In today’s Pathway to the (Y), we hear the impactful stories of members of Metro Atlanta’s Y Ambassador Board. Brian Kunney, Abby Paul, and Kendyl Lewis share their Y stories and how they were inspired to continue their journeys with the Y. Tune in to hear how these young leaders are impacting their communities both today and for the future.

IN THIS EPISODE:

• [0:50] Brian’s Y story began at the Decatur Family Y when he was in elementary school. With his passion for sports, Brian had many opportunities to be active and involved with the Y throughout his childhood.

• [1:40] Abby spent much of her childhood at the Y, because her family were active members of the Y before she was even born.

• [2:00] Abby’s connection with the Y became more serious during college after the Y Ambassador Board was founded.

• [3:55] Kendyl also experienced the Y from a very young age. However, high school was when she became involved in a youth leadership program that was partnered with her local Y.

• [4:15] The hosts share their gratitude. Robert shares details about the Good Neighbor gym dedication from the Hawks at State Farm.
  

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

• After being involved in the Decatur Family Y throughout his childhood, Brian knew that he wanted to find a way to give back to the community. So, he began volunteering with the YMCA.

• Abby’s family has been active with the Y since before she was even born, so Abby spent much of her childhood at the Y. She learned how to swim, gymnastics, and how to play tennis.

• Partnerships with local programs and the Y can lead to new opportunities for people in the community, as evidenced by Kendyl’s involvement in a youth leadership program that introduced her to the Y.

RESOURCE LINKS:

Facebook: YMCA Metro Atlanta

Linkedin: YMCA Metro Atlanta

Twitter: YMCA Metro Atlanta

Website: YMCA Metro Atlanta

Volunteer at the YMCA

YMCA Atlanta - Adult Sports

YMCA Atlanta - Youth Sports

BIOGRAPHIES:

Kendyl Lewis, a Y Ambassador since 2022, is the Research & Community Development Manager at Partnership Gwinnett. In her role, she conducts economic research and leads redevelopment initiatives. Before her current role, Kendyl was a Research Fellow at the Atlanta Regional Commission. A proud Atlanta native, Kendyl holds degrees in Economics and Psychology from Georgia College & State University. Beyond her professional endeavors, she enjoys spending quality time with her partner, Evan, and their energetic dog, Sampson.

Brian Kunney also joined the Y Ambassador Board in 2022. Brian is a Project Manager at the engineering firm P. Marshall & Associates (PM&A). With a decade of experience in civil engineering, he specializes in infrastructure, telecommunication development and construction projects. Graduating from Southern Polytechnic University with a degree in Architecture and a minor in Construction Management.

Abby Paul started her journey with the YMCA Ambassador Board 5 ½ years ago. She began her college career at Ole Miss before finishing at Emory University with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. Currently serving as a full-time Registered Nurse at Piedmont Atlanta Hospital, Abby specializes in providing comprehensive care to liver transplant patients. Abby proudly represents the fourth generation of her family to be involved with the YMCA. Abby is recently married to her husband, Michael, and she is the proud mom of her Australian Shepherd named Reese.

We're thrilled to explore how the YMCA of Metro Atlanta’s Y Ambassador Board is not only shaping the future of the community but also preparing the next generation of boardroom leaders. Today, we’re talking with engaged and passionate members of the Y Ambassador Board. Y Ambassadors are young professionals, usually between the ages 22 and 35, from the greater Atlanta community who join in service to advance the Y’s philanthropic mission. They serve as ambassadors for the Y, and this opportunity will develop the pipeline of Y volunteer leaders of the future.

IN THIS EPISODE:

• [5:11] The guests share why they joined the Ambassador Board and what motivates them to stay involved

• [8:33] Discussion of the Y’s mission and how it aligns with those of the guests

• [12:58] Kendyl shares a memorable experience of volunteering and community

• [15:03] Brian notes that networking through the different boards has benefited his career

• [17:36] Abby discusses how young professionals will play a role in shaping the future of the Y

• [19:46] Guests advise anyone who wants to get involved with community organizations, and they share what they have learned about themselves through the Ambassador Board

• [25:09] Guests share their hopes and goals for the future of the Y

• [28:39] Guests share their pathways to the Y

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

• [2:21] The Metro Atlanta’s Y Ambassador Board helps shape the future through community involvement

• [9:35] Volunteering on the Y Ambassador Board allows board members to give back to the community and meet and network with professionals from the Atlanta area.

• [13:56] Members of the Y Ambassador Board can attend the Y Board of Directors meetings, learn about nonprofits and hear about the Atlanta Y’s vision

RESOURCE LINKS:

Facebook: YMCA Metro Atlanta

Linkedin: YMCA Metro Atlanta

Twitter: YMCA Metro Atlanta

Website: YMCA Metro Atlanta

Volunteer at the YMCA

YMCA Atlanta - Adult Sports

YMCA Atlanta - Youth Sports

BIOGRAPHIES:

Kendyl Lewis, a Y Ambassador since 2022, is the Research & Community Development Manager at Partnership Gwinnett. In her role, she conducts economic research and leads redevelopment initiatives. Before her current role, Kendyl was a Research Fellow at the Atlanta Regional Commission. A proud Atlanta native, Kendyl holds degrees in Economics and Psychology from Georgia College & State University. Beyond her professional endeavors, she enjoys spending quality time with her partner, Evan, and their energetic dog, Sampson.

Brian Kunney also joined the Y Ambassador Board in 2022. Brian is a Project Manager at the engineering firm P. Marshall & Associates (PM&A). With a decade of experience in civil engineering, he specializes in infrastructure, telecommunication development and construction projects. Graduating from Southern Polytechnic University with a degree in Architecture and a minor in Construction Management.

Abby Paul started her journey with the YMCA Ambassador Board 5 ½ years ago. She began her college career at Ole Miss before finishing at Emory University with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. Currently serving as a full-time Registered Nurse at Piedmont Atlanta Hospital, Abby specializes in providing comprehensive care to liver transplant patients. Abby proudly represents the fourth generation of her family to be involved with the YMCA. Abby is recently married to her husband, Michael, and she is the proud mom of her Australian Shepherd named Reese.

This week’s Pathway to the (Y) highlights a global partnership with the YMCA of Metro Atlanta and the YMCA South Africa. We had the pleasure of speaking with Marcus Van Wyk, CEO of YMCA South Africa about this amazing partnership and what it means for the YMCA South Africa. Tune in to hear Marcus’s inspiring conversation.

IN THIS EPISODE:

• [1:20] Marcus shares the high level impact that the YMCA South Africa has had on communities and individuals.

• [3:15] Marcus discusses Youth Day, and the role that YMCA South Africa played in this momentous day.

• [5:30] Marcus reflects on his experience at the Atlanta Hawks game and the potential of a global partnership.

• [6:50] A young man from a local Y in South Africa just made the national basketball team. A global partnership with the Atlanta Hawks and the YMCA South Africa could lead to more local success stories like this one.
  

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

• The YMCA South Africa is where Youth Day was organized by a few thousand high school students. Youth Day was a momentous day in the lives of South Africans.

• Marcus got to experience an Atlanta Hawks game during his time in the US. There was even discussion about the potential for the YMCA’s patch partnership with the Atlanta Hawks to expand to a global partnership.

RESOURCE LINKS:

Facebook: YMCA Metro Atlanta

Linkedin: YMCA Metro Atlanta

Twitter: YMCA Metro Atlanta

Website: YMCA Metro Atlanta

YMCA Atlanta Membership - Website

BIOGRAPHY:

Marcus Van Wyk has a BA in Human Movement Studies and Psychology from the University of the Western Cape. Still, a deep sense of humanity has seen him engage in a myriad of societal sectors as he strives to apply his unique and varied skill set.

Marcus boasts further qualifications in Educational Design Programming, Integrated Solid Waste Management Planning through the USA Environmental Protection Agency, Planning and Management of Special Events, Management Programme for NPOs, Project Planning, Corporate Social Investment Programmes, Diplomacy, Health and Safety and Labour Relations, amongst others.

His most recent position is Chief Executive Officer of YMCA South Africa. Other positions were Executive Chairperson of Mthunzi Network NPC and the Chief Operating Officer for Youth for Christ South Africa. He has also served as Project Lead for the UNHCR Social Cohesion Project in SA, being Coordinator and co-founder of IAMAFRICA, which involves Ordinary People Transforming Africa, as well as Coordinator of the We Will Speak Out South Africa Coalition of faith communities working together to end Sexual and Gender-Based Violence.

As a Consultant to the South African Council of Churches (SACC), Marcus provided protocol and logistical support for the 2013 State funeral of former President Nelson Mandela.

He has also served as Advisor to the Chairman of the South Africa Dutch Chamber of Commerce. He has extensive interaction as a Relationship Manager for various enterprises, liaising with all three tiers of Government, Political Parties, Private Sector and Civil Society.

His varied commitments have seen him facilitate Waste Management infrastructure for the 2010 Football World Cup in South Africa, from being the Liaison Officer for the State visit by the Indian Prime Minister to being a volunteer firefighter with the Table Mountain National Park.

His extensive experience and networks make him ideally suited to engage across sectors and bring key role players together in search of mutually beneficial projects that have the advancement and betterment of communities at their heart.

This week we are highlighting the pathways of an incredible family who decided to learn how to swim together and the leaders who made it happen. Jax Rupert, the Robert D. Fowler Family Y Aquatics Director, shares how he first got connected to the YMCA. Jennifer Mullen, a passionate swim instructor, shares how she gives back to her community through teaching swim lessons. Ayanna, shares how she encouraged her family to all learn how to swim because she wanted her sons to be safe around any body of water. This episode is full of family and dedicated individuals who made these multi-generational swim lessons happen.

IN THIS EPISODE:

• [1:00] Aquatics Director, Jax Rupert became a lifeguard at 16. Living very close to a Y in his youth, Jax became a swim instructor and a swim team coach as well. His love for water and the Y

• [1:45] Jennifer Mullen sees her time at the Y as a way to give back to the community. She has seen first hand the difference the Y is making in the community.

• [2:40] Ayanna decided to sign her two sons up for swim lessons before the summer, so that she knew they had the safety skills they needed to be safe in the water.

• [3:20] Gwendolyn’s first connection with the Y was taking swim lessons with her daughter.

• [3:45] Nicholas was introduced to the Y by playing basketball after school with his friends.

• [4:30] Ryan shares how the swim lessons were his first Y experience and he loves playing basketball with his brother.

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

• From the young age of 16, Jax Rupert took on as many roles in the Y’s aquatics department as possible. This began a 16 year long career with the Y.

• The Y’s aquatic center is helping people from the community learn how to swim, water safety, and encourages a unique way to stay physically active.

• Ayanna was able to sign up her family for a Y membership. This has brought them together as a family and inspired each of them to try new things and to build their relationships through their swim lessons.

RESOURCE LINKS:

Facebook: YMCA Metro Atlanta

Linkedin: YMCA Metro Atlanta

Twitter: YMCA Metro Atlanta

Website: YMCA Metro Atlanta

YMCA Atlanta Membership - Website

BIOGRAPHY:

Jax Ruppert

With a lifelong commitment to the YMCA, Jax began his journey at 16 as a lifeguard, progressing to roles as a swim instructor and swim team coach. Passionate about teaching and inspiring others, he transitioned into the role of Aquatics Director. His focus is on training and developing his staff to excel and taking immense pride in their growth and achievements. Committed to making a meaningful impact in his community, Jax spearheads drowning prevention programs, starting with educating parents on the critical importance of water safety.

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:

• [3:36] Jax shares how the multi-generational family swim lesson came together

• [5:01] Ayanna explains how she and her boys and mother got involved in swim lessons as a family

• [6:27] Gwendolyn, the grandmother, discusses how comfortable she became, and Jennifer talks about how she became an instructor

• [9:26] The boys discuss their impressions of taking swim lessons along with their mom and grandmother, and they discuss funny moments during their swim lessons

• [13:26] Discussion of lessons learned and great memories made

• [16:08] Ayanna advises other multi-generational families. Ryan and Nicholas discuss what they would tell their friends about taking swim lessons with their family

• [19:42] Each guest shares their Pathway to the (Y)

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

• [3:29] The Y encourages families to take swim lessons regardless of age.

• [4:53] Ayanna’s family proves that this new method of teaching families how to swim simultaneously, works

• [9:13] Ayanna’s sons have confessed that taking swimming lessons with their family, although they weren’t excited about it in the beginning, has turned out to be very fun for them.

RESOURCE LINKS:

Facebook: YMCA Metro Atlanta

Linkedin: YMCA Metro Atlanta

Twitter: YMCA Metro Atlanta

Website: YMCA Metro Atlanta

Volunteer at the YMCA

YMCA Atlanta - Adult Sports

YMCA Atlanta - Youth Sports

Strong 4 Life - Website

BIOGRAPHY: Jax Ruppert

With a lifelong commitment to the YMCA, Jax began his journey at 16 as a lifeguard, progressing to roles as a swim instructor and swim team coach. Passionate about teaching and inspiring others, he transitioned into the role of Aquatics Director. His focus is on training and developing his staff to excel and taking immense pride in their growth and achievements. Committed to making a meaningful impact in his community, Jax spearheads drowning prevention programs, starting with educating parents on the critical importance of water safety.

This week we are highlighting Marc Welsh’s Pathway to the (Y). Marc is the Vice President of Child Advocacy and Chief Diversity Officer of Children's Healthcare of Atlanta and the Y has been a part of his life since childhood. Now, as a public health professional, Marc is committed to celebrate and promote the vital role that the Y plays in the lives of the community. Join us today to hear his Pathway to the (Y).

IN THIS EPISODE:

• [1:00] Marc shares his Pathway to the (Y)

• [2:00] Playing basketball at the Y throughout his childhood sparked Marc’s appreciation for the Y and what it means to people.

• [3:00] Allison shares her appreciation for the partnership between the Y and Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta
  

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

• For many, the Y is a safe space where people can come and enjoy the experience of people being engaged and that care about you.

• As a professional, Marc is focused on public health and programs that help the lives of kids. The Y has been a core partner of that role throughout Marc’s career.

• Playing basketball at the Y played an essential role in Marc’s life and upbringing as a kid.

RESOURCE LINKS:

Facebook: YMCA Metro Atlanta

Linkedin: YMCA Metro Atlanta

Twitter: YMCA Metro Atlanta

Website: YMCA Metro Atlanta

Volunteer at the YMCA

YMCA Atlanta - Adult Sports

YMCA Atlanta - Youth Sports

Strong 4 Life - Website

BIOGRAPHY: Marc Welsh

In his role as Vice President of Child Advocacy, Marc leads Children’s state-wide community efforts focused on obesity prevention, behavioral and mental health, injury and illness prevention, and child protection. Marc’s multi-disciplinary team implements evidence-based programs focused on helping families raise healthy, safe, resilient kids. Marc is also responsible for Children’s employee and physician wellness programs, which promote health and wellness initiatives to the organization’s 13,000+ employees.

In 2021, in addition to his role as Vice President of Child Advocacy, Marc was named Children’s first-ever Chief Diversity Officer. In this role, his team is responsible for leading the System Diversity & Inclusion strategy with a focus on initiatives related to the health system’s employees, patients and community.

Marc also serves on the Boards of Voices for Georgia’s Children and Soccer in the Streets, furthering work focused on impacting the lives of children in the community.

Previously, Marc held leadership roles at Jackson Health System and Nicklaus Children’s Hospital in Miami, Florida. He received his undergraduate degree from the University of Miami in Biology and Religious Study and his Masters in Public Health from Florida International University.

When it comes to supporting the needs of children and families throughout metro Atlanta, the Y considers Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta one of its most essential partners. Together, we provide communities greater access to swim lessons and water safety, behavioral and mental healthcare services to youth, and the Y leans on Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta to provide Y staff the essential skills & training to better support children. Joining us to share more about this partnership is the Vice President of Child Advocacy and Chief Diversity Officer of Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, Marc Welsh.

IN THIS EPISODE:

• [3:25] Marc describes the Children's Healthcare of Atlanta's advocacy strategy and the Strong for Life Campaign

• [6:02] Marc discusses children's mental health, and he explains the impact of the Atlanta Raising Resilience Campaign

• [11:02] How the Y has provided safety and a nurturing space to support and equip children

• [15:24] Marc shares some of the outcomes of the Raising Resilience Campaign

• [19:56] Marc explains how the Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta has philanthropically supported the Y by providing grant funding for swim lessons

• [26:12] Discussion of the Early Learning Nurse Navigation Program

• [31:05] Ito Smith, former Atlanta Falcons running back, shined a light on the Atlanta Water Safety Coalition by learning how to swim at the Y

• [35:54] Marc describes his Pathway to the Y

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

• [3:20] Children's Healthcare of Atlanta's advocacy strategy and the Strong for Life Campaign is designed to keep Atlanta's children well and prepared for life. They provide hospitalization, a wellness program for overweight children, and mental health support.

• [6:48] Raising Resilience is a labor of love to destigmatize mental health issues among families in the greater Atlanta area. The conversation surrounding mental health has made great strides since 2019.

• [31:21] Historically, the black and brown community has had limited access to swimming pools. Therefore, many people haven’t learned to swim. The Atlanta Water Safety Coalition is meeting this need by providing swim lessons at the YMCA.

RESOURCE LINKS:

Facebook: YMCA Metro Atlanta

Linkedin: YMCA Metro Atlanta

Twitter: YMCA Metro Atlanta

Website: YMCA Metro Atlanta

Volunteer at the YMCA

Strong 4 Life - Website

BIOGRAPHY: Marc Welsh

In his role as Vice President of Child Advocacy, Marc leads Children’s state-wide community efforts focused on obesity prevention, behavioral and mental health, injury and illness prevention, and child protection. Marc’s multi-disciplinary team implements evidence-based programs focused on helping families raise healthy, safe, resilient kids. Marc is also responsible for Children’s employee and physician wellness programs, which promote health and wellness initiatives to the organization’s 13,000+ employees.

In 2021, in addition to his role as Vice President of Child Advocacy, Marc was named Children’s first-ever Chief Diversity Officer. In this role, his team is responsible for leading the System Diversity & Inclusion strategy with a focus on initiatives related to the health system’s employees, patients and community.

Marc also serves on the Boards of Voices for Georgia’s Children and Soccer in the Streets, furthering work focused on impacting the lives of children in the community.

Previously, Marc held leadership roles at Jackson Health System and Nicklaus Children’s Hospital in Miami, Florida. He received his undergraduate degree from the University of Miami in Biology and Religious Study and his Masters in Public Health from Florida International University.