Yolanda Woodbridge

Born in Bogotá, Colombia, Woodbridge is the daughter of a Costa Rican diplomat who was in post in Colombia when she was born. With a diplomat for a father, she traveled extensively with her family and became proficient in many languages. She attended San Francisco College in Fort Wayne, IN, and went on to the Javeriana University in Bogotá.

After moving to Miami alone with her four small children, she worked 15 years as director of public relations for Turbana Corporation, a Coral Gablesbased banana importer. She managed the company’s involvement in community organizations and activities; handled public relations with company clients and providers; was in charge of receiving all foreign visitors, and assisted in relations with the parent company.

In Miami, she met and married her husband, attorney Fred Woodbridge, and became heavily involved in charitable work, organizing several Fellowship House galas that featured Dave Barry; chairing a fundraiser for The Learning Experience School, and working tirelessly for the Coral Gables Community Foundation, holding many offices and finally becoming board chair.

With the Rotary of Coral Gables, Woodbridge has become the “go to” person. She chaired Rotary’s Gables Promenade for 1997-98, one of its two best years financially; has served as vice president, chaired several committees, and currently edits the club’s weekly Rotarygram.

As past president of the Rotary Club of Coral Gables, her work goes beyond South Florida. In fact, she recently received the District 6990 Rotarian of the Year Award for International Service.

When Woodbridge left Turbana she started her own project management and consulting company, YW Associates. Her Gables firm specialized in public relations; offered high level translations for major commercial customers, private parties and political organizations, and consulted for adaptation to the United States of Central and South American immigrants. She assists immigrants in making the transition to business, professional and personal life in the United States.

Since 2006, she carries out these same activities, public relations and translations, in her own name. She also gives Spanish classes while dedicating most of her time in service to the community.

Over the years her community service includes Salvation Army, Advisory Board for Scouts with Disabilities, Coral Gables Chamber of Commerce, Dade Partners for Miami Dade Public Schools, member of the Merrick School EESAC, Miami Committee for International Visitors, and the Junior Orange Bowl Committee. She also has been a member of the board and past vice president, Florida Chapter of Alumni of the Universidad Javeriana, Bogotá.

While the list of accomplishments for this grandmother of 11 is great, her generous and tender heart are even greater. She literally helps anyone who crosses her path in need. If you were to invite people who have been touched by Yolanda Woodbridge to gather together, you would need a football stadium to accommodate them.