Ep. 53 - The Legacy of South Fulton Running Partners and the YMCA
Release Date: 12/04/2024
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(Y) Connect
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Ep. 56 - Empowering Boys and Young Men of Color: The Y and Morehouse College Partnership
(Y) Connect
Today, we’re diving into an incredible initiative that’s changing lives: the Y’s Boys and Young Men of Color strategy and the impact of the REACH program. Joining us are two extraordinary leaders making this work possible. Monteil Weeks, Group Vice President and Executive Director of the Andrew & Walter Young Family YMCA, and Michael Levesque, Executive Director of the Morehouse College National Alumni Association, have combined their expertise and passion to create the REACH program. This program connects young men of color at the Y with mentors from Morehouse College, providing...
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(Y) Connect
Today, we are thrilled to introduce you to one of the newest leaders in our organization, Veronica Squires, our Chief Philanthropy Officer. Veronica joined the Y in June, bringing her nearly two decades of experience in Atlanta’s nonprofit community. She has held leadership roles at esteemed organizations such as Posse Atlanta, The Good Samaritan Health Center, and Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Atlanta. Her extensive background, combined with her Executive MBA from Emory University’s Goizueta Business School, equips her to advance the Y’s mission significantly. As Chief Philanthropy...
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Ep. 53 - The Legacy of South Fulton Running Partners and the YMCA
(Y) Connect
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...
info_outlineToday 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:
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[3:42] Monte’ shares how he began his journey at the Y
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[6:21] Why Monte’ joined the South Fulton Running Partners and its legacy
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[11:05] How the Y has played a supporting role to the Partners and the community and the Y’s contribution to wellness
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[18:37] Why the Y is unique to community wellness
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[20:24] Advice to anyone interested in joining the Running Partners and what to expect
KEY TAKEAWAYS:
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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
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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
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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:
BIOGRAPHY:
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.