YMCA of Greater Richmond

Take your volunteering to the next level!

The YMCA of Greater Richmond is proud to announce the addition of five distinguished individuals to its Association Board of Directors. These new members bring a wealth of experience and expertise that will support the YMCA’s mission of strengthening the Greater Richmond community. The newly appointed members are: ? William Fiege, President of Brightpoint Community College ? Urvi Neelakantan, Senior Policy Economist in the Research Department at the Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond ? Morgan Blackwood Patel, Partner at Blackwood Development Company ? Maria Pia Tamburri, Vice President of Intergovernmental Affairs and Economic Development at Dominion Energy ? Elizabeth Randall Winkle, ISHC, Senior Vice President of CoStar Product with CoStar Group These leaders will each serve a three-year term on the 34-member board, which plays a critical role in setting the strategic direction and policy for the YMCA of Greater Richmond. The board guides the organization in providing valuable resources and support to strengthen the local community. “We are excited and grateful that these accomplished individuals have agreed to join our board,” said Jody Alexander, President & CEO of the YMCA of Greater Richmond. “Their extensive knowledge and diverse perspectives will further enhance our ability to fulfill our mission and make a lasting impact on the community.

As Executive Director of Sacred Heart Center and a board member, Tanya Gonzalez consistently makes a difference in her community! We had the amazing opportunity to have a conversation about her role and Women's History Month. Why do you work with the YMCA? I work with the YMCA because I believe that the organization really lives into its mission – offering programs for healthy spirit, mind, and body FOR ALL. Really living into that mission “for all” is what keeps me inspired to support the work of the YMCA. You are actively making an impact through your work. What does it mean to you to be part of this movement and to create lasting change for families? I consider part of my personal purpose in life to be of service and to be welcoming. So to be a part of the YMCA and the amazing work happening to serve people at so many different levels, as well the Y’s efforts in creating welcoming spaces in our community, is all truly important to me, and allows me to give back in a way that is in alignment with my own values and purpose. As a board member of the YMCA, you help shape the organization’s impact in the community. How does your role allow you to support the next generation, especially young women who are striving for success? As part of the Board, I try to offer my insights that can help the YMCA make decisions regarding strategy, vision, and impact. And I am always thinking of the next generation of leaders through my work at Sacred Heart Center, whether that is through succession planning, mentoring, working with area college students, or working with my own young students that I teach dance to, as part of the Sacred Heart Center’s dance program. Collaboration is key to driving change. How have partnerships helped strengthen opportunities for families in our community? Sacred Heart Center is built on collaborations. Most of our wonderful programs that our team implements are done in collaboration with other organizations, or with the support of volunteers. With this said, sustaining an impactful partnership also takes work. Meaningful partnerships, when done in a way that benefits those involved and the larger community, allow everyone to win. For Women’s History Month, we’re celebrating those who are making history right now. What advice would you give to women looking to create meaningful change in their communities? Start from where you are, with what you have. It may not be perfect, but starting is the key here. That first step is sometimes the most difficult, but the momentum will make the steps after that a bit easier.

We are so excited to welcome Daniel Araujo, CPA , as the Chief Financial Officer for the YMCA OF GREATER RICHMOND. Mr. Araujo brings a wealth of experience from his work with global non-profits and government agencies, demonstrating a proven track record of strategic financial leadership. With over 10 years of experience in high-stakes environments, Mr. Araujo's diverse background also includes significant roles in finance, policy analysis, and operations, including working with the Virginia Department of Health and co-founding the Whole Word Institute. Join us in welcoming Daniel to the YMCA!

Work turns to play when you join the YMCA OF GREATER RICHMOND team! You have the ability to make a difference in a camper's life, and enjoy the benefits of a job where FUN is part of the mission. Apply to be a summer celebrity here: https://lnkd.in/eDEsDrYG #SummerCelebrity2025

Have you checked your fill line on your car today? It might be time to fill up again! When you do, go to one of these four RaceWay locations (and gasoline pump stations) and you'll be donating right back to the YMCA OF GREATER RICHMOND! 5600 Jeff Davis Hwy 6333 Midlothian Trnpk 1900 W Hundred Rd 1740 E Hundred Rd

It's GAME ON! Don't even consider not putting gaga ball on your bucket list for this summer. Dodge, weave, and achieve with summer camp at the YMCA OF GREATER RICHMOND! https://bit.ly/Y_Day_Camp #SummerBucketList2025

As Executive Director of Communities In Schools of Chesterfield and a board member at Manchester Family YMCA, Ashley Hall consistently makes a difference in her community! We had the amazing opportunity to have a conversation about her role and Women's History Month. Why do you work with the YMCA? I work with the YMCA because I believe in its mission to strengthen communities through programs that promote youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility. As someone deeply committed to supporting students and families through my work with Communities In Schools of Chesterfield, I see the YMCA as a vital partner in creating opportunities for young people to thrive. The Y’s commitment to equity and access aligns with my passion for ensuring that every child, regardless of background, has the support they need to succeed. As a board member of the YMCA, you help shape the organization’s impact in the community. How does your role allow you to support the next generation, especially young women who are striving for success? As a board member of the YMCA, I have the privilege of helping shape programs and initiatives that create opportunities for young people to grow, lead, and succeed. This role allows me to advocate for resources, mentorship, and leadership development opportunities—especially for young women who are striving to reach their full potential. Representation matters, and I hope that by serving in this capacity, I can inspire the next generation of female leaders to pursue their goals. For Women’s History Month, we’re celebrating those who are making history right now. What advice would you give to women looking to create meaningful change in their communities? My advice to women looking to create meaningful change in their communities is to start where they are and lead with passion and purpose. Change doesn’t always happen overnight, but every effort—big or small—makes a difference. Build strong relationships, seek out mentors, and don’t be afraid to use your voice to advocate for what matters. Surround yourself with people who uplift and inspire you, and remember that leadership isn’t about having all the answers—it’s about listening, learning, and taking action. Most importantly, believe in the impact you can make. Your perspective, experiences, and commitment are powerful tools for driving lasting change.

From crisis to thriving, YMCA OF GREATER RICHMOND is helping to meet the needs of individuals by providing assistance that focus on connecting people to services within the community. Help1RVA.org is your next first step!

"Sometimes you have to start at the very beginning to recall when they first discovered their love for swimming. This community would be the foundation for the start of the next 11-plus years of growth and achievement in the water. At the Chester Family YMCA, CRA, Quest, Mag Green, Woodlake, Hampton Park, ECUSD, JMUSD, and UMWSD, they were so little, and I am amazed by their incredible progress and potential. They not only enjoyed swimming, but they also made some of the best friends along the way. I am beyond proud of them and all that they have accomplished in and out of the water." Casey Brown, Parent of a YMCA Swimmer.