What 2025 Taught Us at (Y) Connect
(Y) Connect
Before we jump into another year of Y Connect, we wanted to pause and look back. 2025 was a meaningful year for this podcast. We sat down with members, staff, partners, and community leaders who reminded us why the YMCA matters and how deeply it shows up in people’s lives. We heard stories of belonging, resilience, leadership, and impact that stayed with us long after the microphones were turned off. Today, we are reflecting on our favorite moments from this past year, the conversations that surprised us, what we learned about the YMCA that we didn’t fully understand before, and what...
info_outline
The Heart of Head Start: How the Y Supports Children & Families Every Day
(Y) Connect
The YMCA’s Head Start programs provide comprehensive support that transforms entire families, not just children. In this powerful episode of Y Connect, hosts Zarinah, Robert, and Allison speak with early childhood education leaders LaShaundra McDonald and Shamyra Thompson about the life-changing work happening at YMCA early learning centers. Both directors share their personal journeys from being Head Start parents to becoming passionate advocates for family support services. They discuss how comprehensive child development goes beyond academics to include mental health support, workforce...
info_outline
Shared International Purpose: The Y Welcomes Tushig from Mongolia
(Y) Connect
Today on Y Connect, we’re stepping into a global conversation. Over the past several weeks, our team has had the privilege of hosting Tushig Samdan, a nonprofit leader from Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia, who was in Atlanta through the U.S. Department of State’s Professional Fellows Program. Tushig has spent nearly a decade leading the Badraa Foundation to Justice, an organization dedicated to expanding educational opportunities for Mongolian university students. Joining Tushig for today’s conversation is our colleague Ryan Greenstein, the Y’s Advocacy Program Manager. Ryan first learned...
info_outline
Creating Space for Teens to Belong — A Conversation with Leah Willig
(Y) Connect
Today on Y Connect, we’re joined by Leah Willig, the Y’s Director of Teen Programs. Leah brings over a decade of youth development experience, having spent years leading impactful programming at the Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Atlanta before joining the Y. Her work has always focused on creating spaces where teens can explore who they are, connect, and envision what’s possible in their futures. At the Y, Leah is leading efforts to expand and elevate teen programming across our association from monthly Teen Nights that bring youth together in fun, safe environments to academic and...
info_outline
Fueling the Y’s Impact: When Companies Listen to What Communities Need
(Y) Connect
Today on Y Connect, we’re joined by a powerhouse leader whose commitment to purpose and community is shaping what corporate social responsibility looks like in Metro Atlanta and beyond, Carley Stephens, Director of Corporate Giving at Gas South and Executive Director of the Cobb EMC Foundation. Gas South, a wholly owned subsidiary of Cobb EMC, is one of the YMCA of Metro Atlanta’s most generous corporate partners, giving not only through financial support but also through the countless volunteer hours employees dedicate to helping others. Carley is known for leading with heart and...
info_outline
Fan Favorite: Building Community through Fitness at the Y
(Y) Connect
When people join the YMCA, they have access to more than 3,000 group fitness classes. The Y offers everything from cycling to dance to yoga, flexibility, strength and more, all of which impact a person’s overall physical, mental and emotional health. As our guests explain, perhaps one of the best parts of these classes is the close-knit community that is formed as a result. IN THIS EPISODE: 02:13 Jennifer describes what goes on in determining the variety of classes offered at the Y and how a participant determines which class they should take depending on their fitness level 04:23 Maura...
info_outline
Beyond Weight Loss: Jim’s Transformation Through Coaching & Community
(Y) Connect
We have two inspiring guests today. Jim Snoddy, a member of the Robert D. Fowler Family Y, who has lost nearly 100 pounds through the YMCA’s supportive wellness programs, and Beth Girmay, the health & wellness instructor who has guided Jim every step of the way. Jim also serves on the Branch Community Engagement Board, which, as I understand it, plays pickleball almost every day. Today, we’re discussing transformation, body, mind, habits and the role of coaching, community, consistency, and mindset. We’ll delve into how the YMCA’s Coach Approach & Weight Loss For Life programs...
info_outline
Ep. 71 From YMCA to Team USA: Kari Knotts’ Volleyball Journey
(Y) Connect
On today’s episode of (Y) Connect, we’re joined by someone who’s already making waves on the national stage while still just beginning her high school journey. At only 14 years old, Kari Knotts has emerged as one of the brightest young talents in U.S. volleyball. Kari is a freshman at The Lovett School, a proud member of the Northeast Cobb Family YMCA, and a fierce competitor for A5 Volleyball Club. She recently became the youngest member of the U19 USA National Volleyball Team, where she was named both MVP and Best Spiker at the Pan-American Cup. From her start at the YMCA to winning...
info_outline
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
Ep. 70 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_outlineWhen people join the YMCA, they have access to more than 3,000 group fitness classes. The Y offers everything from cycling to dance to yoga, flexibility, strength and more, all of which impact a person’s overall physical, mental and emotional health. As our guests explain, perhaps one of the best parts of these classes is the close-knit community that is formed as a result.
IN THIS EPISODE:
- 02:13 Jennifer describes what goes on in determining the variety of classes offered at the Y and how a participant determines which class they should take depending on their fitness level
- 04:23 Maura explains what motivated her to become a group exercise instructor and what the best part of her job is
- 07:44 Maura keeps the classes engaged and motivated by making class different each time, and Jennifer discusses continuously improving programming and the selection of music
- 15:15 Jennifer discusses new fitness trends
- 19:42 Discussion of the percentages of men versus women in classes
KEY TAKEAWAYS:
- Taking classes at the YMCA is affordable and a great way to build community and make new connections
- YMCA staff are rewarded by seeing the progress made by the participants
- Exercises can be modified so everyone can participate regardless of the member's fitness level
RESOURCE LINKS:
BIOGRAPHY:
Jennifer has been with the YMCA of Metro Atlanta for 18 years and says she loves her job and working with the uniqueness of our various YMCA communities. She is VP of Community Health and Wellness, supporting Y branches' health and wellness programming, community partnerships, and grants. Jennifer also leads the Y's two newest locations – the YMCA at Morehouse School of Medicine and our Y at Good Sam. She enjoys spending time with her husband in her free time, watching their son play baseball and football, working out, doing DIY projects and traveling.