Strengthening YMCA Leadership at the Principles and Practices Conference - October 2025 Newsletter

Top row (from left): Samantha Jimenez, Carolyn Beechner, Veronica Ortiz, Estephany Giron Castillo, Julia Wieczorek, Heather Doerr, Nicole Williams, Nikki Long

Bottom row (from right): Gilda Sinvil, Ramonita Pagàn, Jorge Farias, Stephanie Uske, (Mary Desjardins), Miriam Balbiani, Keenya Logan

Julia Wieczorek and Heather Doerr, along with YMCA staff members from Metropolitan YMCA of the Oranges, Summit Area YMCA, The Gateway Family YMCA, Greater Somerset County YMCA, Raritan Bay Area YMCA, and Fanwood-Scotch Plains YMCA, attended the August YMCA Principles & Practices (P&P) leadership experience in West Chester, PA, hosted by the Oscar Lasko YMCA and Child Care Center.

This immersive training brings together cause-driven leaders from across the YMCA Movement to learn from one another, engage in meaningful conversations, and strengthen connections across the network. Participants explore their passions, values, beliefs, skills, and competencies, while reflecting on the deeper “why” behind their commitment to the Y community each day. The P&P experience serves as both professional development and personal growth, reinforcing the foundation of leadership within the YMCA.