Yamil Berard grew up in Southern California, after coming to the United States as a young child and Cuban immigrant. She graduated from the University of Southern California within three years of admission, earning a bachelor’s in print journalism with a minor in business administration. Much of her work as a journalist in California, Texas and Georgia has focused on trying to unwind complex financial topics, including public pensions, conduit bonds, hospital finance and public construction projects. She has uncovered millions in misspent dollars and exposed shoddy decision-making that has resulted in financial nightmares. Her work has prompted changes in policies, removal of public officials and improvements in the lives of vulnerable people. She is a believer in the fundamental principles of American journalism and its duty to serve and foster an informed public.