SE Valley Times

Phoenix native Yolanda A. Facio recently joined Rio Salado College as an Instructional Service Coordinator Sr. for the Accounting and Small Business program. Her focus is on student success, aiming to prepare them for the workforce or entrepreneurial ventures.

“My primary goal is to help students achieve success and be prepared to enter the workforce, start a business, or chart a new path,” Facio said. “We have the opportunity, every day, to change students’ lives in meaningful ways. The best part is that the things we do don’t have to be big or grand. Sometimes the smallest action can have incredible impact.”

Facio's background includes five years at the Maricopa Small Business Development Center located on Gateway Community College's campus, another institution within the Maricopa Community Colleges system.

In addition to her role at Rio Salado, she serves as an adjunct instructor at both Rio Salado and Glendale Community Colleges. With over 25 years of experience as a business owner in Phoenix’s construction and automotive industries, Facio brings valuable knowledge to her students.

“I was a business owner in Phoenix for over 25 years in the construction and automotive industries and amassed a lot of knowledge and practical experience,” Facio said. “Working at the community college, especially at Rio, allows me to share that knowledge with student entrepreneurs.”

Her journey into education began with a grant-funded program through Arizona State University where she first taught a class culminating in an event called Big Pitch.

“My first opportunity serving students was with a grant-funded program implemented through Arizona State University,” Facio said. “It was the first time I had ever taught a class. The course culminated in the Big Pitch event. One of my students, Ronnie, entered. Together, we worked hard to prepare him to do a live pitch. He won first place! It was the catalyst that brought me to MCCCD.”

Outside work, Facio enjoys running outdoors, reading, eating Harkins popcorn, and spending time with her rescue dogs: Big Bella B and LuLu Monster.

Looking ahead to 2025, she plans an exciting trip abroad.

“I’m really looking forward to a planned trip with my best friend next year to visit London and the Cotswolds,” she said.