YMCA of South Hampton Roads

Meet Laquisha—a nurse practitioner, Zumba instructor, firefighter’s wife, and mom of two—who’s been making a big impact right here at the YMCA! Check out her story on our blog, and see how she’s making a difference both in and outside the Y! 🌟 #YFamily #memberspotlight #YMCA

Our hearts go out to the communities affected by both Hurricane Helene and Hurricane Milton. While the road to rebuilding will be long, we want to acknowledge the incredible resilience of these communities and the YMCAs whose staff and volunteers have stepped up to provide comfort, shelter, supplies, showers and safety in the hardest hit areas. To our YMCA family, we stand with you. Together, we support one another through these challenging times. Please consider a donation to the YMCA Hurricane Relief Fund. https://loom.ly/JsSc4H8

This #WorldMentalHealthDay, the YMCA of South Hampton Roads joins a global call to action to prioritize mental health in the workplace. Employed adults spend more time working than any other activity during their waking hours. At its best, work provides meaning, purpose and joy. Yet, too often, it detracts from our mental well-being. With depression and anxiety affecting workplaces globally, the Y invites you to join us in championing mental health in the workplace. Together, we can create environments where everyone has the potential to thrive! Learn more at wmhdofficial.com.

Members of our staff team participated in Hampton Roads Chamber's 2024 State of the Region, presented by the Dragas Center for Economic Analysis and Policy at Old Dominion University. This annual event is crucial for understanding the strengths, opportunities, and challenges facing our community. By staying informed and engaged with regional economic trends, we can better serve our members and strengthen our impact on the community. It also gives us the opportunity to connect with local leaders. Here's a photo of Michele Catalano, CFRE, chief development officer, and Lauren Rucker, director of development, with Congressman Bobby Scott.

It wasn’t a conference, it was an experience! Last week’s National Emerging Multicultural Leadership Experience brought together YMCA Leaders from across the nation in beautiful Virginia Beach. We, the YMCA of South Hampton Roads, were proud to be the hosts of this impactful experience. The power of this experience goes far beyond the sessions—we believe it is vital to invest in the development of our multicultural leaders. It’s about transforming lives, fostering inclusive leadership and building stronger communities. A heartfelt thank you to the incredible #EMLE2024 planning committee and to the YMCA of the USA for making this life-changing experience possible and to the 700 Y leaders who traveled to Virginia Beach to be part of it. Your passion, ideas and commitment are what drive us forward. Together, we are shaping a more inclusive future for all. #WeAreTheY #EMLE2024 Watch some highlights here!

Closing out #EMLE2024 with wisdom from the one and only Dr. Mathew Knowles in a fireside chat. He challenged us to think bigger about leadership, family and living your passion. Events like the National Emerging Multicultural Leadership Experience (EMLE) conference, where Y leaders from across the country help spark change, foster inclusion, and build bridges within our communities. Here’s to taking what we’ve learned back to our communities to create lasting impact. #WeAreTheY #BuildingLegacy #LeadershipJourney

We kicked off day 2 of #EMLE2024 with YUSA CEO Suzanne McCormick, then a fireside chat with Pharrell Williams (yes, THAT Pharrell!!) 🌟 With 700 attendees gathered in #VirginiaBeach for the National Emerging Multicultural Leadership Experience (EMLE) conference, we’re reminded that diversity is our strength, and equity is our path forward. Together, we’re shaping a future where every voice is heard, every story matters and leadership reflects the vibrant communities we serve. This is how we create real change. #WeAreTheY #LeadershipInAction

Why are we here? To make an impact. 🌟 On Day 1 of #EMLE2024, Y staff members from across the nation and Sentara Health employees joined forces in Norfolk’s historic Berkeley Community for a park revitalization project. They restored the basketball courts and refreshed the playground, not just improving spaces—investing in unity, growth and hope. This project was completed as part of YMCA of the USA’s National Emerging Multicultural Leadership Experience (EMLE). The YMCA of South Hampton Roads was selected from 2,650 YMCAs to host this year’s conference because of our leadership in diversity, equity and inclusion. 💪 #CommunityFirst #WeAreTheY #StrongerTogether

We kicked off day 2 of #EMLE2024 with YUSA CEO Suzanne McCormick, then a fireside chat with Pharrell Williams (yes, THAT Pharrell!!) 🌟 With 700 attendees gathered in #VirginiaBeach for the National Emerging Multicultural Leadership Experience (EMLE) conference, we’re reminded that diversity is our strength, and equity is our path forward. Together, we’re shaping a future where every voice is heard, every story matters and leadership reflects the vibrant communities we serve. This is how we create real change. #WeAreTheY #LeadershipInAction

Why are we here? To make an impact. 🌟 On Day 1 of #EMLE2024, Y staff members from across the nation and Sentara Health employees joined forces in Norfolk’s historic Berkeley Community for a park revitalization project. They restored the basketball courts and refreshed the playground, not just improving spaces—investing in unity, growth and hope. This project was completed as part of YMCA of the USA’s National Emerging Multicultural Leadership Experience (EMLE). The YMCA of South Hampton Roads was selected from 2,650 YMCAs to host this year’s conference because of our leadership in diversity, equity and inclusion. 💪 #CommunityFirst #WeAreTheY #StrongerTogether