Ep. 61 - Planting Purpose: How the Y Cultivates Community
(Y) Connect
Today on Y Connect, we’re joined by two remarkable Y leaders growing more than vegetables—they’re cultivating connection, health, and purpose. Collette Cosby, Executive Director of the J.M. Tull-Gwinnett Family YMCA, is deeply committed to sustainability, food equity, and inclusive community service. Under her leadership, the Y’s Community Garden has blossomed into a powerful hub for education, access, and engagement. Joining her is Elease Murray, the Y’s Wellness Director, who motivates others through faith, fitness, and wellness. Elease has been instrumental in bringing the garden...
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ENCORE: Diving in with the Mermaids at the Y
(Y) Connect
Today, we're thrilled to talk with two remarkable women who have dubbed themselves the Mermaids. From morning swims to community events, the Mermaids demonstrate how engagement, community, and belonging shape lifelong health and wellness. Get ready to laugh, enjoy, and discover how this group of swimmers makes every splash count, proving that age is just a number when you’re young at heart. IN THIS EPISODE: (01:08) Introduction of guests and description of The Mermaids (03:22) Chris describes what the Mermaids are to her (05:17) Carolyn shares how she was introduced to the Mermaids...
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Ep. 60 - Omari Crawford: Leading the Charge for Youth Sports & the Y
(Y) Connect
On this episode of Y Connect, the hosts welcome Omari Crawford, State Representative for Georgia’s 89th House District and East Lake Family Y Board member, who shares his deep-rooted connection to the YMCA and his passion for running. Omari reflects on how his early experiences with Y athletic programs shaped his commitment to fitness and mental well-being, drawing parallels between marathon training and the discipline needed in sports and life. He also discusses how the legislature addresses mental health for athletes, the valuable lessons the Y instills in youth, and how he prepares for...
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Ep. 59 - Kendall Rae Johnson: Georgia’s Youngest Farmer
(Y) Connect
On this episode of Y Connect, the hosts are excited to welcome a young trailblazer in agriculture. At just nine years old, the youngest certified farmer, author and founder of Kendall Rae’s Green Heart, Kendall Rae, shares her inspiring journey. Alongside her mom Ursula, she discusses how her love for farming began, the variety of fruits and vegetables she grows in her front and back yards, and how her passion evolved into a business. She also breaks down hydroponics and shares the story behind her book, I’m Growing Places, which uses rhymes to teach the plant life cycle. This episode...
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Ep. 58 - Growing the Y’s Reach through Early Learning
(Y) Connect
The YMCA of Metro Atlanta's commitment to early learning, exemplified through its Head Start programs, significantly impacts children and families in the community. Dr. Andria McMichael, a dedicated leader within the organization, shares her excitement about the recent expansion of these programs, designed to provide children with the foundation they need to succeed. From inspiring personal stories, like a nonverbal child beginning to speak after just days in the program, to the call for volunteers and community partnerships, the YMCA is creating lasting community connections that nurture both...
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Ep. 57 - Sweet Auburn & the Y: Preservation & Community Impact
(Y) Connect
Y Connect is thrilled to welcome Gene Kansas—a cultural developer, historic preservationist, and now the author of the powerful new book, Civil Sights: Sweet Auburn, A Journey Through Atlanta’s National Treasure. After meeting Gene a few months ago, we quickly realized there’s a tremendous connection between the work he’s been doing through Constellations in the Sweet Auburn neighborhood, the vision of his book, and the YMCA’s mission to empower youth and build stronger communities. Civil Sights isn’t just a history of Sweet Auburn—it’s a call to action to preserve the places...
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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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Ep. 55 - The Hosts Reflect on Two Years of (Y) Connect
(Y) Connect
Welcome to a special episode of the (Y) Connect podcast as we celebrate two incredible years of storytelling, community impact, and meaningful conversations. In this episode, your hosts, Allison, Robert, and Zarinah, take a fun and heartfelt look back at the journey of (Y) Connect, sharing memorable moments, behind-the-scenes stories, and personal reflections. And speaking of memorable moments... you’re in for a treat! Robert showcases his incredible singing voice once again — a callback to the very first episode two years ago. Get ready for laughter, inspiration, and a walk down memory...
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Ep. 54 - Philanthropy in Action: Veronica Squires at the Y
(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, 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 Officer, Veronica is focused on growing philanthropic revenue to ensure more families can experience the life-changing opportunities the Y provides. Beyond her professional expertise, Veronica is also a published author, having written How Neighborhoods Make Us Sick: Restoring Health and Wellness in Our Communities, a compelling exploration of how we can work together to build healthier, more equitable neighborhoods.
IN THIS EPISODE:
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[3:25] Why Veronica accepted the position of Chief Philanthropy Officer
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[8:52] Why did Veronica have an interest in fundraising for the Y
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[9:32] What stands out about the Y’s mission in serving the community
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[12:01] How philanthropy is presented to donors
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[14:59] A discussion on Veronica’s book How Neighborhoods Make Us Sick: Restoring Health and Wellness in Our Communities
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[22:02] Tis the season for philanthropy towards the Y
KEY TAKEAWAYS:
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The Y's mission combines consistency across branches with unique customization to meet each community's needs, creating spaces where individuals of all ages can thrive
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The Y exemplifies how philanthropy and community go hand in hand by driving meaningful transformation at the neighborhood level. As highlighted in How Neighborhoods Make Us Sick, real change requires responsiveness to each community's unique needs, combined with a team's collective efforts. The Y's longstanding mission to strengthen communities demonstrates that community health, equity, and empowerment thrive through collaboration and the infrastructure of a dedicated organization, making it a powerful force for good
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Philanthropy plays a vital role in supporting the Y's mission to strengthen communities, and every contribution, regardless of size, has an impact. While the Y is a large organization, it relies on an army of faithful small donors whose collective generosity fuels its mission work. Even a modest gift can make a meaningful difference this holiday season, demonstrating that philanthropy is not just about large institutional giving but also about the power of individuals coming together to create change
RESOURCE LINKS:
How Neighborhoods Make Us Sick - Book
BIOGRAPHY:
Veronica Squires, an executive MBA from Emory's Goizueta Business School, joins the YMCA of Metro Atlanta as its Chief Philanthropy Officer. She has nearly 20 years of experience in Atlanta’s non-profit community, holding leadership positions at Posse Atlanta, The Good Samaritan Health Center, and Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Atlanta. In her new role, she will grow philanthropic revenue so that even more families can belong there.