(Y) Connect Podcast

At its heart, (Y) Connect has always been about connection.

Over the past four years, hosts Allison Toller, Robert Wright, and Zarinah Winston have had the privilege of sharing conversations with Y members, volunteers, staff, partners, and community leaders whose stories reflect the power of belonging, service, and community.

In this special episode, the three hosts come together one last time to reflect on the journey. They revisit favorite moments, discuss the conversations that have stayed with them, and share what they've learned about connection through the people and stories featured on the podcast.

They also discuss why this feels like the right time for an intentional pause. As Allison steps into an expanded leadership role and Zarinah reflects on a sense of completion and readiness to pass the baton to future storytellers, the team shares why they're taking time to consider what the next chapter of storytelling at the YMCA of Metro Atlanta might look like.

Most of all, this episode is a celebration of the guests who shared their stories, the listeners who joined the conversation, and the community that made (Y) Connect possible.

While we're pressing pause for now, this is not goodbye. We invite you to revisit past episodes over the summer and join us again this fall as we explore what's next for (Y) Connect and continue finding new ways to share the stories that bring our Y community together.

What You'll Learn in This Episode:

✅ How community storytelling inside a mission-driven organization like the YMCA can break down misconceptions and reveal the true depth of YMCA impact far beyond fitness and swimming programs.

✅ Why creating a storytelling platform rooted in authentic conversations builds real community belonging and inspires volunteer inspiration among staff and members alike.

✅ How leadership transitions and evolving roles within a nonprofit storytelling environment can prompt meaningful reflection on podcast legacy and the intentional decision to pause with purpose.

Join the (Y) Connect Podcast to discover inspiring stories of transformation and wellness. Tune in for practical tips and community-driven insights on fitness transformation. Subscribe now to elevate your fitness journey!

TIMESTAMPS:

00:00 A reflective farewell episode of (Y) Connect Podcast, marking a podcast pause after four years of community storytelling

02:10 The hosts share their most meaningful memories of participating in the podcast

07:13 Allison shares that the genesis for the podcast was, "I didn't know the YMCA did that."

09:36 Robert discusses the unforgettable YMCA Impact interview with the leader of the South African YMCA

10:56 Zarinah valued the stories, generating an emotional response

12:29 The team opens up about the leadership transition that prompted the podcast pause and what changed behind the scenes

19:43 The hosts reflect on how (Y) Connect provided a much-needed breath and renewed clarity about mission-driven work

27:30 The team looks ahead with hope, discussing the future of community storytelling and what the next chapter could hold in the fall

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

💎Community storytelling is a powerful tool for nonprofits. The (Y) Connect Podcast consistently demonstrated that sharing real human stories dispels myths about what the YMCA does and deepens public understanding of its impact across Metro Atlanta and beyond.

💎A podcast pause does not mean failure. It can reflect a season of completion, intentional leadership transition, and a commitment to protecting the integrity and quality of a storytelling platform built on trust and purpose.

💎Authentic conversations create ripple effects. Hosts Zarinah and Robert both credited the podcast with increasing their own volunteer inspiration, expanding their sense of personal growth, and reshaping how they saw their roles within the organization.

💎The YMCA serves as a third place for countless people, from members managing Parkinson's disease to mothers visiting five branches weekly to children in early learning. This episode honored those connections as the heart of everything (Y) Connect was created to celebrate.

RESOURCES MENTIONED:

Website: YMCA Metro Atlanta

Facebook: YMCA Metro Atlanta

LinkedIn: YMCA Metro Atlanta

(Y) Connect: Spotify

(Y) Connect: Apple Podcasts

Today, we're revisiting our conversation with someone who wears a couple of hats in her connection to the Y—Lindsey LeFaivre. Lindsey is not only a passionate Y member and mom who participates in programming for her young children at multiple Ys across the city, but she's also the Vice President of Customer Success with AchieveIT. This software company helps the YMCA track and measure the success of our strategic plan. In this episode, we'll explore how Lindsey's family benefits from the Y, what it's like to be part of a community serving people of all ages, and how her professional expertise is helping the Y evolve and expand its impact.

IN THIS EPISODE:

• 03:37 Lindsey talks about her journey to the Y and the convenience of experiencing the different Y's in Atlanta

• 12:06 Lindsey explains how her company integrates with the Y, enabling the Y to track its success

• 15:36 Lindsey describes the volunteer event AhieveIt hosted at the Y for older adults who have survived breast cancer, and she explains what she finds exciting about the Y

• 20:15 Different fitness programs are offered at various Y locations. Lindsey emphasizes the cost-benefit of joining the Y as opposed to a private fitness club, and she talks about the resource the Y is for underserved communities

• 25:12 Lindsey shares her vision for the evolving Y, capitalizing on toddlers

• 29:59 Lindsey's message to parents

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

• The Y is much more than just swimming—many people don't realize its wide range of activities and programs. In Atlanta, different Y locations provide various opportunities for kids throughout the school year, on weekends, and during summer camps. If you haven't explored your local Y yet, do yourself and your family a favor and check it out!

• A YMCA membership is both affordable and packed with value. Compared to private classes and gyms, the Y offers a wide range of activities at a fraction of the cost, making it accessible for all. Adults enjoy the Y as much as kids do—you can join in on activities or take a well-deserved break while your child participates.

• The Y provides a safe environment for children, giving parents peace of mind that their kids are well cared for. Plus, the Y hosts seasonal events like Trunk or Treat, Fall Festivals, and more for families to enjoy.

RESOURCE LINKS:

Facebook: YMCA Metro Atlanta

Linkedin: YMCA Metro Atlanta

Twitter: YMCA Metro Atlanta

Website: YMCA Metro Atlanta

AcheiveIt - Website

Lindsey LaFaivre - LinkedIn

BIOGRAPHY:

In addition to being an avid fan and member of the YMCA of Metro Atlanta, Lindsey LaFaivre is the Vice President of Customer Success for a software company called AchieveIt. She has been with AchieveIt for six years. She has over 10 years of experience in Customer Success – specifically working in SaaS platforms and has assisted hundreds of clients in tracking their most important initiatives and growing their business. Lindsey has been a resident of Atlanta since 2018 and, before that, lived in Phoenix, AZ, where she got her bachelor's degree from Arizona State University. She lives in Westview with her husband, their two young daughters, and a very large dog, appropriately named Cheesecake. In her free time, she enjoys thrift shopping, biking and spending time with friends and family. She's been a member of YMCA Atlanta since 2022.

Today, we're joined by Darrell Edquist, a member of the Community Engagement Board at the Isakson/Alpharetta Family YMCA, who has turned his retirement into something incredibly meaningful. Darrell set a personal goal to help 4,000 children—kids who might not otherwise have the opportunity—experience summer camp at the Y. And he didn't just set the goal—he got to work. As of last week, he's already raised enough support to send 74 kids to camp this summer.

It's a powerful reminder of what's possible when someone decides to use their time, their relationships, and their energy to make a difference.

What You'll Learn in This Episode:

✅ How retirement purpose and honest self-reflection can lead to transformational community impact through youth summer camp fundraising

✅ Why a simple, consistent direct mail fundraising strategy built around personal relationships can outperform digital outreach and drive real charitable giving

✅ How sending underprivileged children to YMCA summer camp plants seeds of friendship, hope, and dreams that can ripple across generations

✅ How volunteer leadership rooted in giving without expectation of personal benefit can inspire others to discover their own joy of helping others

Join the Y Connect Podcast to discover inspiring stories of transformation and wellness. Tune in for practical tips and community-driven insights on fitness transformation. Subscribe now to elevate your fitness journey!

TIMESTAMPS:

00:00 Darrell Edquist and his bold youth summer camp fundraising goal of sending 4,000 kids to camp

02:56 Darrell reflects on retirement purpose and discovering his greatest personal failure

08:52 What Darrell realized in attempting this goal to help others

14:03 The emotional story of a single mother and son that fuels Darrell's summer camp scholarship mission

19:05 The three-step direct mail fundraising strategy for reaching the goal of helping underprivileged children

24:39 How to donate and send a child to YMCA summer camp

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

💎 The fundraising strategy proves that direct mail built on trust and personal relationships still cuts through the noise when digital outreach falls short.

💎 A child can go to summer camp for $250 per week, and a special-needs summer camp experience, at just $350, provides additional counselor support and individualized attention that can profoundly shape a child's future.

💎 When individuals model community volunteerism and giving back without personal benefit, they inspire an entire network to discover meaning and purpose through charitable giving.

ABOUT THE GUEST:

Darrell Edquist is a member of the Community Engagement Board at the Isakson/Alpharetta Family YMCA and a passionate advocate for expanding access to YMCA summer camp for children who might not otherwise have the opportunity to attend. After a 45-year career in sales and business, including more than 35 years in leadership roles overseeing teams and managing $50–$150 million in annual revenue, Darrell has, in retirement, turned his focus toward community impact. He's set an ambitious personal goal: to help 4,000 under-resourced children attend YMCA summer camp.

What started as a personal commitment has quickly become a growing movement. As of April 3rd, Darrell has already raised enough support to send 74 children to camp—opening the door for life-changing experiences, connection, and belonging.

Darrell Edquist - Email

RESOURCES MENTIONED:

Website: YMCA Metro Atlanta

Facebook: YMCA Metro Atlanta

LinkedIn: YMCA Metro Atlanta

Today on (Y) Connect, we're honored to welcome Dr. Lori Duckett—physician, advocate, and proud member of the Andrew & Walter Young Family YMCA. Dr. Duckett is a passionate supporter of inclusive sports and has been instrumental in introducing Special Olympics programming to the Y. Her leadership is helping to ensure that athletes of all abilities feel seen, supported, and celebrated.

In today's episode, we'll hear how Dr. Duckett's medical background, personal experiences, and unwavering belief in equity have shaped her journey—and how the Y community is growing stronger and more inclusive because of it.

IN THIS EPISODE:

• 00:00 Intro: Meet Dr. Lori Duckett
• 02:35 Dr. Duckett's Y origin story
• 05:45 Special Olympics enhances accessibility and engagement and promotes equity and access to sports
• 09:28 Sports can combat obesity, support health, wellness, and socialization for athletes with special needs
• 11:41 Reflection on Special Olympics fostering community growth,
• 17:45 Dr. Duckett explains what inclusion means to her
• 20:42 Georgia Tech provides Resources and Education for Athletes with Down Syndrome

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

• The advocacy for Special Olympics at the Andrew and Walter Young YMCA creates a supportive community where athletes of all abilities feel valued and included, enhancing engagement and socialization.

• Collaborations with organizations like Georgia Tech and Kaiser improve accessibility to sports and education, offering resources and opportunities for athletes with Down Syndrome and their families.

• Integrating Special Olympics into YMCA programs promotes health, wellness, and equity, empowering athletes and encouraging volunteer involvement for a more inclusive community.

RESOURCE LINKS:

Facebook: YMCA Metro Atlanta

LinkedIn: YMCA Metro Atlanta

Twitter: YMCA Metro Atlanta

Website: YMCA Metro Atlanta

Dr. Lori Duckett - LinkedIn

BIOGRAPHY:

Lori Duckett is a dedicated pediatrician with Kaiser Permanente and a lifelong advocate for children with Down syndrome and pediatric obesity. Inspired by her journey as both a mother and sister to loved ones with Down syndrome, she brings a deep sense of empathy and commitment to her work.

With 12 years of clinical experience, she blends medical expertise with heartfelt advocacy to support children with developmental differences and those facing weight-related health challenges. Her work centers on inclusive, evidence-based care that empowers families and addresses the unique needs of underserved communities.

Dr. Duckett has a long-standing history of volunteering with the Special Olympics and is a passionate supporter of efforts that promote inclusion, empowerment, and health equity. She is actively involved in outreach, education, and collaboration with local and national Down syndrome organizations.

Currently, she is developing virtual pediatric obesity counseling programs and is available for presentations, podcasts, and conference panels focused on Down syndrome, childhood obesity, and equitable care models in pediatrics.

Today, we're joined by Trinity Smith, a high school senior and member of the East Lake Family YMCA who is already making an incredible impact in her community. Through her nonprofit Roots In Her Health, Trinity leads weekly wellness sessions for middle school girls at the Y, creating a space where they can slow down, talk openly, learn about their health and well-being, and build confidence in who they are.

Her work was inspired by her own experience growing up with a chronic illness and learning how important it is for young people to understand their bodies and advocate for themselves—especially when their experiences aren't always fully understood or supported.

Recently, Trinity shared a mission moment at one of our YMCA board meetings, and our board members were truly moved by her insight, compassion, and the leadership she's already showing at such a young age. CBS Atlanta also recently highlighted the incredible work she's doing at just 18. Her story is a reminder of what's possible when young people are supported, encouraged, and trusted to lead.

What You'll Learn in This Episode:

✅ How teen girls' health and wellness programming at the YMCA creates safe spaces where middle school girls can build confidence-building skills and openly discuss what they are experiencing in their lives.

✅ How one young nonprofit founder turned her personal journey with chronic illness advocacy and chronic migraine awareness into a thriving youth nonprofit that is making a measurable community impact.

✅ How youth health education rooted in holistic wellness helps girls of color's health by addressing stress, self-care, journaling, and peer connection in ways that feel engaging rather than academic.

✅ Why health equity for Black girls' health matters in medicine and research, and how young leaders are stepping up to close those gaps before they ever enter a classroom or clinic.

Join the Y Connect Podcast to discover inspiring stories of transformation and wellness. Tune in for practical tips and community-driven insights on fitness transformation. Subscribe now to elevate your fitness journey!

TIMESTAMPS:

• 00:00 Meet Trinity Smith, teen girls' wellness leader and nonprofit founder
• 03:53 Trinity shares how she connected to the YMCA as a youth programming employee before launching Roots In Her Health
• 05:55 Trinity reveals her diagnosis and how chronic illness advocacy shaped her mission
• 08:35 How the lack of school support sparked Trinity's drive for girls' empowerment and self-care for teens
• 17:40 A look inside the weekly wellness sessions Trinity leads for girls of color health at the East Lake YMCA
• 22:50 Trinity's college goals focus on pediatric health, Black girls' health, and closing gaps in health equity research
• 26:43 A memorable conversation with a participant reveals the ripple effect of youth health education and planting seeds of leadership
• 34:28 Trinity reflects on what holistic wellness and community impact through the Y has meant for Roots In Her Health's growth

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

💎 Teen girls' health and wellness is not only physical. Trinity reminds us that stress, peer pressure, and identity all affect a young girl's overall well-being, making holistic wellness programming essential in community spaces like the YMCA.

💎 Chronic illness advocacy starts with being believed. Trinity had to fight to have her chronic migraine awareness taken seriously in school, and that experience became the foundation for everything she built through her youth nonprofit.

💎 Girls of color's health is a systemic issue. Trinity plans to pursue clinical research focused on health equity for Black women and young girls because representation in medicine is not optional. It is necessary.

💎 Leadership in youth programming does not require having all the answers. Trinity models that show up consistently, listening well, and equipping middle school girls with tools are how real change takes root.

ABOUT THE GUEST:

Trinity Smith is a high school senior, scholar, and advocate who is passionate about helping young girls understand their health and wellness. Growing up with a chronic illness made school really challenging at times and taught me how important it is to advocate for yourself—experiences that inspired me to start Roots In Her Health, Inc. Trinity is really interested in women's health and equity, and she hopes to become a pediatrician one day so she can help kids and families navigate health challenges. Her family has always been her biggest support, and they've shaped so much of who she is today.

When Trinity isn't leading wellness sessions at the YMCA, she focuses on the things that help her feel grounded and whole—painting, cooking, traveling, or just trying something new that challenges me. She enjoys being creative in all kinds of ways and paying attention to what makes her feel balanced and alive. Those moments are what really recharge Trinity and keep her inspired.

Roots In Her Health - Website

Roots In Her Health - Instagram

RESOURCES MENTIONED:

Website: YMCA Metro Atlanta

Facebook: YMCA Metro Atlanta

LinkedIn: YMCA Metro Atlanta

Every now and then, we get to share a story that just makes you smile from the very beginning. And this is one of those. Back in the summer of 1989, at YMCA Camp High Harbour, two teenagers met on the shores of Lake Burton. Think mix tapes, handwritten notes in camp mailboxes, long days on the dock, and campfire songs under the North Georgia sky. They spent that summer leading, laughing, and becoming friends in the way only camp can create. Then life took over. They went their separate ways. College. Careers. Marriage. Children. Health challenges: big milestones and hard seasons. Nearly thirty years passed. And then… a dating app. In this episode, Molly and Baxter share how a YMCA summer camp connection turned into a second chance at love years later. What they discovered when they reconnected was that the trust and friendship they built as teenagers at the Y had never really disappeared.

What You'll Learn in This Episode:

✅ How summer camp friendships forged through YMCA Camp High Harbor in the late 1980s can quietly lay the groundwork for a second chance at connection decades later, proving that genuine community connection never truly fades.

✅ How one woman's courageous IVF journey and decision to become a single mother by choice reflect the kind of intentional parenting, faith and relationships that can redefine what family looks like on your own terms.

✅ How a cancer survivor, walking through leukemia twice, discovered that life's hardest seasons can sharpen your priorities and open unexpected doors to a second marriage and deep, lasting connection.

✅ How a dating app reconnection through Bumble brought two people with rich, complicated histories together, showing that long-lost love and blended family life can flourish beautifully when the timing is finally right.

Join the Y Connect Podcast to discover inspiring stories of transformation and wellness. Tune in for practical tips and community-driven insights on fitness transformation. Subscribe now to elevate your fitness journey!

TIMESTAMPS:

• 00:00 The origin story of YMCA Camp High Harbor and how two teens met on the shores of Lake Burton in 1989
• 03:23 Molly describes her experience as a camp counselor and summer camp friendship during her summers at Camp High Harbor
• 04:40 Baxter reflects on his summers at camp, the mentorship that shaped his path toward faith and relationships
• 09:01 Molly shares her journey through teaching, dating, and her bold decision to pursue an IVF journey as a single mother by choice
• 13:42 Baxter opens up about surviving leukemia twice as a cancer survivor and how illness reshaped his outlook on family and love
• 16:12 Molly discusses going through her life with two children before her marriage to Baxter
• 20:20 The magic moment: a Bumble dating app swipe leads to a dating app reconnection that reignites their long-lost love
• 28:35 Molly and Baxter describe the intentional steps taken to build a thriving blended family rooted in intentional parenting and faith
• 33:20 Reflections on Camp High Harbor

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

💎 The second-chance love story of Molly and Baxter Crane proves that childhood friendships built inside a community connection like the YMCA carry a quiet, lasting power that no amount of time can erase.

💎 Baxter's experience as a two-time leukemia survivor and cancer survivor reshaped his understanding of what truly matters, ultimately clearing the path toward a stronger, more intentional second marriage.

💎 Molly's journey as a single mother by choice, achieved through a successful IVF, is a powerful reminder that faith and relationships can carry you forward even when the traditional path closes.

💎 Blending four children into one family required deliberate choices rooted in love. Baxter's decision never to use the word "stepchild" reflects the heart of intentional parenting and the beauty of a united blended family.

ABOUT THE GUESTS:

Molly was born and raised in Atlanta, Georgia. She attended Marist School before continuing her education at the University of Georgia, where she studied Elementary Education. She completed her undergraduate degree at Brenau University and began her teaching career in 1996. Molly spent 10 years teaching third grade at Mount Vernon School in Atlanta before transitioning into school administration. Over 27 years at Mount Vernon, she served in a variety of leadership roles, concluding her tenure as Director of Community Events. In May 2025, Molly accepted the role of Administrative Director at Camp Greystone in Zirconia, North Carolina. She first fell in love with the camp when her daughters attended as campers, and it quickly became a place close to her heart. In August 2025, she and her family relocated to Greenville, South Carolina, to begin this exciting new chapter.

Baxter is a fifth-generation native of Athens, Georgia, where he was born and raised. He attended Clarke Central High School before enrolling at the University of Georgia and later completing his business degree at Western Colorado University in Gunnison, Colorado. A two-time cancer survivor, Baxter courageously battled and overcame Hairy Cell Leukemia twice — an experience that deeply shaped his perspective and resilience. Professionally, Baxter works in sales for LATICRETE International, a global, family-owned manufacturer of high-performance construction solutions specializing in tile and stone installation, masonry, and floor coatings. Molly and Baxter reconnected in 2017, began dating soon after, and were married in June 2018. In blending their families, they each gained wonderful bonus children. Molly welcomed Baxter's two children from his first marriage — Abby (23) and Ford (21) — and Baxter embraced Molly's daughters, Macy Jane (12) and Millie (10). Together, they are grateful for the joy and fullness of their blended family.

RESOURCES MENTIONED:

Website: YMCA Metro Atlanta

Facebook: YMCA Metro Atlanta

LinkedIn: YMCA Metro Atlanta

YMCA Camp High Harbor

Today we're talking about something that sits at the heart of our new Strategic Plan's PEOPLE goal: building community within the YMCA. We're joined by three leaders who live this work every day: Timika Tucker from the Robert D. Fowler Y, Keeley Chester from the Forsyth County Family Y, and Shirene Sethi from the Carl E. Sanders at Buckhead Family Y.

Each of them leads the membership experience at their YMCA. They're the people thinking deeply about what it feels like when someone walks through our doors for the first time, when a member is struggling, when a family is trying to find connection. They're shaping culture in real time.

Today, we'll explore what welcoming really means, what they're learning from the people they serve, and how their work is strengthening belonging across our association.

What You'll Learn in This Episode:

✅ How small, intentional moments of community building drive powerful member engagement and long-term member retention strategies inside YMCA branches.

✅ Why first impressions in fitness matter deeply and how the first five minutes of a visit shape a member's entire sense of belonging at the Y.

✅ How frontline staff training and a service-first leadership mindset directly strengthen welcoming culture and create safer, more connected spaces for every member.

✅ How group exercises community programs like Parkinson's fitness classes transform not just individual health outcomes but entire family wellness journeys.

Join the Y Connect Podcast to discover inspiring stories of transformation and wellness. Tune in for practical tips and community-driven insights on fitness transformation. Subscribe now to elevate your fitness journey!

TIMESTAMPS:

00:00 Hear how community building shapes every branch visit and a conversation about the YMCA strategic plan people goal

03:47 Timika shares her personal journey and how belonging at the Y became her professional calling

05:33 Shirene describes how a fitness community culture and a running club transformed her from a member to a leader

07:12 Keely explains how the words welcoming and belonging guided her into the YMCA membership experience and leadership

09:30 Keely unpacks what community building looks like on a Tuesday afternoon through small, intentional member engagement moments

11:14 How powerful first impressions are made

16:24 All three directors share real member stories revealing the true meaning of safe spaces for families and wellness coaching

23:49 Leaders discuss staff empowerment, team camaraderie, and building a culture where every team member feels they belong

30:10 The leaders share what they would want a listener to know about why the Y is specia

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

💎 Body language in customer service is not a soft skill. It is a strategic tool. Your eyes, posture, and tone directly communicate whether someone feels seen, valued, and welcomed the moment they walk through the door.

💎 A genuine welcoming culture is never the responsibility of one singular department. From wellness coaching to the play center, every team member at every touchpoint either strengthens or weakens a member's sense of belonging at the Y.

💎 Active older adults and individuals managing serious health diagnoses are among the most powerful examples of why inclusive, program-driven group exercise community spaces matter beyond fitness.

💎 Team camaraderie built through creative internal engagement, like Thrilling Thursdays, directly fuels the energy staff brings to members, proving that a thriving team culture and strong member retention strategies are deeply connected.

ABOUT THE GUESTS:

Shirene moved to Atlanta from New Delhi, India. She brings over 18 years of experience as a Team Leader, Communication Skills Trainer, and Event Organizer. Outside of work, she enjoys running, singing, and acting. Shirene Sethi began her YMCA journey as a Wellness Coach at the Buckhead YMCA. Her love for group exercise and passion for organizing programs and events led her to the Group Exercise Coordinator role. Last year, she was promoted to Member Experience Director, where she continues to do what she loves most — creating meaningful experiences, planning community events, and working closely with members to strengthen connection and belonging at the Y.

Timika Tucker is a proud veteran and the Membership Experience Director at the Robert D. Fowler YMCA in Peachtree Corners, GA. Her professional journey and personal life are both grounded in kindness, compassion, and a deep commitment to making others feel welcomed and supported.

At the Fowler YMCA, Timika leads with intention—cultivating a culture of exceptional customer service and meaningful member engagement. Her natural ability to connect with people and her dedication to fostering belonging make her leadership not just effective, but truly impactful. Timika's service‑driven approach reflects who she is at her core and continues to inspire her team and community every day.

Keeley Chester serves as the Membership Experience Director at the Forsyth County Family YMCA, beginning his role in March 2025. Driven by a passion for people and community, Keeley is committed to creating an environment where every individual and family feels seen, valued, and welcomed from the moment they walk through the Y's doors. A 2017 graduate of Emmanuel College with a Bachelor's degree in Health and Physical Education, Keeley's journey has been rooted in leadership and service. After competing in collegiate basketball at the University of North

Georgia, he transitioned into coaching at Emmanuel College and Brenau University, where he developed not only athletes but young leaders. His experience also includes teaching physical education from preschool through 12th grade and serving in director of operations roles, giving him a unique ability to blend strategic leadership with a heart for mentorship. At the YMCA, Keeley's focus is on fostering belonging, strengthening relationships, and building a community where youth development and member engagement thrive. With an educator's heart and a coach's mindset, he strives to inspire growth, connection, and lifelong impact throughout Forsyth County.

RESOURCES MENTIONED:

Website: YMCA Metro Atlanta

Facebook: YMCA Metro Atlanta

LinkedIn: YMCA Metro Atlanta

Diving in With the Mermaids at the Y

This February, as we recognize Black History Month and its 100th anniversary, we're honored to be joined by brothers Andrew Young and Walter Young, namesakes of the Andrew & Walter Young Family YMCA.

Ambassador Andrew Young's life of service spans the civil rights movement, Congress, the United Nations, and the Mayor's Office here in Atlanta. Throughout it all, his leadership has been grounded in dignity, justice, and a deep belief in the power of people and community.

Dr. Walter Young has led with that same spirit through healthcare, education, and civic life, showing what sustained, community-rooted service looks like over time. In this conversation, we reflect on the meaning of Black History Month, the lessons of the civil rights movement, and how places like the YMCA help carry those values forward today.

What You'll Learn in This Episode:

✅ How Ambassador Andrew Young and Dr. Walter Young credit the YMCA Atlanta as a foundational space for developing community leadership and civic engagement from childhood through adulthood.

✅ How Black History Education was not a once-a-year observance for the Young brothers but a living legacy woven into church, school, and youth development programs 365 days a year.

✅ How the lessons of the Civil Rights Movement taught everyday people that service and leadership are inseparable, and why those values remain urgent during Black History Month's 100th Anniversary.

✅ How early access to swimming and youth programs through the YMCA and historically Black colleges shaped generations of leaders who went on to transform Atlanta history and beyond.

Join the Y Connect Podcast to discover inspiring stories of transformation and wellness. Tune in for practical tips and community-driven insights on fitness transformation. Subscribe now to elevate your fitness journey!

TIMESTAMPS:

00:00 Introduction: Meet Ambassador Andrew Young and Dr. Walter Young for a Black History Month conversation on Civil Rights Legacy

02:03 Andrew Young shares how the story of the Amistad and Historically Black Colleges shaped his understanding of Black History Education

07:12 Walter Young reflects on growing up in New Orleans, where Black History Education and community leadership were part of everyday life

11:21 Ambassador Andrew Young discusses what connects every chapter of his life, including Congress, the United Nations, and YMCA Atlanta

12:47 The Young brothers share early YMCA youth development memories, including forming their own junior club and the role of civic engagement in their upbringing

17:14 Andrew Young explains how growing up in a mixed New Orleans neighborhood taught him the strategy of using his mind over his fists, shaping his work in the Civil Rights Movement

25:28 Dr. Walter Young describes launching a mobile dental healthcare access program serving rural communities during the height of segregation and education inequality

31:53 Andrew Young recalls using swimming and youth programs and lifesaving skills learned at YMCA Atlanta

36:07 Both brothers reflect on Atlanta history, Black History Month's 100th Anniversary and why community leadership is still calling us forward

42:40 Closing reflections from Ambassador Andrew Young and Dr. Walter Young on working with all people and the enduring living legacy of the YMCA Atlanta

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

💎 The YMCA Atlanta was not simply a recreation center for the Young family. It was the original after-school program, a training ground for civic engagement, and a place where boys from all backgrounds learned to lead with dignity and purpose.

💎 Ambassador Andrew Young's father instilled a philosophy of "don't get mad, get smart," a mindset rooted in discipline and strategy that carried directly into his work alongside Dr. King during the Civil Rights Movement.

💎 The Black History Month 100th Anniversary is a moment to honor progress while acknowledging what remains unfinished. Atlanta's history proves that when communities invest in education and infrastructure, transformation follows.

💎 Dr. Walter Young's career in dental healthcare access and mobile health services throughout rural Louisiana was a direct extension of the service and leadership values both brothers absorbed through family, faith, and the YMCA.

ABOUT THE GUESTS:

Ambassador Andrew Young is a civil rights leader, diplomat, and public servant whose life of service spans more than six decades. He worked closely with Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. as a key strategist and negotiator during the civil rights movement and played a role in advancing the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Voting Rights Act of 1965. Young went on to become the first Black congressman from Georgia since Reconstruction, later serving as U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations under President Jimmy Carter, where he helped shape the nation's first Africa policy centered on human rights. From 1982 to 1990, he served two terms as Mayor of Atlanta, leading the city's transformation into a global hub for business, diplomacy, and international investment and helping bring the 1996 Olympic Games to Atlanta. In addition to his public service, Young co-founded Good Works International and later the Andrew J. Young Foundation, focused on advancing education, health, leadership, and human rights in the U.S., Africa, and the Caribbean. He has received numerous honors, including the Presidential Medal of Freedom, and continues to be a leading voice on justice, diplomacy, and community leadership.

Dr. Walter Young is a dentist, civil rights activist, and community leader whose work has focused on expanding access to healthcare, education, and opportunity at the local level. Born in New Orleans, he trained as a dentist at Howard University, later served in the U.S. Navy, established a long-running dental practice and taught at Dillard University.

During the civil rights era, Dr. Young was actively involved in supporting desegregation efforts and lunch-counter sit-ins in New Orleans, and later worked alongside his brother, Ambassador Andrew Young, to advance equity and access in Atlanta. After moving to Atlanta in the late 1970s, he became deeply engaged in civic initiatives, including efforts to improve dental health and preventative care through schools, churches, and community organizations. Dr. Young has served on numerous civic and advisory boards and remains a strong advocate for community-based leadership. In 2004, Atlanta's Southwest YMCA was named the Andrew & Walter Young Family YMCA in recognition of the brothers' shared legacy and enduring impact on the city.

RESOURCES MENTIONED:

Website: YMCA Metro Atlanta

Facebook: YMCA Metro Atlanta

LinkedIn: YMCA Metro Atlanta

When we launched Y Connect in November 2022, one of our very first guests was our President and CEO, Lauren Koontz. At the time, we were just beginning this storytelling journey, and the Y was navigating a world still finding its footing after the pandemic.

Fast forward to today. Lauren has now served as President and CEO of the YMCA of Metro Atlanta for more than six years, leading the organization through moments of challenge, growth, and transformation. This month, the Y officially launches its new three-year strategic plan, a plan shaped by deep listening, data, and a clear belief in the Y's role as a catalyst for community wellbeing and belonging.

We're thrilled to welcome Lauren back to Y Connect to reflect on her leadership journey, share her theme for the year ahead, and walk us through the vision, priorities, and heart behind the Y's 2026–2028 Strategic Plan.

What You'll Learn in This Episode:

✅ How empathetic leadership reshaped the YMCA of Metro Atlanta after the pandemic

✅ Why belonging and connection are central to the Y's 2026–2028 Strategic Plan

✅ How the YMCA supports economic mobility and social capital across communities

✅ What it means for the Y to act as a catalyst for personal and community wellbeing

Join the Y Connect Podcast to discover inspiring stories of transformation and wellness. Tune in for practical tips and community-driven insights on fitness transformation. Subscribe now to elevate your fitness journey!

TIMESTAMPS:

00:00 Welcome to Y Connect: Welcoming CEO Lauren Koontz Back

04:10 Six Years of Leadership Through Crisis, Growth, and Change

07:36 Why YMCA Team Members Are the Y's Primary Stakeholders

09:44 Leadership, Humility, and Making Space for Every Voice

13:40 Word of the Year How "Catalyst" Defines the Y's Next Chapter

16:24 What Deep Listening Revealed About Community Needs

22:38 How the YMCA Breaks Down Socioeconomic Barriers

25:57 Why Belonging Must Be Intentionally Designed

28:00 Strategic Pillars Explained People, Programs, and Places

30:32 Expanding Impact Through Community Partnerships

34:23 Loneliness, Mental Health, and the Youth Suicide Crisis

40:21 National YMCA Leadership and Collaboration

42:41 What Success Looks Like for the YMCA by 2028

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

💎The YMCA's greatest impact starts with investing in its people—staff, members, and communities

💎True belonging doesn't happen by accident; it requires intentional design and leadership

💎Cross-socioeconomic relationships are a powerful driver of economic mobility

💎The Y's future lies in being more than a place — it's a connector, convener, and catalyst

ABOUT THE GUEST:

Lauren Koontz serves as President and Chief Executive Officer of the YMCA of Metro Atlanta, where she leads the organization's mission to ensure all people—especially children—have equitable opportunities to reach their full potential. With a career rooted in educational and health-focused nonprofit development, Lauren is deeply committed to positioning the Y as a thought leader and best-in-class provider of education, wellness, and youth development programs that strengthen communities across Metro Atlanta. Notably, she is the first woman to serve as President and CEO in the YMCA of Metro Atlanta's more than 160-year history.

In her role, Lauren oversees the overall success of a complex, multi-site organization that includes 20 membership and program branches, 18 early learning centers, more than 40 partnership sites, two summer resident camps, and the YMCA Leadership & Learning Center, along with the staff and volunteers who bring these programs to life. She joined the YMCA of Metro Atlanta in 2012 as Chief Development Officer, was promoted to Executive Vice President in 2016, and later assumed the role of President and CEO.

Prior to the Y, Lauren held leadership positions at Coxe Curry & Associates, Emory University School of Medicine, Mount Vernon School, and the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, where she was appointed to the organization's National Strategic Steering Committee at a young age. An active civic leader, Lauren serves on multiple boards and advisory councils and is widely recognized for her leadership, including honors from the Atlanta Business Chronicle and Atlanta Magazine. She frequently speaks on nonprofit leadership, strategy, and community impact.

RESOURCES MENTIONED:

Website: YMCA Metro Atlanta

Facebook: YMCA Metro Atlanta

LinkedIn: YMCA Metro Atlanta

Today on (Y) Connect, we're thrilled to highlight the story of a community rooted in strength, endurance, and an unwavering commitment to health and wellness. Joining us is Monte Fowler, a veteran member of the South Fulton Running Partners—the nation's oldest Black recreation running group. For decades, this remarkable group has shared a deep connection with the Andrew & Walter Young Family YMCA, fostering a space where individuals unite to run and uplift one another. Monte brings a unique perspective as someone who grew up at the Y served on the YMCA board, and has dedicated years to this running community.

IN THIS EPISODE:

03:42 Monte' shares how he began his journey at the Y

06:21 Why Monte' joined the South Fulton Running Partners and its legacy

11:05 How the Y has played a supporting role to the Partners and the community and the Y's contribution to wellness

18:37 Why the Y is unique to community wellness

20:24 Advice to anyone interested in joining the Running Partners and what to expect

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

• Running offers more than physical fitness—it fosters lifelong health, builds discipline, and creates a supportive community. By embracing running, individuals can defy age-related health declines, find mentorship, and discover the "fountain of youth" through sweat, commitment, and connection

• The South Fulton Running Partners is a community of role models who embody service, mentorship, and giving back. Leaders like Bob Holmes and William and Lou Stanley showcase the impact of discipline and community, offering life-changing mentorship and inspiring purpose and integrity

• The YMCA in Atlanta is more than a gym—it's a pillar of holistic community building, nurturing physical, emotional, spiritual, and mental well-being. The running partners have exemplified this ethos for over four decades, forming a family bound by shared values. The Y teaches fitness, fosters lifelong relationships, and supports members through every stage of life. It's a place to grow, thrive, and find a true community

RESOURCE LINKS:

Facebook: YMCA Metro Atlanta

Linkedin: YMCA Metro Atlanta

Twitter: YMCA Metro Atlanta

Website: YMCA Metro Atlanta

BIOGRAPHY: Monte' Fowler

Monte' Fowler is a long-standing Y and South Fulton Running Partners member and a seasoned professional with 23+ years in product management, technology, and consulting. As a Product Manager at Cox Communications, he oversees a $300M+ product portfolio and has launched innovative tools, earning the 2021 Synergy Award and multiple PIL awards.

Dedicated to community service, Monte' has served on boards for Cascade Elementary, Beecher Hills Elementary, the Center for Working Families, and the YMCA. He has also directed the Sickle Cell Foundation of Georgia's largest fundraiser.

Monte' holds an Executive MBA from Georgia Tech, a B.S. in Industrial and Systems Engineering, and certifications in AI and Lean Six Sigma. His expertise in technology and passion for service make him an outstanding podcast guest.