2023 Michigan YMCA Leaders Conference
October 26, 2023
lansing Center
Welcome to the 2023 Michigan Y Leaders Conference
Y Leaders,
This is a very short message from Fran.
Fran Talsma
CEO, State Alliance of Michigan YMCAs
Conference Agenda
8:00-8:45 am | Registration Starts |
8:45-9:05 am | Welcome & Opening Remarks |
9:05-9:45 am | YMCA Professional Networks |
10:00-10:50 am | Breakout Session 1 |
11:00-11:45 am | Keynote Speaker |
11:45 am-12:00 pm | Youth Speaker |
12:00-12:45 pm | Lunch & Celebrations |
12:50-1:40 pm | Breakout Session 2 |
1:50-2:40 pm | Breakout Session 3 |
2:45-3:00 pm | Closing Remarks & Prizes |
Keynote
Scott Arizala
Scott is one of the leading experts and trainers on kids, leadership, and the experience of summer camp. He is the CEO of The Camp Counselor, a consulting and training company working with hundreds of camps and thousands of staff & administrators across the country and abroad. He is the Founder and Chairman of Chasing Summer, an organization dedicated to creating access for people with autism in recreation and education and is a pioneering faculty member of Expert Online Training, the world’s leader in online training for camp staff. He is a regular contributor to ACA’s Camping Magazine and is the author of the best-selling book on summer camp and youth development, S'more Than Camp and contributing editor of Happiness, Diversity & Autism: Practical Strategies for Inclusion. Check out his website www.TheCampCounselor.com for more information.
Networking Groups
101 | Branch Directors |
102 | Health & Wellness |
103 | Fund Development |
104 | Teens |
201 | Childcare / Out of School |
202 | Aquatics |
203/204 | Camping |
205 | Membership & Marketing |
Govenor’s Rm | Youth & Adult Sports |
Board Rm 1 | Human Resources |
Board Rm 2 | Outreach |
Banquet West | CEOs |
Banquet West | Finance |
Banquet East | Information Technology |
Banquet East | Property Managers |
Breakout 1
101 | Y-USA Leading Practices: Our Business Model Presented by Joe Kovalcheck and Curtis Lemieux, YMCA of the USA |
102 | Behavior and Mental Health Supports in Youth Development Presented by Lauren Savage, YMCA of Metropolitan Detroit |
103 | Let’s Chat Social: Understanding Social Media for Multipurpose Use Presented by Tanjae Chairse, YMCA of Metropolitan Detroit |
104 | Conflict Management as a Y Employee Presented by Sara Cole, Duluth Area Family YMCA |
203/204 | Upgrade Your Meetings, Unlock Your Impact: Intro to Conversation Design Presented by Kashay Sanders, Microsoft |
205 | Current State of YMCA Aquatics Presented by Lindsey Mondick, YMCA of the USA |
Y-USA Leading Practices: Our Business Model
Presented by Joe Kovalcheck and Curtis Lemieux, YMCA of the USA
In 2021, the Y identified the need to evolve our business model to better align with our mission. A group of 14 local Y thought leaders, representing diverse Ys from across the Movement, was assembled to focus on helping the Movement improve financial success and sustainability so that all Ys can continue to deliver mission-driven programs and services to communities. In partnership with one of the nation's leading organizational change management agencies, McKinsey & Company, internal and external research was conducted across three core business models: membership, school-age child care, and government funding. This analysis revealed that while there is no “silver-bullet” to alleviate the challenges we are facing, an optimization of our business model can provide the Y a sustainable and transformational future. This is a great session for anyone interested in the future of our business model and will act as a precursor to an afternoon deep dive on Membership.
About Joe Kovalcheck
Joe Kovalcheck (he/him) is a seasoned YMCA professional with more than 20 years of experience serving local Ys in Michigan, Colorado, and North Carolina. With more than 12 years in executive and senior leadership roles, Joe has a passion and history for activating local Y leaders in order to build strong, sustainable, and impact-driven YMCAs. Throughout Joe's tenure with the YMCA, he has built a reputation for improving member experience and engagement by focusing on one of the Y's greatest assets: our people. He has been instrumental in leading several leadership development initiatives that have resulted in improved customer service, membership acquisition, and deeper staff connection to our cause. Core to his beliefs is the idea that 'building belonging' is critical to the Y's membership model, serving as the foundation for which the rest of our work is built. As a DEI champion, Joe has worked closely on several YMCA initiatives, including Boys & Young Men of Color, New American Welcome Centers, and on the Philippines Coalition as part of the Youth-Led Solutions cohort. Joe holds a Bachelor's degree in Commercial Recreation from Michigan State University and is a certified trainer in Dimensions of Diversity and Living Our Cause. When Joe is not at the Y, he enjoys running, hiking, kayaking, gardening, and spending time with his family: his wife (Shannon), daughter (Ayla), and dog (Fitz).
About Curtis Lemieux
At Y-USA Curtis collaborates with thought leaders throughout the movement that are experts in Out of School Time to develop program practices that improve quality in afterschool, early care and day camp.
Prior to his current role at Y-USA, Curtis spent 13 years at the YMCA of Greater Houston in various roles within Youth Development. He was most recently serving as the Executive Director of Youth Development where he helped to create strategy and improve program quality of nearly 200 afterschool locations, 13 Early Care Sites and 25 Day Camps and Summer Learning Academies. Curtis was able to create partnerships and sustain grant funded programs that impacted the lives of thousands of youth.
Before joining the YMCA of Greater Houston, Curtis was a proud Program Director at Camp Hazen YMCA where he helped to run operations of the Summer Camp and year-round Youth and Family programs.
Curtis holds a master's degree in business administration from the University of New Haven and a bachelor's in education from Boston University He is also a graduate of the National Outdoor Leadership School.
Behavior and Mental Health Supports in Youth Development
Presented by Lauren Savage, YMCA of Metropolitan Detroit
Implementing behavior and mental health strategies and initiatives in youth development programs greatly contributes to participant and program success. Discover how the YMCA of Metro Detroit began implementing programming, tools, and communication strategies at a low cost to improve program quality and participant experience.
About Lauren Savage
Lauren has worked for the Y of Metro Detroit for 9 years. She received her social work degrees while working in multiple realms and roles in youth development. Lauren is currently the Regional Behavior and Mental Health Director and supports with behavioral health supports and staff training. She is also a youth therapist.
Let's Chat Social: Understanding Social Media for Multipurpose Use
Presented by Tanjae Chairse, YMCA of Metropolitan Detroit
Social media is a powerful tool that connects, inspires, educates, and entertains people from all over. When combined with a great cause and proper understanding of usage, social media can help people find purpose and community. This workshop will discuss practical ways to ensure your social media channels are an extension of your brand and community. We will understand our role and responsibilities online, discover which platform best works for your organization, and learn best practices for sharing online as an individual and team.
About Tanjae Chairse
With the help of the Central Michigan University Journalism program (Fire Up Chips), Tanjae Chairse, also known as TJ, is a multifaceted marketing professional whose expertise involves all things social media. For the last three years, TJ has cultivated their love for connecting in digital spaces into a career in social media. Through storytelling and understanding of trends, TJ has developed online communities in the cannabis and non-profit sectors while building efficient processes that ensure success. Fun fact: When TJ is not leading the charge as the YMCA of Metropolitan Detroit's social media guru, they can be found spinning tunes as a traveling DJ around the Detroit area.
Conflict Management as a Y Employee
Presented by Sara Cole, Duluth Area Family YMCA
Wherever two or more people come together, there is bound to be conflict. However, conflict isn't a bad word! This discussion based breakout will focus on skills in solution building, finding common ground, and courageous conversations.
About Sara Cole
Sara Cole is proud to be the first female President & CEO of the Duluth Area Family YMCA where she leads an innovative group of change agents to offer programs and services to communities across Northern Minnesota. Sara began her Y career in the Community Services branch of the YMCA of Greater Cincinnati, and then served as the Senior Vice President of Program Development & Innovation at the YMCA of Greater Rochester in New York. Sara is deeply committed to the furthering the work of diversity, equity, and inclusion, and is proud to work with YMCAs across the state, and nationally, to improve program services for all people. Under Sara’s leadership, the Duluth Area Family YMCA has deepened local and national partnerships, increased its food access work, and opened its newest branch in the fall of 2019. The Duluth Area Family YMCA serves as a Regional Hub for twelve states, and Sara leads the Duluth YMCA’s national Service Delivery Partner Work in the areas of early education, teen programming, day camp, afterschool, aquatics, facilities, risk management, and finance. Under her leadership, the Y has expanded its shared services portfolio to partner with eight Associations in Minnesota and South Dakota. A professor of literature and feminist theory, Sara is a licensed novice wildlife rehabilitator who spends her free time lifting heavy weights, reading big books, and exploring Duluth with her husband, Andrew, and their feisty pug, Dracula.
Upgrade Your Meetings, Unlock Your Impact: Intro to Conversation Design
Presented by Kashay Sanders, Microsoft
How do you design and lead conversations in everyday work?
We know what it's like to be in an engaging, informative, and generative conversation--and yet, when running work meetings, we often don't tap into that understanding. This results in people being unclear on why they were invited, how to meaningfully contribute during the meeting, or next steps post-meeting. Thus, poorly planned meetings aren't just potential time vacuums, they can also undermine the healthy culture you're aiming to build.
Come to this session to learn and workshop a simple framework you can use to elevate the quality of your everyday work conversations for greater impact and a more resilient team and organizational culture.
Abouth Kashay Sanders
Kashay hails from New York City and received her B.A. from Dartmouth College in Women's & Gender Studies. Her career began in the social sector and included developing programming at a social enterprise focused on girls' empowerment in India, coaching and training low-income job seekers in NYC, and building learning experiences at a nonprofit aiming to end homelessness.
After receiving an MBA from the University of Michigan Ross School of Business, she pivoted into HR with a focus on learning & development. Now, at Microsoft, her remit is to revamp and better coordinate new hire onboarding efforts globally. While these experiences are diverse, all of them are united by her foundational passion for learning and curriculum development, facilitation, and team dynamics. Kashay is starting a business focused on making it easier for professionals to use facilitation tactics in everyday work meetings.
Current State of YMCA Aquatics
Presented by Lindsey Mondick, YMCA of the USA
Providing a safe aquatic environment is essential to our mission and viability. This session will provide Y professionals with information on trends in aquatics safety (from Y-USA reporting and industry data) and Aquatics Programming; tools and resources to help Ys prepare for the enhancements to the Aquatic Safety Membership Qualification; tips for preparing and engaging in assessments; and idea sharing on how to continue to elevate this topic to create a sustainable culture of safety in our aquatic environments.
About Lindsey Mondick
Lindsay Mondick is the Director of Aquatic Strategy and Quality Practices for YMCA of the USA (Y-USA – the national resource office for the 2,600 YMCAs across the country). She joined Y-USA in 2015 and maintains a portfolio of work related to aquatic safety, aquatic programming, drowning prevention and training. Lindsay is a national spokesperson for Y-USA relating to drowning prevention and water safety. She is a regular speaker at national conferences and represents the YMCA as an advocate for water safety and drowning prevention at the federal level. Prior to this, Lindsay was with the YMCA of Greater Twin Cities for 14 years in a variety of aquatic leadership roles, including Association strategy. She holds bachelor’s degrees in biology and psychology from the University of New Mexico.
Breakout 2
101 | Y-USA Leading Practices: Membership Presented by Joe Kovalcheck, YMCA of the USA |
102 | Activating the Next Generation of Volunteers Presented by Mandy Sharp Eizenger, the Johnson Center |
201 | Conflict Management as a Y Employee Presented by Sara Cole, Duluth Area Family YMCA |
203/204 | Connections With Our Cause Presented by Ariel Wilkerson, Kelly Stubbe, and Megan Wilk |
205 | Values-Centered Leadership: Closing Your "Values Intention-Perception" Gap to Elevate Your Leadership Presented by Lindiwe Lester |
Y-USA Leading Practices: Membership
Presented by Joe Kovalcheck, YMCA of the USA
The research completed in 2021 by Y-USA and McKinsey & Company suggested that the Y is experiencing an identity crisis. The different philosophies, language, strategies, and quality of experiences we provide is exacerbating a growing disconnect between us and the communities we serve - particularly in our largest service line: membership.
Join Joe Kovalcheck, Y-USA's Director of Membership Strategy & Quality Practices, as he digs deep into this topic to talk about the challenges and opportunities we have to redefine YMCA Membership in order to build long-term sustainability and transformational impact within our local Ys.
About Joe Kovalcheck
Joe Kovalcheck (he/him) is a seasoned YMCA professional with more than 20 years of experience serving local Ys in Michigan, Colorado, and North Carolina. With more than 12 years in executive and senior leadership roles, Joe has a passion and history for activating local Y leaders in order to build strong, sustainable, and impact-driven YMCAs. Throughout Joe's tenure with the YMCA, he has built a reputation for improving member experience and engagement by focusing on one of the Y's greatest assets: our people. He has been instrumental in leading several leadership development initiatives that have resulted in improved customer service, membership acquisition, and deeper staff connection to our cause. Core to his beliefs is the idea that 'building belonging' is critical to the Y's membership model, serving as the foundation for which the rest of our work is built. As a DEI champion, Joe has worked closely on several YMCA initiatives, including Boys & Young Men of Color, New American Welcome Centers, and on the Philippines Coalition as part of the Youth-Led Solutions cohort. Joe holds a Bachelor's degree in Commercial Recreation from Michigan State University and is a certified trainer in Dimensions of Diversity and Living Our Cause. When Joe is not at the Y, he enjoys running, hiking, kayaking, gardening, and spending time with his family: his wife (Shannon), daughter (Ayla), and dog (Fitz).
Activating the Next Generation of Volunteers
Presented by Mandy Sharp Eizenger, the Johnston Center
This interactive workshop will explore the evolving roles of volunteer managers — from trainer to facilitator, to energizer and evaluator — with research-based and participant-driven discussion on:
- Current trends and challenges affecting volunteerism in the U.S.
- Initiatives and strategies to promote and sustain a culture of volunteerism
- Tools, practices, and the ethics of technology to streamline operations and effectively manage volunteers
About Mandy Sharp Eizenger
Mandy Sharp Eizinger joined the Johnson Center as a program manager in April 2020. She facilitates sector-wide learning and professional development programs as part of the center’s learning services team. With a strengths-based approach to personal and organizational development (Developer, Connectedness, Belief, Responsibility, Empathy), Mandy is committed to facilitating meaningful and measurable results, whether supporting boards and youth advisory councils or advocating for wellbeing in the nonprofit sector. Mandy’s fieldwork on nonprofit wellbeing is recognized in Nonprofit Quarterly, Nonprofit Hub, the WGVU Morning Show with Shelly Irwin, Giving Compass, and The Chronicle of Philanthropy. You are likely to find her testing new team-building activities with the Johnson Center staff — and with a stack of post-its in her possession at all times. What drives Mandy is global to local connectedness. She served twelve years in nonprofit program management in Chicago, leading regional community engagement strategy with UNICEF USA’s education, advocacy, and fundraising programs. She led UNICEF USA’s Global Citizenship Fellowship program in national recruitment, training, coaching, and professional development — and is humbled to be among more than 75 fellows and alumni working in the social impact space around the world. She now serves on the Board of Directors at Treetops Collective, a cross-cultural organization that co-creates spaces of belonging for New American women in West Michigan. Mandy holds a Bachelor of Science in family community services from Michigan State University and a master’s degree in public service management from DePaul University. She is Adjunct Faculty at GVSU. Outside the Johnson Center, Mandy is likely spending time with her family and their rescue dog, eating ice cream, and playing in Lake Michigan.
Conflict Management as a Y Employee
Presented by Sara Cole, Duluth Area Family YMCA
Wherever two or more people come together, there is bound to be conflict. However, conflict isn't a bad word! This discussion based breakout will focus on skills in solution building, finding common ground, and courageous conversations.
About Sara Cole
Sara Cole is proud to be the first female President & CEO of the Duluth Area Family YMCA where she leads an innovative group of change agents to offer programs and services to communities across Northern Minnesota. Sara began her Y career in the Community Services branch of the YMCA of Greater Cincinnati, and then served as the Senior Vice President of Program Development & Innovation at the YMCA of Greater Rochester in New York. Sara is deeply committed to the furthering the work of diversity, equity, and inclusion, and is proud to work with YMCAs across the state, and nationally, to improve program services for all people. Under Sara’s leadership, the Duluth Area Family YMCA has deepened local and national partnerships, increased its food access work, and opened its newest branch in the fall of 2019. The Duluth Area Family YMCA serves as a Regional Hub for twelve states, and Sara leads the Duluth YMCA’s national Service Delivery Partner Work in the areas of early education, teen programming, day camp, afterschool, aquatics, facilities, risk management, and finance. Under her leadership, the Y has expanded its shared services portfolio to partner with eight Associations in Minnesota and South Dakota. A professor of literature and feminist theory, Sara is a licensed novice wildlife rehabilitator who spends her free time lifting heavy weights, reading big books, and exploring Duluth with her husband, Andrew, and their feisty pug, Dracula
Connections With Our Cause
Presented by Ariel Wilkerson, Kelly Stubbe, and Megan Wilk
Discovering your connection for the cause of the Y is a personal journey. Through that journey you build your personal and professional network. In this workshop leaders will share how they built their networks and connected more deeply to the mission of the Y, developing new skills, and growing personally and professionally.
About Kelly Stubbe
Kelly is a graduate of Central Michigan University with a Bachelor of Science in Child Development and Psychology with an emphasis in Recreation. Kelly has been with the Y movement since 2011. She started her journey as a Day Camp Counselor and is now an Executive Director within the YMCA of Metropolitan Detroit. She serves as the Executive Director for the Birmingham Family YMCA and works to advance the Y mission through effective operations, ongoing staff and volunteer development, and community collaboration.
About Megan Wilk
With a passion for fostering community impact, Megan joined the YMCA of Greater Grand Rapids team in 2016 as a member of the Grants team. In 2018 Megan made the jump to HR in a role focusing on recruitment and employee engagement. Several years later Megan now serves as the Talent Acquisition & Engagement Director for the Grand Rapids Association. Megan served on the YMCA of the USA’s Emerging Leader Resource Network’s National Steering Committee for three years, is entering her third year of leading the Michigan YMCA HR Peer Network, has served as the chair of the Grand Rapids YMCA Employee Recognition Committee since 2017, is a trainer for the YMCA of the USA’s Leading People course, helped start the first local ERG in Grand Rapids in 2022, and holds a Team Leader Certification from the YMCA of the USA and a Masters Degree in Public Administration from Grand Valley State University.
About Ariel Wilkerson
Ariel Wilkerson currently serves as the Association Director of Diversity, Inclusion, Equity and Global for the YMCA of Metropolitan Detroit. She has been a leader within the Y Movement for 9 years. Ariel began her journey with the YMCA after a career in professional and collegiate sports, bringing her skills of experiential marketing to the nonprofit sector. She is a graduate of Grand Valley State University and native Detroiter. Ariel prides herself on being a professional relationship builder and actively works to build stronger inclusive communities for future generations.
Values-Centered Leadership: Closing Your "Values Intention-Perception" Gap to Elevate Your Leadership
Presented by Lindiwe Lester
Reciting our Y Core Values is easy and memorable, but do we have the audacity to live them out loud as leaders? Legacy building calls us to constantly gain clarity on the values that ground our lives then attend to closing any gaps between our intentions to live them and the reality of how we live them (perceptions of others). Engaging, thought provoking, and actionable approaches to elevate your leadership on your legacy journey.
About Lindiwe Lester
Lindiwe Stovall Lester, M.Ed., Ed.S. is committed to sharing what she has learned over 40 years as a nonprofit leader and executive coach. She hopes to impact the quality of leadership among those at the middle and top organizational levels because of their potential to positively impact communities and the world. A retired YMCA senior executive, she is also certified to coach emotional intelligence, executive presence, and behavior analytics. Lindiwe is author of The Everyday Leader: Masterfully Lead the People Who MUST Report to You (2022) and the upcoming The People Smart Leader: Five Keys to Inspire Others to Do Their Best Work (2024).
Breakout 3
101 | Out of School Time Barrier Busters and Curriculum Tools Presented by CurtiS Lemieux & Lee Anna Massey |
102 | Engaging the Next Generation of Community Presented by Nicole Richard, Michigan Youth in Government |
103 | The Future of Reimbursements: Membership, Programs & Social Needs Presented by Kelli DeLong, Tina Swanton, and Adrienne Davenport |
201 | Body Inclusivity at the Y Presented by Sara Cole, Duluth Area Family YMCA |
203/204 | Upgrade Your Meetings, Unlock Your Impact: Intro to Conversation Design Presented by Kashay Sanders, Microsoft |
205 | Ask an Executive: Picking the Brains of Y Leaders Presented by Brandon Dreffs, Igor Iovanovich, Becca Schnetzer, and Helene Weir |
Out of School Time Barrier Busters and Curriculum Tools
Presented by Lee Anna Massey
This session will discuss curriculum resources for Out of School Time (OST) providers of before and after as well as summer day camp. As a group, we will discuss barriers and challenges that OST providers face and support each other with barrier busters.
About Lee Anna Massey
Lee Anna Massey, a graduate of The Ohio State University, has spent her 17 year YMCA career working in Out of School Time and Early Childhood Education in multiple capacities from teaching to supervising. Prior to working with the YMCA, she was a middle school math and science teacher. She is a graduate of YUSA's Multicultural Executive Development Institute and is passionate about growing other Y leaders and programs. She currently works as the Out of School Time Curriculum Specialist for the State Alliance of Michigan YMCAs.
Engaging the Next Generation of Community
Presented by Nicole Richard, Michigan Youth in Government
Come explore the possibilities with us of engaging your teens directly in the democratic process through the Youth in Government program! Students take the lead at our conferences and discuss today's most pressing issues that they are passionate about through a simulation of the state legislative process. Watch as they develop personal and professional skills that they then use to make their own communities a better place!
About Nicole Richard
Nicole Richard is from Detroit, MI and attended Detroit Public Schools. She is a graduate from Ferris State University with a BS in Marketing and from the University of Phoenix with an MBA. Nicole has a lengthy career in education and youth work, which is a great passion of hers. For several years, Nicole worked for the Metro Youth YMCA as a Director of School Based Programming and later as the Executive Director. She currently serves as the Outreach Coordinator for YMCA Michigan Youth in Government and they are ecstatic to have someone with her experience, professionalism and kindness on the team!
The Future of Reimbursements: Membership, Programs & Social Needs
Presented by Kelli DeLong, Tina Swanton, and Adrienne Davenport
Calling all you changemakers! Do you wish you had more dollars flowing into your Y? Want to expand your reach outside of your walls? We are at a critical stage in sustainability where your leadership can make a difference. Join us to discuss the future of reimbursements and how you can be a part of the next phase of partnering for sustainability to include memberships, programs and social needs.
About Kelli Delong
Kelli serves Michigan YMCAs in Evidence-Based Health Interventions. With a Masters in Health Administration from Grand Valley State University, she is focused on the innovative scaling of chronic disease prevention programs across the state as well as conquering sustainability. Prior to working for the Y, Kelli spent eight years with the Trinity Health system working alongside providers in the hospital and primary care setting before diving into the community benefit and non-profit sector when she worked to reduce Social Determinants of Health in her community. The top item on Kelli's bucket list is to be able to fly a jet on her own.
About Tina Swanton
Tina is the CEO for the Saginaw Community Food Club and Kitchen. This is a new role to build and open a new facility in Saginaw County to offer healthy food options in a way all can afford. For the last 4 years Tina worked as the Director of Program Development for the Michigan Health Improvement Alliance (MiHIA). In this role Tina focused on Food System Improvements along with preventable programs such as Diabetes Prevention and Blood Pressure Self-Monitoring through partnerships with amazing organizations such as MDHHS, the YMCA State Alliance and the Muskegon YMCA. Previously, Tina worked for the YMCA’s for about 15 years. She started her Y career in Grand Rapids, spent some time at a Y in Boulder, Colorado, and last with the YMCA of Saginaw where she still fills in and helps out from time to time. Tina has her Master’s Degree from the University of Kentucky in Kinesiology and Health Promotion. Tina lives in Saginaw with her husband, who she met at the Y, and her 2 children. Tina loves to be active and outdoors. Her favorite thing is spending time in northern Michigan and enjoying all the state has to offer.
About Adrienne Davenport
Adrienne works at the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services in the Diabetes & Kidney Unit as a diabetes prevention consultant. She has worked in this role for the last 4 years, focusing on diabetes prevention, community-clinical linkages, community engagement, and networking to maximize chronic disease prevention. Included in this work, she has had the pleasure of working with the State Alliance and Muskegon YMCA, as well as the Michigan Health Improvement Alliance. Previously, she worked at the Michigan Department of Education in school nutrition and in nutrition communications for public relations organizations. She has a master’s degree from the University of Michigan and is a registered dietitian/nutritionist. Adrienne lives in Mason with her husband and 2 kids. She loves running and squeezing in weight training a few times a week, along with the occasional kayak or cross-country ski jaunt. Her first gym membership was to the Oak Park YMCA in South Lansing.
Body Inclusivity at the Y
Presented by Sara Cole, Duluth Area Family YMCA
As a Human centered organization, we owe it to our communities to lead with empathy, understanding and inclusion. This breakout will focus body inclusivity at the Y, supporting a growth mindset in operations. Join the conversation!
About Sara Cole
Sara Cole is proud to be the first female President & CEO of the Duluth Area Family YMCA where she leads an innovative group of change agents to offer programs and services to communities across Northern Minnesota. Sara began her Y career in the Community Services branch of the YMCA of Greater Cincinnati, and then served as the Senior Vice President of Program Development & Innovation at the YMCA of Greater Rochester in New York. Sara is deeply committed to the furthering the work of diversity, equity, and inclusion, and is proud to work with YMCAs across the state, and nationally, to improve program services for all people. Under Sara’s leadership, the Duluth Area Family YMCA has deepened local and national partnerships, increased its food access work, and opened its newest branch in the fall of 2019. The Duluth Area Family YMCA serves as a Regional Hub for twelve states, and Sara leads the Duluth YMCA’s national Service Delivery Partner Work in the areas of early education, teen programming, day camp, afterschool, aquatics, facilities, risk management, and finance. Under her leadership, the Y has expanded its shared services portfolio to partner with eight Associations in Minnesota and South Dakota. A professor of literature and feminist theory, Sara is a licensed novice wildlife rehabilitator who spends her free time lifting heavy weights, reading big books, and exploring Duluth with her husband, Andrew, and their feisty pug, Dracula.
Upgrade Your Meetings, Unlock Your Impact: Intro to Conversation Design
Presented by Kashay Sanders, Microsoft
How do you design and lead conversations in everyday work?
We know what it's like to be in an engaging, informative, and generative conversation--and yet, when running work meetings, we often don't tap into that understanding. This results in people being unclear on why they were invited, how to meaningfully contribute during the meeting, or next steps post-meeting. Thus, poorly planned meetings aren't just potential time vacuums, they can also undermine the healthy culture you're aiming to build.
Come to this session to learn and workshop a simple framework you can use to elevate the quality of your everyday work conversations for greater impact and a more resilient team and organizational culture.
Abouth Kashay Sanders
Kashay hails from New York City and received her B.A. from Dartmouth College in Women's & Gender Studies. Her career began in the social sector and included developing programming at a social enterprise focused on girls' empowerment in India, coaching and training low-income job seekers in NYC, and building learning experiences at a nonprofit aiming to end homelessness.
After receiving an MBA from the University of Michigan Ross School of Business, she pivoted into HR with a focus on learning & development. Now, at Microsoft, her remit is to revamp and better coordinate new hire onboarding efforts globally. While these experiences are diverse, all of them are united by her foundational passion for learning and curriculum development, facilitation, and team dynamics. Kashay is starting a business focused on making it easier for professionals to use facilitation tactics in everyday work meetings.
Ask an Executive: Picking the Brains of Y Leaders
Presented by Brandon Dreffs, Igor Iovanovich, and Helene Weir
We’ve gathered 4 executives of varied backgrounds and experience to sit down and answers questions about professionalism, career development, things you wish you would have done differently at the beginning of your career, and more! Bring your questions and pick the brains of some of our Y leaders!
About Brandon Dreffs
Brandon Dreffs has been with the YMCA of Greater Flint – Camp Copneconic for 22 years, starting as an Overnight Summer Camp Counselor. In late 2020 and 2021 he also gained the opportunity to reopen the Pierson Rd. YMCA facility for a year following the COVID shutdowns. You’re probably shocked to hear that outside of his work at Camp, he loves spending time outdoors and with his family. He has two sons currently ages 7 and 5 and Brandon has just entered the “travel-soccer-parent” phase of life. He and his wife are accepting well-wishes and prayers.
About Igor Iovanovich
Igor Iovanovich began his YMCA career as a supervisor at the Philadelphia Freedom Valley YMCA in 2013. In the past 10 years, Igor has grown his career within the YMCA and has claimed the ranks holding the positions of: Program director, Senior Program Director, Associate Executive Director, and Executive Director, where he successfully opened the Hallandale Beach branch with the YMCA of South Florida. During his time working in operations, he never lost sight of his true passion and broke into Human Resources world during his last year with the YMCA of South Florida, where he became the HR Director for the association. His latest career move landed him in Grand Rapids, Michigan in the Summer of 2023 where he is currently the Vice President of People, Culture and Belonging. Igor was born and raised in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil before he came to the United States on a swimming scholarship in 2011. Igor holds two bachelor’s degrees, one in Business Administration (2009) and another in Human Resources Management (2021). In 2019 he graduated from the MECA (Multicultural Executive Career Advancement) and early 2023 from the MEDI (Multicultural Executive Development Institute) cohort. Both distinguished achievements through the YUSA MLD (Multicultural Leadership Development) department. Throughout the years, Igor has participated in a variety of YUSA projects, advisory boards, and committees. Currently he serves in the YUSA National Hispanic Latino Network Steering Committee.
About becca schnetzer
Becca is the Executive Director at the State Alliance of Michigan YMCAs. In this role she provides strategic and operational support to YMCAs through Michigan. In addition, Becca manages the Indiana and Michigan Service Hub, project management and programmatic consultation for 68 YMCAs associations and 159 YMCA branches in Indiana and Michigan. Prior to this role she was the Chief Operating Officer at the Ann Arbor YMCA, where she spent 22 years in almost every YMCA role, from seasonal camp counselor to the Membership Director to Vice President of Youth Development.
Becca grew up in northern Ohio and spent her undergraduate and graduate years at Bowling Green State University studying Sociology and Recreation. She lives in Dexter, Michigan with her husband Josh and their two children. Becca tries to be outside as much as possible, whether it is walking for exercise, hiking with the family or gardening. Becca also enjoys traveling, genealogy and baking.
About Helene Weir
Helene Weir became President and CEO at the YMCA of Metropolitan Detroit in 2019. She comes to the Y with 35 years of experience in the nonprofit world, most recently serving as Vice President, working within the Large YMCA Resources department of the YMCA of the USA. She and the Large YMCA Resources team were responsible for supporting YMCAs so that they could maintain long term sustainability, evolving relevance and community impact. Prior to the YMCA of the USA, Weir served as President and CEO at YMCA Calgary, CEO of the Westport Weston Family YMCA in Westport, CT, and Senior Vice President of Operations at the Valley of the Sun YMCA in Phoenix, AZ. Weir holds a BA and a BEd from Acadia University and Certificate in Non-Profit Leadership & Management from Arizona State University.
Champions Award Recipient
Richard
Lower
Director, Office of Preschool and
Out-of-School Time Learning,
Michigan Department of Education
Honoring your support of Michigan YMCAs to serve Michigan youth in out of school time programs.
Champions Award Recipient
The Honorable Will Snyder
State Representative, Michigan 87th District
Honoring your support of Michigan YMCAs to serve youth, families and communities throughout Michigan.
Champions Award Recipient
The Honorable Rick Outman
State Senator, Michigan 33rd District
Honoring your support of Michigan YMCAs to serve youth, families and communities throughout Michigan.
Legacy Champions Award Recipient
The Honorable Debbie Stabenow
United States Senator, Michigan
Thank you for your support of Michigan YMCAs to feed hungry children and their families.
Innovation Award
innovation Award nominees
YMCA of the Blue Water Area
Dow Bay Area Family YMCA
YMCA of Saginaw
YMCA of Metropolitan Detroit
Sherman Lake YMCA
Outdoor Center
Rising Star Award
Rising Star Award nominees
Melissa Preston
Kelli DeLong
Alexa Markham
Elizabeth Kerner
Morgan Betters
Doug Temple
We sincerely thank all of our sponsors for their support!
Gold Sponsors
Silver Sponsors
2023 Michigan Leaders Conference Planning Committee
Pam Bailey
Rebecca Baizas
Shashu Baraka
Mary Burleson
Christina Carter
Taylor Chrisman
Reggie Dalton
Elizabeth Hudson
Mike Kelso
Elizabeth Kerner
Jacqueline Kippen
Stacie Knox
Joe Kovalcheck
Jeff Litten
Lee Anna Massey
Peter Militzer
Abigail Sacco
Becca Schnetzer
Kelly Stubbe
Fran Talsma
Ariel Wilkerson
Conference Evaluation
Your Feedback Matters!
Please help us improve the Michigan YMCA Leaders Conference by completing our conference evaluation.
See you there!
Lansing Center Address
333 E. Michigan Avenue, Lansing, MI 48933
Phone Number
517-483-7400
Parking
Parking lots under and north of Lansing Center are available for conference attendees to park free of charge on the day of the conference. If there is a parking attendant present, please tell them you are attending the Michigan YMCA Leaders Conference. The entrance to the parking lot underneath the Lansing Center is on Cedar Street. Parking validation stickers are available at the registration table.
There are many other paid parking options in and around the Lansing Center. You can find more information here.