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(Y) Connect

(Y) Connect

By: Allison Toller Zarinah Winston & Robert Wright
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 Welcome to The (Y) Connect Podcast. As the heartbeat of the community, the Y is a connector where people of all ages and walks of life come together to elevate their health, wellness, education, and essential life skills. Join hosts Allison, Zarinah and Robert as they have authentic conversations with individuals sharing personal connections and stories of what connects them to the Y. For 164 years, the YMCA of Metro Atlanta has built programs that foster community, address critical needs, and empower individuals to achieve their full potential. This work is only possible with our Y community. Together we champion communities where everyone belongs and would love for you to be part of it. Let's keep the conversation going about what the Y means to you and where you can find one near you. Please visit us at ymca atlanta dot org and subscribe to our Healthy Together newsletter. Biography: Robert Wright has 20 years of experience encouraging and motivating individuals in the human and social service industry, ranging from children to adults with mental health and substance abuse diagnoses as well as developmental disabilities. He utilized his experience of assisting others and has transferred his energy and focus to fitness and wellness. He is motivated to merge both arenas and give individuals with diagnoses and disabilities another avenue other than the traditional clinical and medicinal approach. Zarinah Winston began working for the Metro Atlanta YMCA in 1999. Zarinah has served the YMCA in multiple roles for the past 23 years. Currently, she serves as a Center Director of an Early Learning Center. Her role consists of supervising and leading staff, implementing program plans, overseeing daily activities, and managing the Center budget. Prior to becoming a Center Director for the Y, her YMCA experiences consisted of being a Summer Camp Counselor, After School Site Director, Assistant Teacher, Lead Teacher and Lead Instructional Support Coach. The YMCA honored Zarinah with the "Outstanding Performance Award" for the Covington YMCA. Her educational background includes a Bachelor of Science in Multidisciplinary Studies (Education) and a Master of Education in Curriculum & Instruction with a minor in Early Childhood Education. By pursuing lifelong learning, she intends to be an example for the amazing team that she leads at her school. Zarinah is proud to be a mother of 3 wonderful children, Zamaria, Zachary, and Zavier. Her oldest daughter Zamaria and her middle son Zachary entered YMCA Early Learning at the tender age of 6 weeks. The YMCA exposed the children to a safe and caring learning environment, friendships, rich language & literacy skills, strong communication skills, and so much more. Zarinah's family is her heart and inspiration for striving to be the best version of herself. The core values of the YMCA (Honesty, Caring, Respect, Responsibility) are characteristics that she strives to always live by. Zarinah enjoys owning her own candle business, journaling, traveling, exercising, listening to music and spending time with family and friends. Zarinah is influenced and mentored by her uncle who is the CEO/President of a YMCA.  Zarinah believes in enjoying life by being of service to others. She lives by the quote, "Feel the present, hold the vision, let go of resistance, enjoy the journey, trust the process and know that all is well." Fredrick Talloen Allison Allison Toller is the Chief Social Impact Officer for the YMCA of Metro Atlanta. Charged with cultivating and stewarding the Y's strategic corporate, civic, and community partnerships, she and the Social Impact team also drive the Association's strategic plan, embedding it into the fabric of the organization. Additionally, she oversees the Y's volunteerism and advocacy initiatives. Prior to coming to the Y, Allison was a corporate social responsibility leader with Cox Communications'. With a dual background in broadcasting and education, Allison was Chief of Staff and Communications Director for two of the largest school districts in Georgia. Through these experiences, she has a deep knowledge of the education system having led several high-profile campaigns on a variety of issues including taxes, teacher shortages, school zoning, and crisis situations. Developing strong relationships among local, state and national media, Allison was a registered lobbyist working within the Georgia state legislature to fully fund schools throughout the state. She built an innovative and award-winning brand widely recognized among independent schools. As Chief of External Affairs for Mount Vernon, she amplified marketing efforts to increase year-on-year enrollment. Early in her career Allison was a television news broadcaster; live television was the perfect training ground where she learned the art of storytelling. For several years she shared these skills on a national level, conducting leadership training sessions in the corporate, civic, and university...2024 Hygiene & Healthy Living
Episodes
  • Fan Favorite: The Legacy of South Fulton Running Partners and the YMCA

    Fan Favorite: The Legacy of South Fulton Running Partners and the YMCA
    Jan 28 2026

    Today on (Y) Connect, we're thrilled to highlight the story of a community rooted in strength, endurance, and an unwavering commitment to health and wellness. Joining us is Monte Fowler, a veteran member of the South Fulton Running Partners—the nation's oldest Black recreation running group. For decades, this remarkable group has shared a deep connection with the Andrew & Walter Young Family YMCA, fostering a space where individuals unite to run and uplift one another. Monte brings a unique perspective as someone who grew up at the Y served on the YMCA board, and has dedicated years to this running community.

    IN THIS EPISODE:

    03:42 Monte' shares how he began his journey at the Y

    06:21 Why Monte' joined the South Fulton Running Partners and its legacy

    11:05 How the Y has played a supporting role to the Partners and the community and the Y's contribution to wellness

    18:37 Why the Y is unique to community wellness

    20:24 Advice to anyone interested in joining the Running Partners and what to expect

    KEY TAKEAWAYS:

    • Running offers more than physical fitness—it fosters lifelong health, builds discipline, and creates a supportive community. By embracing running, individuals can defy age-related health declines, find mentorship, and discover the "fountain of youth" through sweat, commitment, and connection

    • The South Fulton Running Partners is a community of role models who embody service, mentorship, and giving back. Leaders like Bob Holmes and William and Lou Stanley showcase the impact of discipline and community, offering life-changing mentorship and inspiring purpose and integrity

    • The YMCA in Atlanta is more than a gym—it's a pillar of holistic community building, nurturing physical, emotional, spiritual, and mental well-being. The running partners have exemplified this ethos for over four decades, forming a family bound by shared values. The Y teaches fitness, fosters lifelong relationships, and supports members through every stage of life. It's a place to grow, thrive, and find a true community

    RESOURCE LINKS:

    Facebook: YMCA Metro Atlanta

    Linkedin: YMCA Metro Atlanta

    Twitter: YMCA Metro Atlanta

    Website: YMCA Metro Atlanta

    BIOGRAPHY: Monte' Fowler

    Monte' Fowler is a long-standing Y and South Fulton Running Partners member and a seasoned professional with 23+ years in product management, technology, and consulting. As a Product Manager at Cox Communications, he oversees a $300M+ product portfolio and has launched innovative tools, earning the 2021 Synergy Award and multiple PIL awards.

    Dedicated to community service, Monte' has served on boards for Cascade Elementary, Beecher Hills Elementary, the Center for Working Families, and the YMCA. He has also directed the Sickle Cell Foundation of Georgia's largest fundraiser.

    Monte' holds an Executive MBA from Georgia Tech, a B.S. in Industrial and Systems Engineering, and certifications in AI and Lean Six Sigma. His expertise in technology and passion for service make him an outstanding podcast guest.
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    25 mins
  • YMCA's New National Campaign: No Place Like This Place

    YMCA's New National Campaign: No Place Like This Place
    Jan 14 2026
    The YMCA has launched a new national brand campaign titled No Place Like This Place. At its heart, the campaign captures something many of us instinctively know to be true: the Y is more than a building, a workout, or a program. It's a place where connection happens, where people belong, and where lives are shaped in quiet and meaningful ways every single day. To help us tell the story behind the campaign, we're joined by two leaders who play an important role in bringing it to life. James Reynolds, our Chief Marketing Officer, and Kristin McEwen, our Chief Experience Officer. Together, they'll share the thinking behind the campaign, how it reflects the lived experience of the Y, and what it means for our staff, members, and communities moving forward. What You'll Learn in This Episode: ✅ How the Y's brand campaign reflects the real member experience of connection and belonging that happens daily in branches across the country, addressing social isolation through intentional programming. ✅ Why this brand refresh takes a bolder, louder approach to challenge outdated perceptions while maintaining the Y's core identity and values that have existed for 175 years. ✅ How staff engagement and authentic community connection turn the "No Place Like This Place" tagline into reality through moments that matter and cultural programs tailored to each neighborhood. Join the Y Connect Podcast to discover inspiring stories of transformation and wellness. Tune in for practical tips and community-driven insights on fitness transformation. Subscribe now to elevate your fitness journey! TIMESTAMPS: 00:00 Introduction to the Y's national marketing initiative "No Place Like This Place" and what makes the brand campaign timely 03:31 The campaign captures both the physical buildings and the community connection that happens outside the Y's walls. Eliminating the stigma that the Y is just a swim and gym for older adults 11:05 Belonging begins when you walk through the door: a personalized member experience and how listening to the members sets the tone for activities offered 21:09 Rolling out the brand refresh across websites, social media, and branches with staff engagement strategies 27:21 Introducing YCONS: celebrating the people who make the Y special through volunteer impact and leadership KEY TAKEAWAYS: 💎 The "No Place Like This Place" brand campaign is a brand refresh, not a complete rebrand—it's the icing on the cake that amplifies what the Y has always been while using bolder visuals and messaging to break through outdated perceptions. 💎 Staff engagement is the heartbeat of making the campaign authentic, as team members create "moments that matter" through personalized greetings, remembering names, and celebrating milestones like the Classics Club for 90+ year old members. 💎 Each Y reflects its neighborhood through local programming such as Bollywood dancing, community gardens, and cultural events, ensuring the national marketing message feels authentic and relevant to diverse communities. ABOUT THE GUESTS: James Reynolds As Chief Marketing Officer for the YMCA of Metro Atlanta, James Reynolds oversees Marketing and Communications, including revenue generation, digital media, brand standards, public relations, and social media. Previously, he was Vice President of Marketing for GoTo Foods International, overseeing 2,000 locations across six brands in 60 countries. He has held marketing and strategy roles with Tropical Smoothie Café, Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen, American Golf Corporation, and the Atlanta Braves. James holds a Bachelor of Science in Marketing from Florida State University with certificates in Digital Advertising and Social Media. He grew up at the Decatur Family Y and now volunteers as a youth soccer coach at Cowart Family Y, where his two daughters play. Kristin McEwen As Chief Experience Officer for the YMCA of Metro Atlanta, Kristin McEwen leads day-to-day operations, membership strategy, and health and wellness programs to advance the YMCA's mission through positive community impact. Kristin has been with the Y for over three decades, beginning as Operations Director at the Bainbridge Y in 1989 and holding leadership positions at multiple branches, including J.M. Tull-Gwinnett, Robert D. Fowler, Cowart, and Sanders Family Ys. She has established impactful partnerships, including the Winship at the Y Cancer Survivor program with Emory, Parkinson's Movement classes, and Shepherd Center programs across Georgia. Kristin holds a Bachelor of Education from the University of Alabama. She lives in Peachtree Corners with her husband Scott and two daughters, Lacey and Mallory, who grew up in the Y. RESOURCES MENTIONED: Website: YMCA Metro Atlanta Facebook: YMCA Metro Atlanta LinkedIn: YMCA Metro Atlanta
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    34 mins
  • What 2025 Taught Us at (Y) Connect

    What 2025 Taught Us at (Y) Connect
    Dec 31 2025
    Before we jump into another year of Y Connect, we wanted to pause and look back. 2025 was a meaningful year for this podcast. We sat down with members, staff, partners, and community leaders who reminded us why the YMCA matters and how deeply it shows up in people's lives. We heard stories of belonging, resilience, leadership, and impact that stayed with us long after the microphones were turned off. Today, we are reflecting on our favorite moments from this past year, the conversations that surprised us, what we learned about the YMCA that we didn't fully understand before, and what we're excited about as we begin our 4th year of Y Connect in 2026. What You'll Learn in This Episode: ✅ How YMCA community programs like the REACH program and Boys and Young Men of Color initiative transform lives through mentorship with Morehouse and Spelman students at Camp High Harbor ✅ The power of community engagement and partnership building as demonstrated through collaborations with corporations like Carter's and Gas South that prioritize employee wellness and early learning support ✅ Why nonprofit storytelling through podcasting strengthens advocacy day efforts and helps staff appreciate the breadth of youth development, adaptive swim program, and active older adults services beyond their individual roles Join the Y Connect Podcast to discover inspiring stories of transformation and wellness. Tune in for practical tips and community-driven insights on fitness transformation. Subscribe now to elevate your fitness journey! TIMESTAMPS: 00:00 The Y Connect's annual reflection episode on three years of YMCA community programs and storytelling 04:11 Robert shares Kendall Rae's story, Georgia's youngest farmer, Zarinah reflects on the Mermaids, and Allison shares Martha Haythorn's story 08:43 Discussion of Boys and Young Men of Color initiative, the REACH program at Camp High Harbor and Advocacy Day 18:14 How community engagement and belonging manifest through active older adults, running clubs, and partnership building with corporate sponsors 27:26 Looking ahead to 2026: More youth development voices, cancer survivor stories, and the Y's new strategic planning initiatives KEY TAKEAWAYS: 💎 Personal connections drive lasting impact at the YMCA—from Jim Snotty's 100+ pound weight loss journey, to the Northwest Y mermaids' decades-long friendships that demonstrate how YMCA community programs create genuine belonging beyond fitness goals 💎 Advocacy day transforms staff perspective by showing how individual programs work and connect to broader systemic change—Robert's experience moving from serving one population to advocating for financial support across multiple community engagement initiatives revealed the power of a unified voice in nonprofit storytelling 💎 Corporate partnership building works best when companies prioritize internal employees first—Carly Stevens from Gas South emphasized ensuring workers have access to resources before expanding external community programs, a philosophy that strengthens authentic health and wellness impact RESOURCES MENTIONED: Website: YMCA Metro Atlanta Facebook: YMCA Metro Atlanta LinkedIn: YMCA Metro Atlanta Ep. 59 - Kendall Rae Johnson: Georgia's Youngest Farmer Ep. 62 - Martha Haythorn Is Redefining Advocacy and Community ENCORE: Diving in with the Mermaids at the Y Ep. 56 - Empowering Boys and Young Men of Color: The Y and Morehouse College Partnership Ep. 40 - Summer at YMCA Camp High Harbour Ep. 53 - The Legacy of South Fulton Running Partners and the YMCA Ep. 73 - Fueling the Y's Impact: When Companies Listen to What Communities Need
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    38 mins
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