McGaw YMCA Announces Proposed Slate of Board Member Candidates

Last Updated: 7/11/2023

Each year, the McGaw YMCA Board of Directors nominates a new cohort of individuals to serve on the Board and the Membership of the McGaw YMCA votes to elect new board members during the virtual Board Election. The proposed slate is listed below.

This year’s virtual Board Election will be held July 31 – August 7. Current McGaw Y members will receive an email at 8:00 a.m. (CDT) on Monday, July 31, with a link to the virtual ballot to cast their vote.  The polls will remain open until 11:59 p.m. on Monday, August 7. The Board election results will be shared at the Annual Meeting, which will be held on Tuesday, August 8 at 7:00 p.m. in the McGaw YMCA Chinnock Lounge. An online viewing option will be available for those who wish to attend virtually. RSVP for the Annual Meeting


Current Board Members Up for Re-Election (3-Year Term)

The following slate of current board members is up for re-election during the Board Election (presented in alphabetical order).

Three-Year Term: 

  • Mireya Dominguez
  • Sarita Smith

New Board Member Nominees (3-year Term)

The following slate of new candidates is up for election during the Board Election (presented in alphabetical order).


Photo of M. HollandMonique Holland was named Northwestern’s Deputy Director of Athletics/Chief of Staff in August 2021 by Combe Family Vice President for Athletics and Recreation Dr. Derrick Gragg. Her role with the Wildcats includes leadership of strategic planning, external relations, department meetings and campus partnerships, as well as serving as a key advisor on Gragg’s executive leadership team. Holland came to Evanston after three years at Auburn University where she held numerous roles, including Executive Associate A.D. for Student-Athlete Experience and Senior Woman Administrator (SWA) and Deputy Title IX Coordinator.

A native of St. Joseph, Missouri, Holland’s passion for college athletics began as a student-athlete, where she was an Academic All-American and served as the captain of the women’s basketball team at Alabama State, and was vice-president of the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC). She earned her undergraduate degree in Therapeutic Recreation at ASU, and a Master of Science degree in Sport Administration from Georgia State University.

Growing up in a small community, Monique describes the YMCA as the connecting point and foundation for many members in her community. “It was the first organization that I was able to conceptualize and appreciate its purpose thus encouraging me to live my life with intentionality by serving and advocating for others.” Now serving in her current role, Monique sees herself as an extension of the proud partnership that Northwestern University has with the McGaw YMCA. “Given my role, I am able to use my influence and access to connect communities through sport, including the McGaw YMCA, while also supporting the leadership in strengthening the extended Evanston community.”

She is most excited about the opportunity to serve on the Board because of the alignment with her core values and purpose, the opportunity to embrace and share new perspectives with thought leaders, and the ability to serve and give back to her community.


Photo of PhilinaPhilina King is a Senior Level Executive who is adept at developing effective strategies, empowering staff, and achieving demonstrative results. Philina is currently the General Counsel at the Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office providing expert and strategic legal guidance to senior executive management in an agency with over 1200 employees. Additionally, as a member of the executive leadership team, Philina contributes to the development and oversight of overall business goals while mitigating risks. Prior to her current position, Philina held various leadership roles within the State of Illinois.

In addition to her professional accomplishments, Philina always makes time to stay involved in the community. She is a current board member for Girls Play Sports and actively participates in several associations and organizations, including Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated, the University of Michigan Alumni Association, and Corporate Counsel Women of Color. Philina holds a Juris Doctor from the University of Illinois College of Law and a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from the University of Michigan. She is also a Certified Personal and Executive Coach. Philina is originally from Flint, Michigan and has a daughter who is a rising freshman at Evanston Township High School.

As a past member of the McGaw YMCA, Philina appreciates the profound impact of this organization and its history as a cornerstone of the Evanston community. “Whether I was running on the track after work, taking my daughter to swim class or sending her off on her first trip to Camp Echo, I enjoyed the sense of community that permeated every aspect of the Y. Often, I would run into friends and family who worked there and would be impressed by their dedication and commitment to providing a safe and inclusive space for all of Evanston.”

It is because of these experiences that Philina is extremely excited about the opportunity to join the long list of esteemed leaders charged with supporting the organization’s commitment to strengthening the community through equitable, anti-racist, and respectful experiences that nurture physical, mental, and spiritual well-being.


Photo of Jeremy Y.Jeremy Yonan is a total rewards leader with more than 20 years of experience. His background includes strategic oversight, direction, and leadership for total rewards. Jeremy has worked at local iconic institutions including Crate and Barrel, Museum of Science and Industry, and Rotary International. Today, Jeremy is at Upwork – the World’s Talent Marketplace – where he led the development of their global total rewards strategy across more than 12 countries. He views a comprehensive and diverse total rewards philosophy as including work-life integration, growth, experiences, and traditional value currencies (benefits, recognition, compensation). He strives in a team environment and seeks to understand and build relationships. He enjoys innovating and solving complex problems.

Jeremy and his wife currently live in Evanston with their two children. In addition to being a self-proclaimed “excel nerd,” he has become an avid sailor, spending adventurous trips navigating the British Virgin Islands with his wife, Kate. He received his BA from the University of Dayton and has certifications in compensation, benefits and equity from Santa Monica University.

Jeremy has a strong commitment to the McGaw YMCA as both children attend the McGaw YMCA Children’s Center. He is most excited about serving the community, the employees and members of the YMCA and the incredible mission and values of the organization.

If elected, this would be Jeremy’s second Board seat.

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