(Y) Connect Podcast

Esports–electronic sports– hits all three impact areas of the YMCA. That's right, organized competitive video gaming embodies the Y's pillars of Healthy Living, Youth Development and Social Responsibility. Hear all about it from Jill Moore, Group Vice President for the Y, and Kristel Tanzo, STEAM & Esports Coordinator. They join (Y) Connect today to talk about how a growing number of 8 to 12 year...

Today on the Pathways Segment of the Y Connect podcast, hear how Genesis LaVanway, an early learning educator and Quichecia Johnson, an engaged parent and advocate got connected to the Y. IN THIS EPISODE: Hear how Quichecia Johnson and Genesis LaVanway became aware and active in the YMCA   KEY TAKEAWAYS:  The stories told by employees and parents involved in the YMCA solidify the impact the Y has...

As the largest Early Learning provider in the state of Georgia, the Y is immensely proud of its teachers, parents and program. Today Genesis LaVanway, an early learning educator and Quichecia Johnson, an engaged parent and advocate share their inspiring story describing the power of early education. Hear how a loving, caring parent and a dedicated teacher positively impacted the life of a child la...

January is National Mentoring Month, and in today's Pathways to the (Y) episode we'll hear from Erika Swales, the Y's Reach & Rise Mentorship Program Director and Group Mentoring Director Kaday Kabba-Howard, as they both share their personal past experiences that lead them to the positions they now hold within the Y.   IN THIS EPISODE: Kaday and Erika share their personal past experiences that lea...

January is National Mentoring Month, and in today's (Y) Connect episode we'll hear from Erika Swales, the Y's Reach & Rise Mentorship Program Director and Group Mentoring Director Kaday Kabba-Howard. Learn about this dynamic mentoring program for children ages six to seventeen. Reach & Rise assists youth with self-esteem, communication, life skills, academic issues, and other challenges plaguing o...

Today's Y Connect Pathways bonus episode features Vivian Moore, a longtime community champion and health advocate, Dedra Ridges, the Program Director of East Lake Healthy Connections and Illy Askia, President & CEO of the East Lake Foundation. They each reveal their history with the YMCA and what initially drew them to become such champions of the Y.   IN THIS EPISODE: [00:00:45] Vivian Moore shar...

Today's spirited conversation is with panelists Illy Askia, President & CEO of the East Lake Foundation, Dedra Ridges, the Program Director of East Lake Healthy Connections, and Vivian Moore, a longtime community champion and health advocate. These three women talk about the transformative partnership between the East Lake Foundation and the East Lake Family YMCA and others to revitalize Atlanta's...

Today be inspired by the vision and direction of Lauren Koontz, President, and CEO of the YMCA of Metro Atlanta on the role the Y plays in the lives of so many. Passion for the programs and outreach of the YMCA is her motivation.  Today's conversation is enlightening as Lauren shares her connection with the Y   IN THIS EPISODE: [1:15] Lauren Koontz reveals her personal story of how she and her fam...

Today Dr. Illya Davis shares his vision and philosophies on connecting with others. Dr. Davis serves as the Dean of first-year students and Transition Programs and professor of philosophy at Morehouse College. The conversation today is uplifting and thought-provoking.  You will want to experience this episode of (Y) Connect.     IN THIS EPISODE: [1:40] Dr. Davis reveals his personal story connecte...

Tune in to see why there is excitement brewing amongst the hosts regarding the creation of this podcast as they share stories of how the Y has impacted their lives and the lives of its members. Don't miss this first edition of the Pathway to the (Y).     IN THIS EPISODE: [1:08] What brought Zarinah to the Y [3:39] Robert's path to the Y [8:07] Allison's connection to the Y [9:30] Roberts experienc...

Today be inspired by the vision and direction of Lauren Koontz, President, and CEO of the YMCA of Metro Atlanta on the role the Y plays in the lives of so many. Passion for the programs and outreach of the YMCA is her motivation.  Seeing the community thrive and reach its full potential is the outcome of the work being performed at the Y under her direction. Today's conversation is enlightening as...

Today Dr. Illya Davis shares his vision and philosophies on connecting with others.  He breaks down relational situations and discusses how to build up another human being through listening and discovering what a person needs. Dr. Davis serves as the Dean of first-year students and Transition Programs and professor of philosophy at Morehouse College. The conversation today is uplifting and thought...

In this inaugural episode of (Y)Connect, Robert Wright, Zarinah Winston, and Allison Toller, all staff members of the YMCA, introduce themselves and share why the YMCA of Metro Atlanta is launching a podcast. Together they talk about where the idea originated, their understanding of what it means to connect, as well as their hopes and aspirations for (Y)Connect. Tune in to see why there is excitem...

Welcome to The (Y) Connect Podcast.  As the heartbeat of the community, the Y is a connector where people of all ages and walks of life come together to elevate their health, wellness, education, and essential life skills. Join hosts Allison, Zarinah and Robert as they have authentic conversations with individuals sharing personal connections and stories of what connects them to the Y. For 164 yea...