Yomi S. Young, Director of Civil Rights Compliance at Sutter Health, was selected as a 2025 Tribute to Women Awards honoree by YWCA Golden Gate Silicon Valley. The prestigious award recognizes women who have demonstrated exceptional leadership and significantly contributed to their fields and communities. Through her unwavering commitment to civil rights, health equity, and disability justice, Young established herself as a transformative leader, improving healthcare access and outcomes for marginalized populations.
“I am deeply humbled and honored to receive the 2025 Tribute to Women Award from YWCA Golden Gate Silicon Valley,” Young said. “This recognition is not just for me, but for every individual and community fighting for equitable access to healthcare and civil rights.”
A Legacy of Civil Rights Leadership
As Sutter Health’s Director of Civil Rights Compliance, Young has played a pivotal role in advancing policies that promote healthcare equity. She has been instrumental in shaping Sutter’s compliance and championing health equity. Through her leadership, Sutter Health has strengthened its commitment to high quality care for people who experience multi-marginalization, implementing policies that remove barriers for patients of all backgrounds.
Young’s influence extends beyond regulatory compliance. She has been a driving force behind Sutter’s Comprehensive Gender Care and Sensory Clinics, which provide culturally competent services to historically underserved communities. Additionally, as a Subject Matter Expert and core team member with Sutter’s Institute for Advancing Health Equity, she has contributed to groundbreaking initiatives that address disability-specific disparities in healthcare.
“I was thrilled to nominate Yomi for her exceptional leadership and unwavering dedication to advancing civil rights and health equity,” said Teresa Sarlitto, operations executive for the Palo Alto Medical Foundation and Sutter Health’s Greater Silicon Valley Division. “As Sutter Health’s Director of Civil Rights Compliance, Yomi is creating transformative change within the organization and beyond, focusing on ensuring access and equity for all individuals, especially those from marginalized communities.”
Yomi Young and her daughter share a joyful moment at an event, radiating warmth and happiness.
Championing Inclusion and Justice
Young’s commitment to civil rights and health equity is deeply rooted in her extensive background in disability justice and advocacy. Before joining Sutter Health, she served as the Executive Director of the Center for Independent Living in Berkeley, a globally recognized organization dedicated to disability rights. Her work in this role helped empower people with disabilities to advocate for themselves and access essential resources. She currently serves as an Executive Committee Member on the Board of Directors for the National American Civil Liberties Union.
“Yomi’s passion, expertise, and leadership have made an indelible impact on both the healthcare system and the broader community,” said Dr. Chantel Johnson, Registered Nurse and Vice President of Ambulatory Operations for the Palo Alto Medical Foundation and Sutter Health’s Greater Silicon Valley Division. “She is a tireless champion for disability rights, health equity, and social justice. Her work embodies the values that the YWCA awards celebrate; courage, leadership, and a deep commitment to justice and equality for all.”
