Her distinctive delivery and unique on-camera style made this Brooklyn native a favorite among New Yorkers almost as soon as she hit the airwaves in February of 1990. After graduating from Hunter College in New York City with a B.A. degree in Economics, Yolanda spent several years working as an accountant. In 1986, she married New York State Trooper, Miguel A. Vega and today they live in the Albany area, where they make their home along with their daughters.

Yolanda Trivia

Beside her work as an accountant at a bagel company, one of Yolanda's other former jobs was as a clerk at a dry cleaning store.

Personal Interest Profile

Meal: Lobster, Crab, Clams & Shrimp
Vacation: Caribbean Islands
Movie: Imitation of Life, AVATAR
Sport: Baseball - Yankees!
Actor: Denzel Washington
Musician: Marc Anthony & Beyonce
TV Show: Two and a Half Men, Criminal Minds
Earliest Influence:Close-knit, loving family
Author: James Patterson
Greatest Achievement: Birth of her two daughters
Hobbies: Bowling, dancing, working out


Originally from the Buffalo area, Gretchen studied theatre, voice, and dance from an early age. In 2006 she graduated Magna Cum Laude from Niagara University with a BFA in Theatre Performance and a minor in Communications. She continued her education by traveling to Ireland and attending the University of Limerick. In 2007, she graduated, First Class Honors, with an MA in Ethnochorelogy; the study of cultural dance and movement. A world class Irish dancer, she continued to live in Ireland to develop and improve her understanding of Irish culture, music and dance. She is very happy to join the New York Lottery Draw Team and looks forward to traveling, as well as meeting and talking with many people.

Gretchen Trivia

Gretchen loves to collect and listen to world and folk music. She also loves learning songs in different languages.

Personal Interest Profile

Meal: chilled fruit soups, chicken breast, pork tenderloin, mashed potatoes, and rice
Vacation: Southern Caribbean
Movie: The Blue Lagoon
Sport: Formal Bocce
Actor: Meryl Streep, Dustin Hoffman, Natalie Portman, Johnny Depp
Musician: Foy Vance, Kila, Allison Krauss, Sarah McLaughlin
TV Show: Any discovery and exploration shows
Earliest Influence: My best friend growing up, Olivia
Author: Aurthur Golden and Clifford Geertz
Greatest Achievement: My Masters degree
Hobbies: Listening to music, traveling, singing, playing with kids, taking walks, camping.


Jina Myers grew up in Laurel, Maryland and moved to Upstate New York in 2008. She graduated from Towson University in Baltimore with a B.S. in Mass Communications and a minor in Studio Art. Before coming to the Lottery, Jina was the Promotional Coordinator for WBIG 100.3, a Classic Hits radio station in Washington, DC. In addition to radio promotions, Jina has over four years of professional promotional modeling experience and has represented such companies as Mitsubishi, The Game Show Network, and GolTV at tradeshows and special events. Jina is extremely excited to be one of the newest members of the New York Lottery Draw Team!

Jina Trivia

Jina auditioned to be a "Barkers Beauty" for the hit TV game show, The Price Is Right, in early 2006.

Personal Interest Profile

Meal: Pasta
Vacation: Hollywood
Movie: Singles
Sport: Skiing
Actor: Leonardo DiCaprio
Musician: Dave Matthews
TV Show: Friends
Earliest Influence: My parents and their strong work ethic
Author: Candace Bushnell
Greatest Achievement: Graduating from Towson University
Hobbies: Horseback riding, traveling, and shopping in NYC!