(Y) Connect Podcast Allison Toller, Zarinah Winston & Robert Wright
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- Health & Fitness
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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 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, Alli
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Ep. 37 - A Global Dialogue with YMCA South Africa CEO Marcus Van Wyk
With a presence in 120 countries serving 64 million people, today we’re exploring the Y’s global impact. And when we work together, the impact is exponential. One such example is the YMCA of Metro Atlanta’s partnership with YMCA South Africa. Today we are honored to welcome Marcus Van Wyk, CEO of YMCA South Africa to the (Y) Connect podcast. Marcus is a dynamic leader who has spent his career dedicated to social justice and youth development and who emphasizes that the overarching goal of both the South African Y and the US Ys remains the same: to provide a safe place and positively impact children's lives.
IN THIS EPISODE:
[1:43] Introduction to Marcus Van Wyk, CEO of the YMCA in South Africa.
[3:44] Marcus describes his venture as CEO since 2022.
[6:27] What are the differences and similarities between the YMCA US and the YMCA South Africa?
[8:44] Marcus states how working with the Y Coalition is different from working with others coming from the West.
[11:52] Marcus gives examples of programs and outreach done by the Y in South Africa, and he explains the effect that Covid has had in South Africa.
[18:20] Marcus speaks to the nation’s history and the current social dynamics of South Africa, and he explains the most pressing issues facing young people.
[23:30] Marcus discusses how people can get involved to help and what he sees for the future of the Y and South Africa.
[28:27] Marcus shares heartfelt stories of Y’s impact and his thoughts on a partnership between the Y in South Africa and the Atlanta Hawks.
KEY TAKEAWAYS:
[6:01] The difference between YMCA South Africa and the YMCA US is that in the US, there is a swimming gym model that is reliant on membership to fund, and South Africa does not. The similarities are that both impact people's lives in a positive way.
[8:36] Working with the Y Association/Coalition has been positive for the Y in South Africa because it is a true partnership with support to strengthen the capacity to deliver the mission.
[11:47] Many Ys in South Africa focus on youth justice, student accommodations, hostels, wellness programs, training, and university partnerships.
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
South Africa YMCA - 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 Governm -
Pathway to the (Y) - Jax Rupert, Jennifer Mullen, and Family
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.
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Ep. 36 - A Multi-Generational Dive into Swim Lessons
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.
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Pathway to the (Y) - Marc Welsh
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. -
Ep. 35: Championing Child Advocacy Together
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. -
Pathway to the (Y) - Bella Rayfield, Tracy Prosper Fussell, Courtney Henneghan, Erika Swales
This week on the Pathway to the (Y), we are joined by some of the amazing team of the Reach and Rise mentor program and a mentee. Today, you’ll hear from mentee, Bella Rayfield and her mother, Courtney Henneghan as well as Program Director, Erika Swales and Mentor, Tracy Fussell. Tune into this episode to hear their personal connections to the Y and the Reach and Rise mentorship program.
IN THIS EPISODE:
[0:56] Reach and Rise mentee, Bella, shares how her grandparents introduced her to the Y.
[1:30] Courtney, Bella’s mom, became involved with the Y through the Reach and Rise program.
[2:15] Tracy Prosper’s daughter recommended becoming a mentor for the Y’s Reach and Rise program. Tracy shares that the training process made her involvement in the program a ‘no brainer’.
[4:45] Erika began volunteering at the Y in Canada before relocating to Kennesaw, GA. In fact, she recently found her volunteer certificate that she proudly displays in her office. Everytime she relocates, she joins a Y and has been involved ever since.
KEY TAKEAWAYS:
The Y’s Reach and Rise program goes beyond attendance, it fosters relationships, community, and experiences.
Reach and Rise mentors go through a detailed training process to best support their mentees.
There are YMCA’s in many communities to get involved in.
RESOURCE LINKS:
Facebook: YMCA Metro Atlanta
Linkedin: YMCA Metro Atlanta
Twitter: YMCA Metro Atlanta
Website: YMCA Metro Atlanta
YMCA Atlanta Membership - Website
BIOGRAPHIES:
Bella Rayfield, a Reach & Rise mentee, is 15 years old and a freshman in high school. Bella likes to listen to music and dance. She also plays sports and says she likes attending live events. At the Y she takes Zumba and sometimes helps with painting on the Y greeting wall and packs food. In her spare time, she attends events at school and her favorite moments in the Reach and Rise program so far have been going to a Braves game and attending Camp High Harbor.
Tracy Prosper Fussell, Reach & Rise mentor, is an Appeals & Grievance Nurse for a Fortune 500 corporation, transitioning from a background in Pediatric Nursing. As a first-generation Haitian-American, born in New York and raised in Florida, Tracy brings a rich cultural perspective to her work and life. A devoted mother of three, plus a bonus son, Tracy also serves as a Life Coach and Mentor, empowering others to discover their potential.
The parent of Bella, Courtney Henneghan, has a degree in public administration and currently works for the state of Georgia as a project consultant, though she previously worked with youth in foster care and special education. She enjoys reading, painting, and dyeing Bella's hair wild colors.
Erika Swales is the Y’s Reach & Rise Mentorship Program Director. With a Bachelor's degree in French and Italian and a Master’s Degree in European culture, Erika was born and raised in England. Early on, she joined the Y as a member, where she participated in fitness classes and volunteered. In 2013, she began working part-time at the Northwest Cobb Family Y in the children’s play center and was later promoted full-time as the Family Programs Coordinator. In 2019, she became the Y’s Youth Development Director and in 2022, she transitioned into the role of Reach & Rise Mentorship Program Director.