Eight staff members from McGaw YMCA, representing various areas of the organization, attended the conference. (From left to right) Melissa Franada, Marketing; Candy Falcon, Men’s Residence; Lavonia Swanson, Finance; Ingrid DeCherrie, Aquatics; Onam Lansana, MetaMedia; Manny Luna, Children’s Center; Sean Wells, Building Services; and Taishiya Nix, Human Resources. 

Norfolk, VA – Eight McGaw YMCA staff members alongside President and CEO Monique Parsons recently attended the Emerging Multicultural Leadership Experience (EMLE), a national conference hosted by YMCA of the USA (Y-USA). EMLE provides a space for multicultural Y staff to learn, grow, and connect with peers nationwide. Part of Y-USA’s Multicultural Leadership Development (MLD) initiative, the event supports the growth of diverse staff, preparing them for leadership roles within the national Y Movement.

At the conference, attendees engaged in mentoring, career coaching, networking, and breakout sessions covering topics relevant to all career levels. Onam Lansana, MetaMedia Manager at McGaw YMCA, noted that he left EMLE with an increased sense of confidence in his role at the Y. “Many of the speakers made a profound impact on me as they highlighted an area where I want to grow—confidence in the workplace. I will continue to push myself to be an unwavering advocate for my students in every space, even when it’s outside my comfort zone,” he said.

“Attending the National EMLE Conference was an inspiring experience,” said Lavonia Swanson, McGaw YMCA Director of Finance. “The Y has purposefully created resources to help me advance my career, and I feel more confident in my leadership role and in my capacity to help others realize their full potential,” she added.

In addition to EMLE, Y-USA held pre-conference strategy meetings for YMCA staff who serve as volunteer leaders on Steering Committees for national Employee Resource Group (ERG) networks. ERGs are voluntary, employee-led groups that promote diversity and inclusion by providing support, advocacy, and professional development for employees with shared interests and backgrounds. The YMCA currently offers eight national ERGs:

• African American Resource Network (AARN)
• Asian Pacific Islander Leadership Network (APILN)
• Disability Community Resource Network (DCRN)
• Empowered Leaders Resource Network (ELRN)
• Hispanic Latino Leadership Network (HLLN)
• Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans, and Queer + Resource Network (LGBTQ+RN)
• Native American Indigenous Resource Network (NAIRN)
• Women’s Leadership Resource Network (WLRN)

McGaw YMCA Marketing Director Melissa Franada participated in pre-conference meetings with the national APILN Steering Committee, while Taishiya Nix, Director of Talent Engagement, represented McGaw Y on the national AARN Steering Committee.

Franada shared her excitement for the strategy meetings and for EMLE, noting that opportunities like this are rare. “I was excited to discuss equity, inclusivity, and belonging, pause code-switching, and celebrate BIPOC joy with my peers. Listening to YMCAs from across the country share their equity practices was inspiring. I’m grateful for the time spent strengthening and making new connections, adding to my supportive network and challenging my thinking on creating a more equitable local community,” she said.

McGaw Y staff have launched several local ERGs in recent months, including WLRN and HLLN, with more in development. Swanson is collaborating with peers to launch an African American ERG in November, while Franada is working with colleagues to create an Asian Pacific Islander ERG. This commitment reflects McGaw Y’s dedication to fostering an inclusive environment that embraces diversity, equity, and belonging at all levels of the organization.