Ethnic GEM: Dr. Yves Salomon-Fernández — A Lifelong Commitment to Empowerment Through Education
Dr. Yves Salomon-Fernandez
Written by the Ethnic Online Editorial Team
For more than three decades, Dr. Yves Salomon-Fernández has called Massachusetts home, but her roots trace back to the vibrant culture and resilience of Haiti. Her life and career reflect a profound belief in the transformative power of education — not just as a profession, but as a calling. Having experienced firsthand how higher education can change lives, Dr. Salomon-Fernández has dedicated her career to helping others access the same life-changing opportunities.
As President of Urban College of Boston, Dr. Salomon-Fernández stands at the forefront of advancing equity and access in higher education. Under her leadership, the college continues to rise as a model for empowering nontraditional students — many of whom are first-generation, multilingual, and deeply connected to the communities they serve. Her visionary approach is grounded in compassion, data-driven strategy, and an unwavering belief in the potential of every learner.
Guided by influential mentors such as Dr. Keith Motley, Jackie Jenkins-Scott, Dr. Carole Joseph and Dr. Robert Johnson. Dr. Salomon-Fernández embodies the values of mentorship, innovation, and service. Beyond her leadership at Urban College, she shares her expertise on several key boards and advisory councils, including College Unbound, the American Association of Colleges and Universities, the Mass Taxpayers Foundation, Codman Academy, Double Edge Theater, and the Massachusetts Accountability and Assistance Advisory Council of the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education. She also contributes her insights as a member of the Wiley Publishing Editorial Board for New Directions for Community Colleges and reviewer for Johns University Press.
Her outstanding contributions have earned her numerous accolades, including the Boston Business Journal Power 50 (2024), the American Council on Education’s Massachusetts Women’s Network Leadership Award (2024), and recognition among the Top Women in Higher Education (2018).
Beyond her professional achievements, Dr. Salomon-Fernández enjoys reading, ballroom dancing, water sports, and volunteering. Looking ahead, she envisions leading Urban College of Boston to even greater heights — continuing her lifelong mission to transform lives through learning and leadership.