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 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:

Facebook: YMCA Metro Atlanta

Linkedin: YMCA Metro Atlanta

Twitter: YMCA Metro Atlanta

Website: YMCA Metro Atlanta

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.