Yolanda Apalategui Lugo’s Vision for a Stronger Alumni Community

For San Diego State University alumna Yolanda Apalategui Lugo ('05, '15), a commitment to public service is not just her love for serving others, but a family legacy. 

Inspired by three generations of role models who served in law enforcement and public safety, and women entrepreneurs, Yolanda has spent her career guided by the core values of ethics, loyalty, and integrity, leading with purpose and making a meaningful impact in her community.

Crediting SDSU with being a transformative time in her life, Yolanda knew that she wanted to give back to the organization that shaped both her personal and professional life.

In 2021, she joined the SDSU Alumni Board of Advisors, where she has played a pivotal role as the past co-chair of the Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging Committee, leading the development of a process and tool to embed inclusive practices into alumni initiatives.

“Public service has been at the heart of who I am. For many years, I’ve dedicated my time to supporting organizations that build bridges and creating opportunities for people to thrive, and SDSU is one of those organizations.” 

Now entering her sixth year on the board, Yolanda was recently appointed as the 90th president for a one-year term beginning July 1, 2026.

Growing up in Mexico, the oldest of three siblings, Yolanda embraced every opportunity to pursue her education. Learning English as her second language (ESL), Yolanda was given a strong foundation and discipline from years of parochial school and worked hard to graduate high school and transition over to Southwestern College in Chula Vista.

There, she earned an Associate of Arts degree with honors in just two years before transferring to San Diego State University, an achievement that once seemed out of reach.

“Completing those two years was such a distant dream for an ESL student venturing into an unfamiliar educational system. It was an exciting milestone.”

Later in her college years, Yolanda’s family experienced significant change, leaving Yolanda to take on greater responsibilities with her two siblings. This transition created additional challenges during an already critical period in her life.

While at SDSU, Yolanda studied political science and was challenged to think critically, develop new perspectives, and pursue opportunities that took her outside of her comfort zone. These experiences helped equip her with the tools to build a strong foundation for a career in public service. 

Graduating from SDSU with a Bachelor’s in political science in 2005 remains one of the most special moments in Yolanda’s life. A moment she remembers like it was yesterday.

“It felt like the first accomplishment that I had truly earned all on my own. It was especially meaningful to become the first woman in my family to graduate from college.“

From there, Yolanda began her career in the public sector, serving in several roles in the legislative and judicial branches of government, both at the local and state levels.

She currently serves as Chief of Government and Public Affairs for the San Diego District Attorney’s Office, leading a team that works to align public safety strategy with community impact through access-to-justice initiatives.

With extensive experience in shaping policy, advocacy, and public affairs, Yolanda has been recognized with the San Diego Regional Chamber of Commerce Bridge Builder Award, the California State Assembly, 79th District Hispanic Leader in Government Award, MANA de San Diego’s Advocacy Volunteer Award, and was featured on the “40 Under 40” list of the Top 100 Magazine.

A decade after receiving her Bachelor’s degree, Yolanda reached a crossroads in her career and decided to turn back to the one place she felt could support her: SDSU.

“Returning to school for my graduate degree not only enhanced my skills and knowledge but also empowered me to recognize my potential and reaffirm my commitment to myself.”

In 2015, Yolanda earned her Master’s degree in public administration, a journey that not only challenged her but also helped her reimagine leadership skills she will use in her new role as SDSU Alumni Board of Advisors President.

In addition to her professional work, Yolanda is a dedicated advocate for people living with Lupus. Since her diagnosis in 2020, she has drawn on both her personal journey and professional expertise to raise awareness, promote education, and improve the quality of life for those affected by the disease.

As a member of the Lupus Foundation of America's Advocacy Committee, Yolanda led the successful effort to have the San Diego County Board of Supervisors proclaim May as Lupus Awareness Month and illuminate the San Diego County Administration Center in purple to recognize and raise awareness of the cause, and supports the Lupus and Me Conference that takes place each year at SDSU.

Yolanda describes living with a chronic autoimmune disease as the greatest life lesson in resilience, strength, and tackling change.

“Success belongs to those who are willing to adapt.”  

As Yolanda prepares to start her new chapter as SDSU Alumni Board of Advisors President, her goal is to honor our tradition of excellence, while thoughtfully evolving in ways that better serve our mission and the needs of our alumni.

“I hope to inspire people to serve the SDSU community by building partnerships and creating opportunities for engagement.”

In the future, Yolanda hopes she can advance board governance and strategic planning, continue to support student and alumni success, and overall broaden engagement through advocacy, ensuring that every alumni voice is heard and our SDSU alumni community is strengthened through service.

Her advice for young alumni is to be intentional and build relationships, not just connections.  And don’t be afraid to fail; it is important to welcome it as a learning opportunity. 

Proudly wearing her SDSU hat wherever she goes, Yolanda truly embraces her role as an alumni ambassador and continues to look for every opportunity to make a connection with a fellow Aztec when she is out in the community. 

“I have immense gratitude for all the opportunities my SDSU education has given me, and I wanted to give back. I have no doubt this is a lifelong commitment for me.”