(Y) Connect

By: Allison Toller Zarinah Winston & Robert Wright
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  • Summary

  • Welcome to The (Y) Connect Podcast. As the heartbeat of the community, the Y is a connector where people of all ages and walks of life come together to elevate their health, wellness, education, and essential life skills. Join hosts Allison, Zarinah and Robert as they have authentic conversations with individuals sharing personal connections and stories of what connects them to the Y. For 164 years, the YMCA of Metro Atlanta has built programs that foster community, address critical needs, and empower individuals to achieve their full potential. This work is only possible with our Y community. Together we champion communities where everyone belongs and would love for you to be part of it. Let's keep the conversation going about what the Y means to you and where you can find one near you. Please visit us at ymca atlanta dot org and subscribe to our Healthy Together newsletter. Biography: Robert Wright has 20 years of experience encouraging and motivating individuals in the human and social service industry, ranging from children to adults with mental health and substance abuse diagnoses as well as developmental disabilities. He utilized his experience of assisting others and has transferred his energy and focus to fitness and wellness. He is motivated to merge both arenas and give individuals with diagnoses and disabilities another avenue other than the traditional clinical and medicinal approach. Zarinah Winston began working for the Metro Atlanta YMCA in 1999. Zarinah has served the YMCA in multiple roles for the past 23 years. Currently, she serves as a Center Director of an Early Learning Center. Her role consists of supervising and leading staff, implementing program plans, overseeing daily activities, and managing the Center budget. Prior to becoming a Center Director for the Y, her YMCA experiences consisted of being a Summer Camp Counselor, After School Site Director, Assistant Teacher, Lead Teacher and Lead Instructional Support Coach. The YMCA honored Zarinah with the “Outstanding Performance Award” for the Covington YMCA. Her educational background includes a Bachelor of Science in Multidisciplinary Studies (Education) and a Master of Education in Curriculum & Instruction with a minor in Early Childhood Education. By pursuing lifelong learning, she intends to be an example for the amazing team that she leads at her school. Zarinah is proud to be a mother of 3 wonderful children, Zamaria, Zachary, and Zavier. Her oldest daughter Zamaria and her middle son Zachary entered YMCA Early Learning at the tender age of 6 weeks. The YMCA exposed the children to a safe and caring learning environment, friendships, rich language & literacy skills, strong communication skills, and so much more. Zarinah’s family is her heart and inspiration for striving to be the best version of herself. The core values of the YMCA (Honesty, Caring, Respect, Responsibility) are characteristics that she strives to always live by. Zarinah enjoys owning her own candle business, journaling, traveling, exercising, listening to music and spending time with family and friends. Zarinah is influenced and mentored by her uncle who is the CEO/President of a YMCA.  Zarinah believes in enjoying life by being of service to others. She lives by the quote, “Feel the present, hold the vision, let go of resistance, enjoy the journey, trust the process and know that all is well.” Fredrick Talloen Allison Allison Toller is the Chief Social Impact Officer for the YMCA of Metro Atlanta. Charged with cultivating and stewarding the Y’s strategic corporate, civic, and community partnerships, she and the Social Impact team also drive the Association’s strategic plan, embedding it into the fabric of the organization. Additionally, she oversees the Y’s volunteerism and advocacy initiatives. Prior to coming to the Y, Allison was a corporate social responsibility leader with Cox Communications'. With a dual background in broadcasting and education, Allison was Chief of Staff and Communications Director for two of the largest school districts in Georgia. Through these experiences, she has a deep knowledge of the education system having led several high-profile campaigns on a variety of issues including taxes, teacher shortages, school zoning, and crisis situations. Developing strong relationships among local, state and national media, Allison was a registered lobbyist working within the Georgia state legislature to fully fund schools throughout the state. She built an innovative and award-winning brand widely recognized among independent schools. As Chief of External Affairs for Mount Vernon, she amplified marketing efforts to increase year-on-year enrollment. Early in her career Allison was a television news broadcaster; live television was the perfect training ground where she learned the art of storytelling. For several years she shared these skills on a national level, conducting leadership training sessions in the corporate, civic...
    2024
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Episodes
  • Ep. 56 - Empowering Boys and Young Men of Color: The Y and Morehouse College Partnership

    Ep. 56 - Empowering Boys and Young Men of Color: The Y and Morehouse College Partnership
    Jan 15 2025
    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 them with invaluable guidance, college exposure, and the tools to build bright futures. We’ll explore the origins of REACH, the partnership between the YMCA and Morehouse College, and how this innovative program addresses critical challenges while fostering a sense of brotherhood and purpose. IN THIS EPISODE: [2:29] The strategy and goals behind Boys and Young Men of Color and the partnership with Morehouse College National Alumni Association’s Reach program [16:37] Monteil shares a story of a changed life [25:52] Discussion of the success of the programs has overcome stereotypes of boys and young men of color [33:19] Mentorship between college students and youth [41:19] Discussion of the YMCA’s Historic Scholars [44:23] Discussion of what success looks like in the REACH program. [53:30] How the listener can support these efforts KEY TAKEAWAYS: The YMCA and Morehouse College partnership through the REACH program has been successful, fostering growth, brotherhood, and mentorship for young men of color with a focus on shared missions and long-term support. The program emphasizes high expectations and access to resources for young men of color. The program fosters hope and agency in the youth by expecting the highest standards and providing access to cutting-edge technology, knowledgeable mentors, and ample opportunities. This approach not only empowers them but also helps dispel stereotypes. The success of the REACH program is measured by its impact on students' life choices, resilience, and confidence. It helps them pursue greater opportunities, embrace failure as growth, and improve communication with their families, all while preparing them for a larger world and showing they belong. RESOURCE LINKS: Facebook: YMCA Metro Atlanta Linkedin: YMCA Metro Atlanta Twitter: YMCA Metro Atlanta Website: YMCA Metro Atlanta Boys and Young Men of Color REACH Program BIOGRAPHIES: Monteil D. Weeks has been Executive Director of the Andrew and Walter Young Family YMCA since 2020 and Group Vice President for several YMCAs in Metro Atlanta, leading the Boys & Young Men of Color Strategy. She began her YMCA career in 1990 as a tutoring instructor with AmeriCorps and has contributed to developing four YMCAs in the area. Key accomplishments include creating a "welfare to work" program for the City of Atlanta Housing Authority and opening YMCAs in redeveloped mixed-income neighborhoods. A 1990 Spelman College graduate from Brooklyn, Monteil serves on the Jamie Foxx Learn Through Laughter Foundation Board. Michael Levesque has been the Executive Director of the Morehouse College National Alumni Association since 2018 and co-recipient of the 2018 Alumnus of the Year Award. With over two decades of leadership experience in nonprofit, Fortune 100, and privately held organizations, he has led youth development programs in partnership with schools, agencies, churches, and community groups. Notable collaborations include the Boys and Girls Clubs, NFTE, YMCA, and the University of Chicago. A Detroit native and Kappa Alpha Psi member, Michael credits his family, the Boys and Girls Club of Detroit, and Morehouse College for inspiring his passion for service.
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    58 mins
  • Ep. 55 - The Hosts Reflect on Two Years of (Y) Connect

    Ep. 55 - The Hosts Reflect on Two Years of (Y) Connect
    Jan 1 2025
    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 lane as we reflect on two years of connecting, learning, and growing together at the Y. IN THIS EPISODE: [1:59] How the podcast began, and the hosts discuss meaningful episodes [4:36] Zarinah reveals which episodes left a lasting impact on her this year: Ep. 53 - Running Strong: The Legacy of South Fulton Running Partners and Ep. 39 - Diving in With the Mermaids at the Y [6:30] Allison gives a deeper look into Ep. 39 - Diving in With the Mermaids at the Y [8:31] Robert shares the episodes that showed him an  unexpected story or an insightful perspective: Ep. 48 - Finding Strength Through Community at the Y and Ep. 41 - Building Community Through Fitness at the Y [14:37] An episode that represents strength and resilience: Ep. 36 - A Multi-Generational Dive into Swim Lessons [16:19] The hosts shared moments when they met, their comradery, and Robert sings a stanza of Amazing Grace [21:00] Zarinah reflects on Ep. 54 - Philanthropy in Action and Ep. 44 - Facing Forsyth County's Past & Honoring Its Descendants, and other moving episodes [25:10] Looking forward to other episodes to feature in 2025 KEY TAKEAWAYS: Community stories create lasting impact. The podcast reflects on episodes like Running Strong: The Legacy of South Fulton Running Partners and Building Community Through Fitness at the Y, highlighting how the Y fosters community, fitness and resilience. These stories showcase the transformative power of shared experiences in strengthening bonds across diverse groups. The hosts' camaraderie is evident as they share behind-the-scenes moments and personal insights, such as Robert’s heartfelt rendition of Amazing Grace. This reflects the deeper, personal connections the podcast has cultivated between the team and its audience over the past two years. Episodes like Ep. 44 - Facing Forsyth County's Past & Honoring Its Descendants demonstrate the Y's commitment to addressing history while promoting healing and progress. The discussion about upcoming episodes in 2025 reveals a forward-thinking vision to continue highlighting impactful stories that inspire growth and inclusion. RESOURCE LINKS: Facebook: YMCA Metro Atlanta Linkedin: YMCA Metro Atlanta Twitter: YMCA Metro Atlanta Website: YMCA Metro Atlanta Ep. 53 - Running Strong: The Legacy of South Fulton Running Partners Ep. 39 - Diving in With the Mermaids at the Y Ep. 48 - Finding Strength Through Community at the Y Ep. 41 - Building Community Through Fitness at the Y Ep. 36 - A Multi-Generational Dive into Swim Lessons Ep. 54 - Philanthropy in Action Ep. 44 - Facing Forsyth's Past and Honoring Its Descendants
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    36 mins
  • Ep. 54 - Philanthropy in Action: Veronica Squires at the Y

    Ep. 54 - Philanthropy in Action: Veronica Squires at the Y
    Dec 17 2024

    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.
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    29 mins

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