17 Jul Meet Yolanda Barton

Not only is she new to Atlanta, but she is also our newest member of Futurus! All the way from Seattle, Yolanda brings a warm and welcoming smile and energy to the office. She has fit right in from day one. We got to know her a little more in our latest blog. Meet Yolanda. 

Yolanda, you are new to the Atlanta area, what has been your favorite part about the city so far? 

THE SUN!!!! (Afterall, I am from Seattle) I love the hospitality in this city, too. Everyone is so welcoming, and people have great energy. There is always something to do with plenty of family-friendly events all over the city. XR is active here. There is so much opportunity to get involved in the future of tech and mixed reality in the A! This city is so diverse both with people and the richness of ideas. That is what brought me here. Great things happen in this awesome city and I’m excited to be part of that. Let’s Go! 

What were two of your favorite movies growing up? 

The Goonies for the 80s babies! And it’s a tie between Howard the Duck and Little Shop of horrors! The music and killer plant are hard to compete with…but you can’t underestimate the power of a duck that looks good in a suit, is a ladies man, drinks and saves the world from aliens…just sayin! 

Speaking of two favorites, you have two daughters! Can you tell us a little bit about them?

I have two daughters, 13 and 9 years old both born in Wakanda (Let them tell it). They are so talented and excited to always try new things. They both love tap and African dance. They literally love being on stage. There is always music, spontaneous dance-offs and karaoke battles in my home. My oldest plays the violin and loves acting and singing. My youngest enjoys anything related to art and she will disappear for hours to create things with any materials she can find around the house. They both love technology and always join coding classes offered around the city. They have the perfect balance of tech and outdoor activities. Most of all they think I am awesome! I agree with them. I had the pleasure of them walking across the stage with my daughters when I received my Master’s degree. We are each other’s biggest fans. We love to travel and visit aquariums in every city we visit. We love going to different countries and look forward to more family journeys around the world and more stamps in our passports. Dopest kids ever! 

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What have you learned from being at Futurus so far? 

My instincts were right. Futurus is for kick-ass rockstar individuals who don’t believe in limitations! Collaboration creates innovation in this space. I’m beyond excited to be a part of this team and I enjoy sharing ideas and concepts that are welcomed by people who don’t see boundaries. My kind of people. Futurus is a gem in this city. I’m glad they chose me to be a part of it.

What’s one thing you’re looking forward to doing/seeing in Atlanta? 

I look forward to furthering my goal of bridging communities with technology solutions and meeting more people in the XR space who are interested in the emergence of Music and XR. 

As far as sites to see, how can anyone possibly narrow this down to one? I have a list! 

• Georgia Aquarium 
• Pinewood studios where all my favorite Harry Potter, Kingsman, Xmen and Marvel Movies where filmed. 
• MLK Jr National Historic Site along with the tour of MLK Jr. home 
• The College Hall of Fame Chick-fil-a Fan Experience 
• Botanical Gardens 
• World of Coca Cola 
• Wherever they make the best fried green tomatoes 
• Tiny door tour 
• High Museum of Art 
• All music festivals 

Do you have a hidden talent? 

If I say, it will no longer be hidden… 

What are some of your hobbies? 

I love henna and, wine and coloring (at the same time), attending music festivals and concerts-nothing like LIVE MUSIC, all dance simulated games, meditating (yes it’s a hobby), being on or near bodies of water, I love traveling to the Caribbean and laying on the beach, hosting BBQ’s with fam and friends and playing spades!