About

Jackie Reyes-Yanes’ journey from El Salvador to becoming a pivotal figure in Washington, D.C.‘s community development is a testament to her resilience and dedication. Immigrating to the U.S. in 1990, she faced the challenges of adapting to a new culture and language, experiences that fueled her passion for public service.   Her grassroots activism and political insight, honed through years of community engagement, positioned her as a natural choice for leadership in addressing the city’s diverse needs. 

In October 2021, Mayor Muriel Bowser appointed Reyes-Yanes as the Director of the Mayor’s Office of Community Affairs (MOCA), marking a historic moment as she became the first Latina to hold this esteemed position.  Before her current role, Reyes-Yanes served as the Director of the Mayor’s Office on Latino Affairs (MOLA) from 2015, where she advocated for the Latino community’s integral involvement in policy design and budget allocation.   

Throughout her career, Reyes-Yanes has demonstrated a profound commitment to public service. As Latino Affairs and Community Outreach Director for the late DC Councilmember Jim Graham, she organized gang and crime prevention events that significantly reduced street violence. She also secured funding to rebuild the Monseñor Romero Apartments in Mount Pleasant after a devastating fire in 2008.  Under her visionary leadership as the Director of MOCA the offices have flourished, expanding its reach to encompass 14 constituent and culturally-focused offices. Notably, she spearheaded the establishment of the Mayor’s Office on Caribbean Community Affairs and the Mayor’s Office on Deaf, DeafBlind, and Hard of Hearing, ensuring broader representation and making sure more diverse voices across the District are heard and represented.   

Reyes-Yanes’ tenure has been marked by proactive initiatives that address pressing community needs. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Reyes-Yanes played a critical role in on-the-ground recovery efforts, focusing on vaccine education and enhancing language access to ensure all communities received accurate health information. Her commitment to public safety is evident through her support of the Access to Jobs grant for returning citizens, facilitating their reintegration and promoting community well-being. 

Beyond policy and safety, Reyes-Yanes has championed many cultural initiatives that celebrate the District’s diversity. Her leadership was pivotal in organizing events like the Guinness World Record-breaking largest pupusa in Washington, D.C., highlighting Salvadoran heritage and fostering community unity.   One of MOCA’s signature events, the Caribbean Cultural Concert, was brought back right here on Freedom Plaza to hundreds of residents. To showcase the rich diversity of cuisine, MOAPIA held the first annual Night Market in Chinatown Park, where thousands of residents enjoyed some of the best dishes the District has to offer. Under her tenure, she also lead in bringing national events to the District. ServeDC worked with the National CERT Team to bring their annual conference to the Convention Center, bringing thousands of CERT professionals from across the nation to experience Washington DC. 

Since October 2021, the Mayor’s Office of Community Affairs (MOCA) has awarded over $18 million in grants to community-based organizations across Washington, D.C supporting areas such as health, education, public safety, and the arts. 

Recognized both nationally and internationally, Jackie Reyes-Yanes’ illustrious career is adorned with numerous accolades, each reflecting her steadfast commitment to community service and advocacy. Notably, she received the Community Award from the Metro DC Hispanic Contractors Association, recognizing her exceptional leadership in supporting the Hispanic community. She was featured in Forbes for her dedication as a public servant, in El Tiempo’s “40 Under 40” list, in “Si se Puede: 25 Successful Salvadorans in the Diaspora,” highlighting her significant contributions as a Salvadoran in the United States. Additionally, El Tiempo Latino named her among their 100 Powermeter, acknowledging her influence within the Latino community.  

These accomplishments underscore Director Reyes-Yanes’ profound dedication to fostering community development, cultural enrichment, and excellence. A proud Ward 5 resident and Salvadoran activist, Jackie Reyes-Yanes continues to strive for a more inclusive and supportive environment for all District residents.  Her story exemplifies the power of community engagement, cultural celebration, and unwavering dedication to public service.

View the Mayor's Office of Community Affairs' organizational chart.