Chamber Insider Blog

Thank you to our DEIA Committe Vice Chair Yasmin Virani, owner of Yas Consulting Services (YCS), for being our spotlight this month!

Where were you born and raised, and if it was someplace else, when and why did you come to Loudoun?

I was born in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, and raised in a Pakistani household. In 1988, my parents, older sister, and I moved to the United States in pursuit of better educational opportunities. We settled in Atlanta, Georgia, where I have some of my fondest memories of growing up and maturing – attending high school, graduating from Georgia Tech, getting my first job and so much more. In 2007, I moved to Northern Virginia, which I’ve been proud to call home ever since. I’m deeply grateful for the opportunity to live, work, and raise my two children in such a vibrant and diverse community—one that continues to offer countless opportunities to learn, grow, and thrive.

Tell us about your business and how long you’ve been in your industry.

Yas Consulting Services (YCS) is my own human resources consulting practice, which I launched over three years ago after spending more than two decades working in human capital consulting. As a minority- and woman-owned organization, YCS is deeply rooted in my lived experiences, as a Pakistani American, and my professional journey working with government, non-profit and commercial clients. As President and CEO, I’m passionate about helping organizations build inclusive, people-centered environments through tailored solutions—ranging from assessments and training to executive coaching and strategy implementation. My work is guided by the principles of empathy, courageous truth, and forward motion, and I take pride in supporting leaders and teams as they grow in alignment with their values.

How did you get into this line of work?

I’ve always cherished my diverse and holistic background—be it my culture, faith or language, and the many roles I hold as a wife, mom, professional, and more. I’ve found deep meaning in sharing my experiences and learning from others. That passion led me to launch a Women’s Forum ERG at a large organization I worked for, which quickly grew into a powerful space for connection and support. Seeing its impact was a turning point for me—it inspired me to dedicate my career to helping organizations build more inclusive, human-centered workplace cultures.

Have you had any special mentors or inspirations that guided your career?

My life journey—being born in Dubai, raised in a Pakistani household, and growing up in the U.S.—has deeply shaped how I see the world and approach my work. That blend of cultures and experiences has given me a broader lens and deeper appreciation for different perspectives. My greatest inspirations have been my parents, whose sacrifices to leave their home country for the sake of their children’s future continue to guide me. Their resilience and dedication fuel my drive.

I’m also grateful for my siblings, whose unique strengths, personalities, and unwavering support have been a constant source of encouragement and grounding throughout my career. And most importantly, my husband and two children are my daily motivation—they push me to be the best version of myself and remind me why this work matters, on both a personal and collective level.

What is the best part of your job and why?

The best part of my job is waking up each day knowing I’m doing work that gives me purpose and aligns with my passion. I find deep fulfillment in helping others become more welcoming, respectful, kind, and empathetic—not just at work, but in every part of their lives. Whether I’m creating content, designing learning experiences, coaching leaders, or building inclusive strategies, I love being part of the journey that helps individuals and organizations grow.

In today’s fast-paced, digitized world, fostering human connection and empathy is more important than ever—and I’m grateful that my work contributes to creating spaces where people can truly thrive.

What is it like doing business in Loudoun/Northern Virginia?

Doing business in Loudoun and Northern Virginia has been both inspiring and empowering.

The region is home to a vibrant and growing small business community, fueled by innovation, diversity, and a strong entrepreneurial mindset. What truly stands out is the openness and collaborative spirit of the people here—there’s a genuine willingness to connect, support one another, and share ideas. As someone whose work centers on helping organizations build more inclusive, human-centered workplace cultures, I’ve found Loudoun to be an ideal environment. There’s a shared vision across industries to create spaces where people feel seen, valued, and empowered to thrive, which aligns perfectly with my mission as a business owner. It’s a community that not only embraces progress but actively works to lead it.

What does Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month mean to you?

Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month is a meaningful time for me to celebrate my background and honor the cultural roots that have shaped who I am. It’s a moment to reflect on the strength and resilience that define so many of our communities—values that I carry with me in both my personal and professional life. As someone who proudly represents my heritage, I see this month as an opportunity not only to celebrate our rich traditions, languages, and histories, but also to serve as a role model within my community.

What makes AAPI Heritage Month especially powerful is the incredible diversity it encompasses—spanning a wide range of cultures, identities, and lived experiences. It offers a valuable opportunity for others to learn about the many different backgrounds that make up the AAPI community and to appreciate the unique contributions each one brings. I hope to uplift others by highlighting the positive attributes passed down through generations—hard work, perseverance, and compassion—and by creating space for stories that too often go untold. AAPI Heritage Month is a reminder that our identities are a source of strength, and that sharing them helps build a more inclusive, understanding, and connected world.

Favorite things to do when you are not working?

When I’m not working, I love exploring new and different cuisines—trying something unfamiliar always feels like an adventure. I’m also an avid reader and enjoy diving into all kinds of books, from fiction to nonfiction and everything in between. I especially enjoy curating book club experiences for friends and family to spark meaningful conversations. A good cup of coffee, a beach vacation, and traveling to learn about history and different cultures are some of my favorite ways to recharge.

I also cherish cozy nights watching Bollywood movies with my husband and children—it’s a fun and heartfelt way to share our culture, language, and music with the kids. And of course, I can never pass up the opportunity for a little retail therapy, aka shopping, to bring me some joy!