Raised in Tegucigalpa, Honduras, Yani Pinto is no stranger to Operation Smile. Her journey started as a student volunteer when she was 13 years old. She moved to the United States at the young age of 17 and received her Bachelor of the Arts in communication with a double minor in public relations and broadcasting from Mississippi State University (Go Dawgs!), and her MBA from Texas A&M International University.
Before stepping into the development specialist position at Operation Smile, Yani spent her last six years in the nonprofit sector, in various capacities, including special projects coordination, event planning and marketing. Yani brings her passion and first-hand experience into her development specialist role while pursuing her passion of helping others while making an impact.
Yani’s top priority is being able to connect with donors on a personal level while understanding their philanthropic goals. Through effective communication, Yani ensures that her donors feel engaged and valued for their contributions.
Yani is driven by her commitment to creating a world where every child has the opportunity to smile with confidence and is being advocated for. Her dedication to the mission is not only reflected in her professional endeavors but also in her personal involvement in various charitable organizations, including Child Advocates, in which she serves as a court appointed advocate to represent children in Child Protective Services custody in the Houston area.
In her free time, Yani enjoys CrossFit, reading and traveling all over the world experiencing new and different cultures.
To learn more about giving opportunities and how you can help change lives around the world, please reach out today!
