Nov. 12, 2026
René Yanes, a bilingual HUD-certified housing counselor at the Knoxville Area Urban League (KAUL), earned the Rising Star Award at the National Urban League’s 2026 Whitney M. Young, Jr. Leadership Conference.
Yanes received the award Oct. 9 during the conference in Brooklyn, New York. The national recognition celebrates emerging leaders who are making a meaningful impact in the housing field.
“We’re proud of René for earning this award and all of his hard work this past year,” said Dr. Laurie Shanderson, president and CEO of the Knoxville Area Urban League. “His dedication to helping others build a stronger financial future reflects the work KAUL strives to accomplish every day.”
Yanes joined KAUL in July 2024. Through his work in housing and community development, he helps individuals and families work toward housing stability and homeownership. As a bilingual counselor, he helps expand access to housing resources and guidance in the Knoxville community.
“I’m truly honored to receive this recognition and grateful for the opportunity to serve the Knoxville community,” Yanes said. “Whether helping someone work toward homeownership, understand their options or find a path toward housing stability, I’m committed to making sure people have the knowledge and resources they need to move forward.”
The annual Whitney M. Young, Jr. Leadership Conference brings together leaders from across the National Urban League’s affiliate network for professional development, collaboration and discussion about advancing the organization’s mission.
The Knoxville Area Urban has provided HUD-approved housing counseling since 1971 and was the first nonprofit in Tennessee to receive that designation.
KAUL plans to work with lenders, housing agencies and community organizations to expand access to down payment assistance and help more individuals and families overcome the upfront costs of buying a home. The Knoxville nonprofit also aims to strengthen its foreclosure prevention and housing counseling services, giving East Tennessee homeowners facing financial hardship education, the resources and guidance to help them stay in their homes.
Learn more about KAUL’s housing initiatives at https://www.thekaul.org/.
About the Knoxville Area Urban League
Since 1968, the Knoxville Area Urban League has assisted disadvantaged people attain social and economic stability and self-sufficiency through direct services and advocacy. The League works to provide a skilled and diverse workforce; to increase homeownership; to support economic and small business development, and to enhance education efforts for our youth. The Knoxville Area Urban League is a United Way partner agency and affiliate of the National Urban League. The League’s work and results are evident in the lives of the thousands of people it impacts each year. For more information, call 865-524-5511 or visit thekaul.org.
Bailey Ly
