MyCom Monday Hi-Five for Yolanda Armstrong

MyCom congratulates Yolanda Armstrong on being named one of the Most Influential Persons in the 15th edition of Who’s Who In Black Cleveland.

“Being named in Who’s Who of Black Cleveland is humbling, “Armstrong said, “Knowing that my thoughts and actions in my 30-plus years of servant leadership have not gone unnoticed, and the fact that others consider the work that I’ve done and the accomplishments that I’ve made throughout my career have been based on doing what’s right for those we serve.”

Ms. Armstrong is President and CEO of Friendly Inn Settlement, Inc, the longest continuing settlement house in the United States serving the Fairfax and Central Cleveland communities. Friendly Inn was founded by members of the Women’s Christian Temperance Union to serve the mostly immigrant residents of poor neighborhoods. Today, it provides an early childhood center, out-of-school tutoring and activities, a food bank, and other individual and family support programs.

A host of social justice warriors have inspired Armstrong throughout her career, primarily the late Rosanne Sheard Robinson. “She told me that I would not be a statistic and with her help I would become a young lady that will make a difference being of service,” Armstrong said. She also points to the examples of community and national leadership set by the late Judge Jean Murrell Capers and Congresswoman Stephanie Tubbs Jones. Armstrong also draws inspiration from Jane Edna Hunter, who rose from poverty to establish the Phillis Wheatly Association – an organization Armstrong served as executive director – to provide young Black women with safe housing, recreation, and career training.

Armstrong has worked to strengthen and expand Friendly Inn as it prepares to celebrate its 150th anniversary in 2024.

“This organization focuses on addressing issues such as infant mortality, food insecurity, youth programming, and wrap-around services for those in the community in need; and most recently, we started the Geraldine Burns Behavioral Health Services for those in need of mental health and substance abuse services,” she said, “Having a strong leadership team and strong programming is a priority, so I have been spending a lot of time helping my team become impactful leaders and understanding the importance of resilience when facing the challenges we have faced during COVID-19 and its aftermath.”

Being named to the Who’s Who In Black Cleveland list motivates Armstrong going forward, “This emphasizes my continued mission to serve and do my best to make an impact that will make a difference in the lives of others.”