YMCA of Columbia-Willamette

Celebrating Women in Leadership at the YMCA ?????? As part of our commitment to uplifting women in leadership, we're proud to spotlight Mackenzie Stewart, our Leader of Learning, Development & DEIB! Mackenzie has been with the?Y?for nine?years, supporting our Youth Development Programs. She recently transitioned into a new role within the HR department, supporting learning and development and DEIB initiatives. Mackenzie is passionate about equity and has led training for all staff, launched Employee Resource Groups (ERGs), and is the chair of our DEIB and HR cabinets. She has a bachelor’s degree in social work with a minor in women's studies and is currently pursuing her MBA! When she’s not working or studying, Mackenzie loves being in nature, spending time with her friends and family, puzzling, and being a Mom to her fur-baby, Clyde.? Mackenzie’s leadership uplifts her team, empowers our staff, and leaves a lasting impact on everyone she serves. We are proud to celebrate her as a visionary leader, a powerful role model, and a true change-maker in our YMCA family! #WomenInLeadership #YMCAStrong #HerStory #LeadershipSpotlight

At the YMCA of Columbia Willamette, we know that strong leadership creates stronger communities. This Women's History Month (or any time of year!), we celebrate the incredible women leading the way in our organization—mentors, innovators, and changemakers who inspire us daily. Their dedication to youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility is shaping a brighter future for all. ???? Join us in recognizing the impact of women in leadership and lifting up their voices, stories, and contributions. Tag a woman leader who inspires you! Jenn Simonson Jenn started her professional journey in youth development through the Juvenile Justice System while also working at the YMCA. Jenn believes in a holistic approach to youth and families and works to support the mental health and well-being of our youth and extend the outreach and accessibility of care and resources. Jenn is a die-hard Duck fan and received her Degree in Psychology from the University of Oregon. Her career has been dedicated to supporting the wellness and education of youth through programs and partnerships. Jenn sits on the governor-appointed Education Recovery Committee as part of the Racial Justice Council. Jenn enjoys spending time with family and friends who are chosen family and spending time with her two Rhodesian Ridgebacks.#WomenInLeadership #YMCAStrong #EmpoweredWomenEmpower

Check out these behind-the-scenes moments from our March 14 interview with Everyday Northwest!?Our incredible staff, Tatiana Pavelka, along with our superstar YMCA kids – Olive, Alice, and Lucy – gave us a sneak peek into the fun and love that make our childcare programs so special. From exciting activities to heartwarming moments, these photos capture the energy and passion that drive everything we do at the Y. We’re so proud of our staff and kids and are thrilled to share this experience with you all! Swipe to see the magic unfold!

We want to express our heartfelt gratitude to our amazing sponsors and everyone who attended our Annual Dinner Event at Camp Collins! Your presence and generosity made the night truly special and unforgettable. We had over 100 RSVPs and raised $60,000! Clackamas County Bank Fat Panda Productions Riegelmann's Appliance Sysco Weston Buick Kia GMC Challenge Foundation SKSK Morris Foundation King Family | Rawls | Jones Family | Garcia Family To all our wonderful guests, your support and participation mean the world to us. We're beyond grateful to have you as part of our YMCA community. Let’s continue to create meaningful connections and make a lasting impact together! If you'd like to contribute further, donations for Camp Scholarships are always welcome and appreciated to help send more kids to camp! Together, we can continue to make a difference in the lives of children and families. Let’s continue to create meaningful connections and make a lasting impact, together! ymcacw.org/donate

A big thank you to?KOIN?for having Y kids on Everyday Northwest! Alongside the amazing Tatiana Pavelka, they shared how our YMCA Childcare programs — from preschool to before and after-school care — create safe, supportive spaces where kids can learn, grow, and thrive. Did you miss the live segment? No worries — KOIN shared the video with us! The Y’s dedication to families and childcare doesn’t stop! Come discover how we’re making a difference and helping families feel a sense of belonging every day → https://lnkd.in/gf8a-9Xe

Celebrating Our Regional Stars of March! At the YMCA of Columbia-Willamette, we're beyond grateful for our amazing team members who make a real difference in the lives of our members, participants, children, and communities every single day. Each month, we proudly honor our exceptional staff with the Regional Star Award, recognizing those who go above and beyond in their roles. Please join us in congratulating our March Regional Stars: Shane Avolio (North Region) – Shane has been with the YMCA since late 2021, and he’s the backbone of our Aquatics Team. He opens the pool every day at 4:15am to ensure it’s ready to go. With his dedication and problem-solving skills, he’s been essential to our operations. He’s also taking his accounting skills to the next level with a study abroad program in Ireland! Congratulations, Shane! We’ll miss you, but we know you’re off to great things. Bitsie Appleton (South Region) – Bitsie joined the YMCA at the start of the school year, and in that short time, she’s quickly become a leader in our after-school programs. From her amazing work at Metzger Elementary to her promotion as Site Director, she’s been making waves in our community! We’re also excited to see her shine as the chair of our Events Planning sub-committee! Congrats, Bitsie! Stilyan Slavov (West Region) – Stilyan has been part of the YMCA team for a while now and continues to bring his positive attitude and dedication to his role as Youth Development Leader. From collaborating with the Portland Trail Blazers to inspiring our youth, he’s leaving a lasting mark on our community. Plus, he’s making his mark in TV commercials — talk about goals! Awesome work, Stilyan! Peter Gerlek (Central Region) – Peter has been with the YMCA since 2019 and is a true role model. His dedication to inspiring and uplifting children at the Arleta after-school program makes a lasting impact every day. A true leader who always steps up to the plate. Thank you, Peter! We couldn’t be prouder of all our Regional Stars!

Today, March 4th, is our Day of Giving at the Y!?This special day is a chance to come together as a community and support programs that strengthen our neighbors. The YMCA’s Day of Giving is all about helping the Y continue to provide essential services like feeding those in need, empowering youth, and supporting healthy lifestyles for everyone. ? Here’s a glimpse of just a few of the programs we’re supporting today: Ridgefield’s Summer Feeding Program: Meet the families who no longer worry about their next meal, thanks to the Y’s help providing meals to over 80,000 people. Your support makes moments like this possible! Beaverton’s Weekday PE Programs: Here, online learners are building essential teamwork and movement skills through our Weekday PE programs. They’re not just learning — they’re thriving! Camp Collins Outdoor Education: Watch youth gain confidence and leadership skills as they connect with nature at Camp Collins. Their outdoor adventures empower them to grow in ways that will stay with them for a lifetime. ? These are just a few of the programs your support makes possible — together, as a community, we can do so much more. Be the reason these opportunities exist. ??? Give Today at: ymcacw.io/community

Today, we stand with YMCAs across the country and commit to being an anti-racist organization by wearing black. At the YMCA of Columbia-Willamette, we are proud to create community for all and stand behind our equity statement: Our Y is committed to treating everyone with dignity and empowering all to reach their full potential as we build thriving, inclusive communities. While we have not always lived up to that vision, our Y is on a journey toward creating an organization that fully embodies anti-racist, multicultural values and advances equity for all. In 2018, YUSA’s African American Resource Network (AARN) launched #WeWearBlack as a collective demonstration against systemic inequities. Wearing black is a symbol of unity, hope, and a commitment to inclusion and belonging. ??????

Over President’s Day weekend, Oregon Youth and Government gathered in Salem for their 79th Youth Legislative Conference. Beaverton Hoops Y was proud to host two delegates from Westview High School: Tommy Li and Aarna Shah. Together, they worked hard to craft a measure aimed at addressing Oregon’s unhoused population, successfully passing it in both the Senate and the House of Representatives. The measure was later signed into law by the Youth Governor. YMCA CW’s delegates were also recognized with Best New Delegation, and Tommy was honored as Best Representative. This was our YMCA's first year participating in this program, and we look forward to seeing our delegation grow in the years to come. Photo credits to Reid Holcomb at https://lnkd.in/grV8Fjy5.

Come work at the YMCA of Columbia-Willamette! We’re hiring a part-time, mostly remote Digital Marketing Assistant. If you’re in the Portland/Vancouver area and LOVE diving into data, optimizing digital campaigns, and creating fun, engaging digital experiences—this might be the job for you! Bonus (or warning?): You’ll have to work with me!!!!! Tag someone who’d be a great fit! #Hiring #DigitalMarketing #Portland #Vancouver #MarketingJobs #YMCA