Welcome to the Today is the Day Changemakers Podcast, episode 24, 'YMCA Roundtable' with Ernie Lamour, President & CEO - Ridgewood YMCA, Diana Zita, CEO - Hamilton Area YMCA, Laurie Goganzer, President & CEO - YMCA of Greater Monmouth County.
In this episode we have three incredible changemakers sharing their journey to leadership. There are some true circle of life stories here and that was by mere coincidence.
Ernest Lamour is the President and CEO of the Ridgewood YMCA. His story is a true circle of life story. Listen in as he shares about being born in Haiti, how his Dad said he could be only go to three places when he was a kid, School, church and the Y.
Laurie Goganzer is a cause-driven leader with nearly 30 years of experience in the YMCA movement, She has helped to bring life-changing programs to people in New Jersey, New York, and California. Laurie is President and CEO of the YMCA of Greater Monmouth County, one of the largest YMCAs in New Jersey, following a merger in 2019 under her leadership.
Diana Zita began her career working at major investment banks on Wall Street. Her desire to advocate for social equality and serve community brought her back to her hometown of Hamilton where she became the first female CEO of the Hamilton Area YMCA in 66 years.
Do you know all the programs and services your local YMCA offers? If not, these three CEO's from three different areas of NJ share some of the similarities and differences amongst their organizations. As the saying goes, the Y is so much more than a gym and swim.
Listen in as these leaders share how their organizations not only pivoted during the pandemic, but truly listened to the needs of the communities they served. The community counted on them in different ways during this crucial time.
Now, they are all working to bring back staff and programming as restrictions continue to be lifted from the pandemic and their members are excited to get back to utilizing their memberships.
We discussed many different topics in this episode, including the topic of social justice and education. Take a listen at 52:56 to hear more on how each one of these YMCA's are ensuring that the conversation continues.
There are many laughs shared and some very serious topics discussed in this longer episode. What you will hear are three people who truly care about their roles in the community, their internal and external clients, and the importance of making a difference in their corners of the world.
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On the next episode of the Today is the Day Changemakers Podcast, I welcome M. Quentin Williams - Founder & CEO, Dedication to Community (D2C). D2C educates and empowers communities through skills-building workshops and ongoing forums designed to improve understanding and foster relationships while pursuing healing, reconciliation and unity. Its experts work with government agencies and the private sector by training and advising on critical issues in public safety and law enforcement, as well as diversity, belonging and equity.
Have a great week everyone!