Yvanne M. Vaughn, 36, of Fayetteville, is the founder and managing attorney of YMV Law.
She was nominated for 40 Under 40 because “Yvanne is a passionate changemaker whose work in immigration law and community advocacy ensures that marginalized voices are heard,” nominator Ashley Patterson writes. “From leading nonprofit legal efforts to launching her own firm, she’s dedicated to defending immigrant rights and empowering families. Her commitment to justice and public service makes her an undeniable force in our community.”
Here’s what else you should know about this member of Fayetteville’s 40 Under 40 Class of 2025.
Yvanne M. Vaughn
Who are your immediate family members?
Stasik Vaughn Jr. (Husband)
Florence Latouche (Mother)
Lionel Latouche (Twin Brother)
Leonard Latouche (Younger Brother)
What does your job entail?
Attorney Vaughn is deeply committed to public service and is passionate about immigration law. As a first-generation Haitian American, Vaughn directly identifies with those navigating the complicated journey that is immigration. Having assisted family members and friends, Vaughn understands the importance of personalizing each individual’s experience as they navigate the complex terrain of immigration law.
With over six years of legal practice specializing in immigration law, she is passionate about protecting and reunifying immigrant families. As an advocate for your family’s goals, she brings a unique blend of legal proficiency and compassion to every case. Navigating the intricate legal landscape, Vaughn has successfully guided numerous individuals and families toward their immigration goals. She understands individuals’ challenges and nuances and is dedicated to ensuring every client’s smooth and seamless legal experience. Beyond her legal expertise, she is driven by a genuine desire to positively impact the lives of those she serves. Each case is approached with empathy, recognizing the importance of immigration in shaping futures, building opportunities, and unifying families. Her practice focuses on a wide range of immigration matters, including family-based visa petitions, adjustment of status, naturalization, removal defense, asylum, work authorization, fiancé visas, and other immigration-related issues. In addition to her client work, Attorney Vaughn is dedicated to community education. She regularly delivers presentations on immigration laws and policies to both the general public and immigrant communities, aiming to empower individuals with knowledge and access to resources.
What community and professional groups are you affiliated with?:
Member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Incorp Fayetteville Alumnae Chapter
Board Member of Feelz Inc.
North Carolina Immigration Law and Justice Center
What is one thing you wish people knew or understood better about your profession?:
Immigration law is incredibly complex, and a single misstep or uninformed decision can drastically alter the course of your life or the life of a family member. I wish more people understood the level of analysis and strategy required to successfully and timely obtain a green card, maintain status or work authorization. The immigration process is layered and challenging, and now more than ever, it’s essential to work with an experienced immigration attorney. I know some believe it’s easy to “get their papers in order” on their own, because a cousin or friend did it without legal help. But what we often see are people coming to us after things have gone wrong, asking us to fix avoidable mistakes. And truthfully, undoing errors is much harder, costlier, and more stressful than doing it right from the beginning with professional guidance. Think about it this way: you wouldn’t let your cousin perform surgery on you, you’d go to a licensed doctor. So why leave something as important as your future, freedom, and legal status to chance? Don’t live in fear. Work with someone who knows how to protect what matters most. This is why it’s so important to at least consult with a qualified immigration attorney before taking any action. What may seem like a small detail could have long-term consequences, and professional guidance can make all the difference.
What’s the best advice you’ve ever received and/or the worst advice you’ve ever followed?
Walk away from anything that doesn’t ignite your passion or contribute to your growth. You deserve to invest your energy in what truly serves you
What goal have you already achieved, and how did you make it happen?
I left my 9–5 and took a leap of faith to start my own law firm here in Fayetteville. The transition took a lot of thought, prayer, and preparation but with the unwavering support of my husband, I was able to make the jump. ZERO REGRETS
My husband is truly the brains behind the operational side of things. We spent a couple of months laying the foundation, developing systems, processes, and infrastructure. Once we had the operational pieces in place, we hit the ground running with marketing and outreach.
We showed up to every event with a table set up, offering free information and building relationships within the community. Once the clients started coming in, our work began to speak for itself.
If you weren’t in your current profession, what would you be?
I’d be a college professor. I love the classroom!
What are five things (not people or pets) you can’t live without?
What’s something you do outside of work to enrich yourself?
I love spending time with my Mommy Group. They truly rejuvenate my soul. Shout out to Lisa and Ashley for always bringing the good vibes and challenging me!
I also find so much peace just relaxing outside in my hammock, music turned up, while my daughter runs around and my husband tinkers with his truck. It’s the little moments like these that ground me the most. Lastly, I love to be active. Not only is it good for your body, but for your mental health as well
What’s a song that always makes you happy or that motivates you?
Anyone who knows me knows I don’t have a favorite song. It honestly changes with the season. But if I had to narrow it down, “Anchor” by Madison Ryann Ward would be at the top of the list.
I had that song on repeat right after my daughter was born. It helped lull her to sleep, and in many ways, it soothed me too. I was blessed with a peaceful postpartum journey, and this song takes me right back to that season of calm, gratitude, and new beginnings.
It reminds me of my daughter, my reason, my “why.”
This article originally appeared on The Fayetteville Observer: Fayetteville 40 Under 40 2025: Yvanne M. Vaughn of YMV Law