Yleana Benitez (pronounced ee-leh-ana) has been working with HSD’s Mayor’s Office on Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault for about 1 1/2 years. They write about being driven by a desire to make a broader, systems-level impact while still honoring the lived experiences of the people and providers we work with!
What is your role at Seattle Human Services?
In this role, I manage contracts and funding agreements within the Mayor’s Office on Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault (MODVSA). I work closely with community organizations that provide important services and prevention programs related to gender-based violence. My work ensures that these organizations receive the support and resources they need to make sure contracts are clear and the community’s needs are being met through our funded programs.
What made you want to work in human services?
Like many of my colleagues, I come from a direct service background in nonprofit organizations. While I was ready to step away from frontline work, I wasn’t ready to step away from the community. The Seattle Human Services Department (HSD) offered the perfect opportunity to remain connected while gaining insight into how local government can support and resource community organizations more effectively. My transition into human services was rooted in a desire to make a broader, systems-level impact while still honoring the lived experiences of the people and providers I work with.
How has your job changed in recent years?
I’ve become more confident navigating city systems and interpreting policies, which has allowed me to contribute more strategically to the team’s work. What’s especially meaningful is that the MODVSA team truly values collaboration—input from Grants & Contracts Specialists like me is not only welcomed but often integrated into work that goes beyond our traditional responsibilities.
As my understanding of the broader system has deepened, I’ve been able to support improvements in how we develop and manage funding processes, communicate expectations, and evaluate program outcomes. I now contribute to shaping tools and practices that make our work more efficient and responsive, including for the community-based organizations we partner with. For instance, I led a training and created a guide and video tutorial to help providers navigate a new data report, ensuring consistent use and improved data quality. This growth reflects a team culture that values learning, shared leadership, and thoughtful innovation.
What do you love about your job?
I love that my role allows me to bridge my past experience in direct service with government and funder systems-level work. Having once been a grantee, I understand the challenges providers face with reporting, compliance, and administrative tasks. I see my job as advocating on their behalf. I also find fulfillment in evaluating data to showcase the impact of provider efforts to city leadership. I’ve found that the most impactful data often comes from narrative reports, as survivor stories powerfully illustrate why these services are essential.
How do you contribute to HSD’s overarching goals related to racial equity?
Racial equity is central to my work at HSD. I strive to ensure that every interaction I have with providers is equitable and respectful. I remain mindful that my role comes with immense responsibility and requires accountability to the communities we serve. My own identity as a queer, Latinx woman, daughter of Salvadoran immigrants, who grew up in Hyde Park, Los Angeles (a community deeply affected by violence and systemic disinvestment) grounds my understanding of racial justice. However, I also recognize that centering racial equity requires more than my own lived experiences; it demands ongoing learning, self-reflection, and active listening.
I seek opportunities to educate myself on the histories, needs, and perspectives of communities different from my own. This helps me to identify where my blind spots might be and to integrate a more inclusive approach into my work. Whether engaging in trainings, participating in department Change Team discussions, or simply listening to colleagues and providers, I view continuous learning as essential to doing this work with integrity and humility.
What motivates you or keeps you going?
I’m motivated by the incredible work of the MODVSA team and the providers we support. Collaborating with organizations that serve gender-based violence survivors has helped me more deeply understand the complex needs in our communities and the role we can play in supporting change. I also draw strength from the department’s Latinx Caucus and LGBTQ+ Affinity Group, where I find community, solidarity, and a space to reflect on how my intersecting identities inform my work. These connections help me stay grounded and motivated to advocate for safety, inclusion, and equity.
What’s one piece of advice for HSD newcomers or recent graduates in your field?
Build relationships! HSD is a large department with incredibly talented and passionate people. Take the time to connect, whether it’s over coffee, through affinity groups, or in collaborative projects. Finding your community within HSD makes a huge difference.