Yvette D. Holmes: Caring for the Community
Yvette D. Holmes is the CEO of Southeast Raleigh Promise in Raleigh. Her core values are authenticity, commitment, and fairness. Yvette is a 2022 Executive graduate.
It’s not about self — it’s always about the community. The relationships we are building are delicate and require constant care. We must approach our work with humility, understanding that true impact comes from working alongside and with the community, not for the community. From this foundation of partnership and trust, everything else flows.
What was the primary impact of the Executive program on your life?
The primary effect of the Executive program on my life was gaining a deeper understanding of our regional interconnectedness. I came to appreciate how similar our communities are across the region and how much we share — not only in terms of challenges but also in our successes. Often, we think the issues we face in Raleigh are unique or different from those in Durham or Chapel Hill. However, spending time with others from across the region helped me realize that our challenges are deeply shared, and so, too, are the opportunities for collective success. This experience underscored the importance of regional connections — not just for sharing information and data but also for building trust and fostering authentic relationships. These connections with established leaders and newcomers allow us to work together more effectively to address shared challenges and create lasting solutions.
Did you make any meaningful connections during or after the program? It’s always a proud moment when I connect with someone with the distinct designation of a Goodmon Fellow. These connections are often marked by a smile or a hug — a warm reminder that we’re part of a learning community deeply invested in addressing regional issues and finding solutions that lead to better outcomes for all.
I also believe that the value of this experience is directly tied to the effort you’re willing to invest. Beyond just providing a contact list, the program team excels at creating opportunities for members to share their expertise and stay engaged with one another after completing the program. These intentional efforts foster authentic relationships that extend beyond a single interaction or call, creating lasting connections that truly matter.
How do you show up as a leader in your organization?
I see myself as a servant-leader, which for me means leading with compassion, grace, and humility — qualities not always associated with the title of CEO. In my role leading a community-based nonprofit, the demands and responsibilities can easily create distance between me, my team, and the community we serve. To counter this, I prioritize being present, accessible, and approachable. I strive to foster an environment where every team member feels valued. I’m not above rolling up my sleeves to tackle any task or stepping back to allow others to lead. My open-door policy reflects my commitment to listening and observing, ensuring that individuals feel seen, heard, and supported. At the end of the day, while we each have distinct roles, our success is collective. We are in this work together and need one another to create meaningful impact.
How do you feel you make an impact in the community?
When I think about impact, I measure it through the lens of relationships and community. One of my greatest contributions is my genuine commitment to spending time in the community and building trust and relationships. This allows me to authentically advocate and bring the stories and experiences of others into spaces where decisions are made about our community. My team and I must remember who we serve and what our responsibilities are in this work. It’s not about self — it’s always about the community. The relationships we are building are delicate and require constant care. We must approach our work with humility, understanding that true impact comes from working alongside and with the community, not for the community. From this foundation of partnership and trust, everything else flows. When we genuinely engage in purposeful, collaborative work, we position ourselves to make a meaningful and lasting impact.
If you could only read one book for the rest of your life, what would it be and why?
I enjoy poetry and books of inspiration. This year, I was introduced to The Pivot Year by Brianna Wiest. Though categorized as a self-help book, it reads like poetry to me. The book explores how we thrive, dare to show up and navigate the liminal spaces of change and uncertainty. One of my favorite excerpts is from Day 16:
“You may fear the quiet times in your life when your soul goes through winter. However, it’s often those same times when the most profound and human work is being completed. Be still. Do nothing. It is the quiet and the noise that writes the symphony, the blank canvas and the paint that makes the picture, the rest and the movement give you the wisdom, insight, and clarity to press forward more boldly than ever before.”
These words resonate deeply with me. They remind me that growth and transformation often happen in the stillness and unseen moments. I see myself as art in motion — a work in progress, continuously shaped by the quiet and the movement of life.
What is one fun fact about yourself?
One fun fact about me is that I love writing and storytelling. I have a quiet dream to one day write a book and direct a play or short film — an aspiration that combines my passion for creativity and connection.
