at the YMCA, first in Central California and later at the YMCA of Orange County. As Capital Campaign Manager, Yoli managed an $18 million campaign for the Santa Ana YMCA. She also served as Marketing and Communications Director for the South Coast and Santa Ana YMCAs, advancing their mission and community engagement. Before founding Cancer Kinship, Yoli served as Nonprofit Solutions Specialist for nine years and Interim Director of Organizational Development at OneOC, where she supported a diverse range of nonprofit organizations across Orange County. Her wealth of experience and dedication to community service led her to establish Cancer Kinship, where she now serves as CEO. Yoli’s personal cancer story is deeply intertwined with her family. It began when she was just 10 years old, when her mother passed away from metastatic cancer. Years later, after surviving Stage III Triple Negative Breast Cancer herself, Yoli lost her sister to metastatic cancer during her eighth year of survivorship. This experience of loss, resilience, and determination to create hope for others became the driving force behind the launch of Cancer Kinship. Her story is bookended by her mother and sister, whose legacies continue to inspire the organization’s mission. As a 17-year survivor, Yoli believes in the power of storytelling to inspire hope, foster community, and empower others to overcome their own challenges. She is now speaking to audiences across the United States, sharing her journey and uplifting the cancer survivorship story to spark innovation, raise awareness, and inspire hope. As a contributing author to Savio P. Clemente's book, "I Survived Cancer and Here Is How I Did It", Yoli continues to motivate others while championing the vital importance of survivorship and support. Her leadership is a testament to the strength that comes from turning personal trials into a purpose-driven mission.

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