YVETTEA Digital Biography

© 2007 Harlequin

Yvette M. Jarvis is a magna cum laude graduate

of Boston University with

a Major in Psychology

and a Minor in Sociology.

As an accomplished

basketball player, she came to

Greece in 1982 when she became

the first African American to play in the Greek Women's Basketball League,

while also being the first salaried female athlete in

the league.

She simultaneously launched her

professional career in modelling and enjoyed

much acclaimed success.

She also embarked on a flourishing career as a vocal artist, which she continues to this day.

As a well known personality in Greece, Yvette spearheaded important social and political causes. Early on she became involved with then Greece’s

nascent civil society and became a strong advocate of the rights of minorities.

As a human rights activist, Yvette participated in many Greek NGOs and helped establish many other

organizations that emphasize the rights of immigrants, women, and people with special needs.

As a result of her political

involvement, in October 2002, Yvette Jarvis

became the first African American to

be elected to the City Council of

Athens Greece. Her tenure at the Athens

City Council is widely viewed as a

successful and productive one.

Yvette M. Jarvis

City Councilor

Municipality of Athens

2002 - 2006

During this time she focused primarily on issues such as Women’s

Rights and Domestic Violence.

  The Hotline has received over 5,000 calls for help!

She initiated a

National

Toll Free Hotline

Immigrants’ Rights Immigrants’ Rights

She led the 35 member Delegation of Immigrants representing Greece at the

European Parliament in Brussels.

• Developed and organized National Dialogue Events on Immigration

• Initiated, Organized, and Directed a Greek Language School for Immigrants

• Initiated and Organized an Information Service Center for Immigrants which addressed Immigrants’ Rights

• Organized the Multi-ethnic celebration for International Migrants Day

• Organized Immigrant Youth Day Dialogue. A recognition and award ceremony for accomplished youth

in education, arts, sports and citizenship

Assistance forPeople with

Special Needs

Assistance forPeople with

Special Needs

Secured a procurement contract for The Institute for the Blind with the

municipality and was instrumental in the implementation of a directive from the

Council to increase hiring of people with disabilities by 5% in the municipality

In cooperation with the Canadian Embassy, she secured and distributed 24

wheelchairs for the Special Olympic Games’ Basketball Team.

Initiatives in Youth and Sports Initiatives in Youth and Sports

Throughout her tenure as an elected representative, Yvette did not limit herself

to the City Council. Her vigorous and dynamic

personality, as well as her passion to fight for minority

rights, urged her to undertake projects in

various committees and civil society organizations,

where she continued to defend the underprivileged.

In 2003 and 2004 she presented the photo exhibit of OlymPeace

Children’s Festival for Ekecheria at the United Nations. In July 2003

she organized a ceremony at Zappeion for the opening of the

2nd OlymPeace Children’s Festival in cooperation with Organization of Youth and Athletics (O.N.A.).

The Spirit of Olympic Truce and Peace through Athletics, Arts and Music

She represented the City of Athens for the 2004 Olympic Games Torch Relays

in Los Angeles and New York City.

She organized and coordinated the

presentation, dedication and reception events with Congresswoman Diane Watson and the

Mayor of Athens relating to the Olympic Art

exhibition created by Steve Allen

A dedication from the City of L.A. to the City of Athens as Sister Cities

and Olympic Cities

Yvette was the introductory speaker for Governor Pataki, N.Y. State, in

recognition of Greek Independence Day

Yvette being Honored by the Brooklyn Borough President, Mr. Marty Markowitz with the distinction of being the first

Brooklynite elected to a Foreign Public Office

Celebration: “Only In Brooklyn”

Yvette is presently a “Special Advisor” to Mayor Kaklamanis on Immigration issues

for the City of Athens.

Program Design by Harlequin © 2007

“HELP”

Performed by Yvette Jarvis