I’ve been involved in the YMCA since 1996. I was 5-years-old when my mom signed my brother and me up for swimming lessons at the North Brooklyn YMCA. 

It was love at first sight when we first stepped into the Y. We joined every program the Y offered. 

While my mom worked in the Child Watch Center, my brother and I went to summer camp, played for the Jr. Knicks, and joined Y teen leadership programs.

After I graduated college, I went through the phase of not knowing what I wanted to do with my life. 

As it always has been, the Y was there to instill that voice of confidence I needed. It was my colleague, Heidi Ortiz, who pushed me to apply for the Aquatics Director position at the Jamaica YMCA. Her encouragement and assurance in me meant everything. 

I’ve been at the Jamaica YMCA as Aquatics Director for two years. 

It’s been amazing to see my Y journey come full-circle. From learning how to swim in a YMCA pool, to now witnessing youngsters learning how to swim for the first time. It’s absolutely humbling. It’s moments like those that make my job so worthwhile. If it wasn’t for the Y, I don’t know where I would be.

The Y has influenced my life in such a positive way. I’ve had the opportunity to learn a skill, obtain a job, and use my skills to help people. 

Find your way at the Y