McGaw Y employee Taishiya Nix was selected to participate in the YMCA of the USA’s Multicultural Executive Development Institute (MEDI). EVANSTON, IL. – McGaw YMCA proudly announces that Taishiya Nix has been selected to participate in the YMCA of the USA’s Multicultural Executive Development Institute (MEDI). This esteemed national program is dedicated to developing and advancing staff of color into leadership roles throughout the YMCA movement. Taishiya Nix (she/her), Director of Talent Engagement, is the first McGaw YMCA employee to join MEDI as a mentee. She, along with other members of the cohort, kicked off their journey with a four-day Institute hosted by the YMCA of Honolulu on O’ahu. The Insitute featured executive coaching, mock interviews, and solutions-based research projects with and for members of the Honolulu community, offering participants an immersive experience in Pacific Island culture and valuable leadership training. Reflecting on her selection, Taishiya said that participating in […]

Retired McGaw YMCA President/CEO Rev. Mark A. Dennis, Jr. is remembered as a cherished leader, mentor, and friend to many. It is with profound sadness that we share the passing of retired McGaw YMCA President/CEO Rev. Mark Andrew Dennis, Jr., a cherished leader, mentor, and friend to many. Mark served as McGaw Y President/CEO from 2014 until his retirement in 2017. He leaves behind a legacy of compassion, visionary leadership, and service to the community. His tenure at the McGaw Y was defined by his unwavering commitment to expanding community support for the YMCA. Under his leadership, the McGaw YMCA launched MetaMedia, a cutting-edge digital media and maker space for middle school youth. McGaw YMCA MetaMedia groundbreaking ceremony in 2014. Pictured from left, Mark Dennis, Chuck Lewis, youth members Mikey and Faith, Penny Sebring, Peter Lewis, and former McGaw Y Board Chair Dan Israelite.  Prior to working at the YMCA,

Generosity blooms: 117 donors raised $12,000+ at YMCA’s Day of Giving, represented by pinwheels in the Garden of Gratitude on the front lawn. EVANSTON, IL – The McGaw YMCA experienced a whirlwind of generosity at its first-ever Day of Giving on May 1. This 24-hour fundraising event brought support from Y members, donors, staff, and neighbors alike, all uniting to help ensure that the YMCA’s essential programs and services remain accessible to every community member. The front lawn at 1000 Grove Street blossomed into a Garden of Gratitude, filled with pinwheels symbolizing the 117 donors who together gave over $12,000 for the Day of Giving. Thanks to a generous matching donation, every contribution to McGaw Y on May 1 was doubled, reaching a total of over $24,000. Donations of all sizes from the Day of Giving will make a tangible impact in sustaining the YMCA’s critical services, from early childhood