Fan Favorite: Facing Forsyth County's Past & Honoring Its Descendants
(Y) Connect
In this Fan Favorite Episode, we delve into a story of resilience, reconciliation, and community spirit. Forsyth County, with its complex history, is making strides towards healing and inclusivity. Joining us on (Y) Connect is Durwood Sneed, an organizer of the Forsyth Descendants Scholarship, a pivotal initiative aimed at honoring and supporting the descendants of those who were unjustly expelled from the county, a racial cleansing campaign that took place in 1912 forcing Black residents out of the county. Additionally, we are joined by Joshua Byrd, a descendant who bravely returned to...
info_outline
Tribute to AmeriCorps at the Y
(Y) Connect
Welcome to Y Connect, where we spotlight the people and programs shaping impact across the YMCA of Metro Atlanta. In this episode, we’re honored to feature two leaders whose journeys through AmeriCorps have left a lasting imprint on our communities. Stacia Herbert, AmeriCorps Health and Wellness Advocate at the South DeKalb YMCA, has led transformative initiatives—from launching a community garden and food pantry to hosting nutrition workshops and building partnerships that support young mothers. Her work has been so impactful that the YMCA of the USA plans to feature her story nationally....
info_outline
Dr. Lori Duckett on Inclusion & Impact at the Y
(Y) Connect
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...
info_outline
Ep. 68 Feedback Fuels the Y’s Summer Camp Experience
(Y) Connect
At the Y, summer is our Super Bowl—a season of high energy, big moments, and unforgettable memories for thousands of kids in our summer day camps. Today, we’re joined by two incredible youth development leaders: Ashley Baker from the Tull-Gwinnett Family YMCA and Aminata Lawton-Edwards from the Decatur Family YMCA. They’re not only shaping amazing camp experiences—they’re also listening closely to what families are telling us through surveys and using that feedback to make camp even better. We’ll talk about what makes Y day camp special, what we’re learning from families, and how...
info_outline
Ep. 67 Fan Favorite: A 7-Year-Old and His Y Heroes
(Y) Connect
In this fan favorite episode of the Y Connect podcast, you’ll meet Oliver and his mom, Juliet. Oliver is a remarkable seven-year-old young man and Y member with a heart as big as the state of Georgia. We invite you to hear his story of extraordinary gratitude. It’s a story that will inspire you and remind you what it means to be a superhero. IN THIS EPISODE: (02:16) Oliver shares his Y story and talks about what inspired him to give gifts to the Y staff (05:01) Juliet tells how she reacted when Oliver made his request (07:20) Oliver is overwhelmed by how the staff at the Y...
info_outline
Ep. 66 Drowning is Preventable: The Y’s Call to Action
(Y) Connect
Please note that this episode contains mentions of fatal drownings. Listen with care. Today, we’re diving into one of the most vital—and lifesaving—initiatives at the Y: water safety. Drowning is the leading cause of unintentional injury death for children, and the Y is on a mission to change that. Joining us today are three passionate changemakers who are helping the Y turn the tide on drowning prevention: Megan Benvenuto, Group Vice President and Executive Director of the Northwest Cobb Family YMCA who oversees the YMCA’s association-wide aquatics program; Shannon Atty,...
info_outline
Ep. 65 - Fan Favorite: A Multi-Generational Dive into Swim Lessons
(Y) Connect
We’re back with a fan favorite episode of the Y Connect Podcast! For more than a century, the Y has taught children and adults how to swim. And while the Y is the largest provider of swim lessons in the country, there are countless people who never learn this critical skill. Highlighting the importance of it’s never too late to learn, we have the special privilege of introducing you to an entire family that recently took the swim lesson plunge together. IN THIS EPISODE: (03:36) Jax shares how the multi-generational family swim lesson came together (05:01) Ayanna explains how she and her...
info_outline
Ep. 64 - From Soccer Fields to Storytelling - Meet the Y’s CMO
(Y) Connect
Today on (Y) Connect, we’re sitting down with someone who’s no stranger to the YMCA—James Reynolds, our Chief Marketing Officer. James grew up at the Decatur Y, now coaches his daughters’ soccer team at the Cowart Family Y, and returned to the organization a little over a year ago in a big way. With a career that’s taken him around the world—from the Atlanta Braves to brands like Popeyes, Moe's & Tropical Smoothie—James brings a unique mix of professional expertise and personal connection to the Y. We’re excited to hear how he’s thinking about storytelling, brand, and...
info_outline
Ep. 63 - The Y’s Commitment to Health Equity with Dr. Terri McFadden
(Y) Connect
How can we create a healthier future for kids? Dr. Terri McFadden, a pediatrician, professor, and passionate advocate for children’s healthcare and literacy in Georgia, joins hosts Zarinah, Robert, and Allison. This episode of the Y Connect podcast dives into Dr. McFadden’s journey to pediatrics, the power of partnering with families to achieve health equity, and the vital role of literacy in child development. Dr. McFadden shares practical steps for water safety and the importance of culturally sensitive care, emphasizing community collaboration, addressing social challenges, and breaking...
info_outline
Ep. 62 - Martha Haythorn Is Redefining Advocacy and Community
(Y) Connect
What does it look like when people with developmental disabilities lead the way in advocacy, community programming, and public policy? On this episode of the (Y) Connect podcast, hosts Zarinah, Robert, and Allison are joined by Martha Haythorn, a powerful voice for disability advocacy and a champion of inclusion at the YMCA. From organizing local programs to speaking on national stages, Martha shares her journey, leadership, and how she’s helping build a future where everyone belongs. IN THIS EPISODE: (00:00) Introduction (04:28) Martha shares how she became acquainted...
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:
-
[3:25] Why Veronica accepted the position of Chief Philanthropy Officer
-
[8:52] Why did Veronica have an interest in fundraising for the Y
-
[9:32] What stands out about the Y’s mission in serving the community
-
[12:01] How philanthropy is presented to donors
-
[14:59] A discussion on Veronica’s book How Neighborhoods Make Us Sick: Restoring Health and Wellness in Our Communities
-
[22:02] Tis the season for philanthropy towards the Y
KEY TAKEAWAYS:
-
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
-
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
-
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.