Lake Elsinore Woman 'Persevered' At 82 To Earn Her PhD

LAKE ELSINORE, CA — All across Southwest Riverside County, students are out in the community doing good things to make life better for all of us, especially this woman in Lake Elsinore.

Here at Patch, we've launched an initiative to help recognize special students and we’re working to tell the stories of these outstanding people to their friends and neighbors, nominated by the family that loves them.

This submission comes from Arthur Calderon who nominated his wife, Yolanda Calderon, a Lake Elsinore resident who is 82 years young. She was set to graduate with her Doctorate degree on May 5, 2023.

Yolanda is from California, her husband says.

Why do you believe she should be recognized?

She persevered for five years to research, interview, and teach for eight weeks in order to complete her degree as a Doctor of Ministry.

"She is involved in the community helping Hispanic abused women through education and support groups," her husband said. "She is the founder and Director of Con Paz Organization and works tirelessly to teach women to reach their potential in life.

"She teaches women in her local church and has traveled throughout the United States and abroad encouraging women to capture the value God gives them. She has been married for 56 years and has three grown children, eight grandchildren, and one great-grandson.

"I believe she is a role model for other women her age and she hopes they will follow her example," he said.

What's one thing you want everyone to know about the star local student?

She is humble, still teachable (a forever learner), and her love of God is ever-flowing to others.

Congratulations on your achievements, and all of our best wishes to you in the future, Yolanda Calderon.

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