Yvonne Joaquin (Photo – gjjpasadena.com)
For much of her career, Yvonne Joaquin has worked behind the scenes, strengthening organizations, improving operations and helping leaders decide what comes next.
By News Desk
On September 25, she will step into the spotlight in an unusual way: by rappelling 25 stories down the side of the Hilton Los Angeles/Universal City.
Joaquin, CFO and Strategic Advisor for Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Pasadena, is participating in Union Rescue Mission’s eighth annual Over the Edge, a two-day fundraising event taking place September 25–26. Before making the descent, each participant must raise at least $1,000.
For Joaquin, the event is more than a test of nerve. It is an opportunity to support Union Rescue Mission’s work addressing homelessness throughout Los Angeles.
“Homelessness is something we see everywhere in Los Angeles,” Joaquin said. “What really drew me to Union Rescue Mission is that their work doesn’t stop at giving someone a meal or a place to sleep.”
The organization offers recovery programs, health services, education, job readiness and workforce development—resources designed to help people move toward lasting stability and, ultimately, find a way home.
The rappel also marks a personal turning point for Joaquin. After years working in technology, administration and organizational leadership, she is now focused on financial strategy, organizational growth, community outreach and strategic leadership at Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Pasadena. As she considers what comes next, she is looking for new ways to make a meaningful impact.
“I’m definitely scared to rappel 25 stories,” Joaquin said. “But I figure courage only counts when you’re a little scared, right?”
For Joaquin, the answer to that fear has been to say yes—to an experience far outside her usual role and comfort zone.
Fred Joaquin, owner and head instructor of Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Pasadena, said that willingness to act is central to who she is.
“Yvonne is usually the person behind the scenes pushing us to think bigger and asking what else is possible,” he said. “When something matters to her, she doesn’t just talk about it—she finds a way to act on it.”
As the event approaches, Joaquin is nearing her initial $1,000 fundraising goal. Donations made through her September 25 rappel will support Union Rescue Mission programs serving individuals and families experiencing homelessness throughout Los Angeles.
To support Joaquin’s effort, visit her official Union Rescue Mission fundraising page, Yvonne Goes Over The Edge.
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