2025 Michigan YMCA Leaders Conference

YMCA Feeding Programs: From A Grassroot Efforts to Great Success (and the Mistakes Made Along the Way)

Location: Glens 1

Facilitated by Amanda Schmitz, Kristin Irwin, and Carrie Bean

It’s likely your Y is already feeding children in some way…why not get reimbursed for it? This session will walk you through the practical steps to access USDA reimbursements and turn existing efforts into a sustainable program. Join the Monroe Family YMCA’s CEO, Financial Development Director, and Anti-Hunger Initiatives Director for a refreshingly honest conversation about launching and growing YMCA feeding programs. From a small start where they had limited knowledge with a willingness to learn along the way, to a thriving, sustainable initiative serving thousands each year, they’ll share the strategies, partnerships, and systems that fueled their success, and the challenges, missteps, and lessons learned along the way. Understanding how overwhelming this topic can feel, they’ll break it down to the basics. Whether you’re starting from scratch or strengthening an existing initiative, you’ll leave with actionable insights, cautionary tales, and proven steps to feed your community effectively, while supporting your bottom line.

About the Facilitators

Amanda Schmitz has served the Monroe Family YMCA for 22 years, leading initiatives across Youth Development, Healthy Living, and Social Responsibility. As Financial Development Director, she oversees grant writing, fundraising, community partnerships, and donor relations. A nationally recognized leader in anti-hunger work, Amanda has been involved with her Y’s CACFP and SFSP programs since their inception. Alongside her equally passionate colleagues, she helped develop a successful Y-to-Y Sponsorship model, expanding access to healthy, culturally relevant meals for youth statewide through impactful partnerships. Amanda serves YMCA of the USA as a Food Service Delivery Facilitator, supporting Ys nationwide in advancing anti-hunger efforts, and has partnered with Share Our Strength’s No Kid Hungry as a Rural Afterschool Meals Champion. She has presented multiple times at the National CACFP Association Conference and is a dedicated advocate for equitable food access at local, state, and national levels. Most recently, she has expanded her Y-USA service to include the Healthy Aging Practice Process, helping Ys nationwide meet the needs of their communities. Amanda’s work is fueled by a deep commitment to the YMCA’s mission and an unwavering passion for the Y Movement.

Kristin Irwin is the Chief Executive Officer of the Monroe Family YMCA, where she has devoted over fifteen years to advancing the organization’s mission. Under her leadership, the Y has become a cornerstone in the community, known for its innovative approaches and dedication to enhancing well-being for all. One of Kristin’s notable achievements is the implementation of an award-winning anti-hunger initiatives program, which has garnered recognition for effectively addressing food insecurity. Uniquely, the Monroe Family YMCA is the only Y in the country to partner with their local community college to utilize the culinary kitchen for its food program. In 2022, Kristin led the opening of a satellite facility in Dundee, extending access to vital services for families and individuals in the county. She has also built strong partnerships with the City of Monroe to enhance recreation opportunities in youth, adult, and adaptive sports, while spearheading the launch of new out of school time sites in local school districts, with two additional locations that opened in the Fall of 2025. Kristin is known for her collaborative leadership, her ability to build lasting community partnerships, and her dedication to fostering a positive organizational culture. Through her vision and commitment, the Monroe Family YMCA continues to thrive as a vital social services agency making a lasting impact on the health and vibrancy of the community.

The Future of Membership at the Y

Location: Stone Theater

Facilitated by Joe Kovalcheck, YMCA of the USA

As the YMCA approaches its 175th anniversary in America, it faces a pivotal question: What does it truly mean to be a member? This session explores how the Y can move beyond transactional models and reimagine membership as a transformational connection to purpose, community, and belonging. Through a blend of history, strategy, and innovation, we’ll examine how YMCAs can redefine membership to reflect the full breadth of our mission—spiritual, mental, and physical health—and build a sustainable, welcoming model that meets the evolving needs of our communities.

About the Facilitator

Joe Kovalcheck is a seasoned YMCA professional with more than 22 years of experience serving local Ys in Michigan, Colorado, and North Carolina. With more than 12 years in executive and senior leadership roles, Joe has a passion and history for activating local Y leaders in order to build strong, sustainable, and impact-driven YMCAs. Joe holds a B.S. in Commercial Recreation from Michigan State University and is a certified trainer in several Y-USA training courses. When not at the Y, he enjoys running, hiking, kayaking, and gardening with his wife Shannon, daughters Ayla and Lucy, and their dog Fitz.

Poverty 101

Location: Glens 3

Facilitated by Marlene Webster, Shiawassee Hope

No matter where we live or work, chances are we regularly encounter people who live in poverty. Often we have opinions about choices we see people making and ideas about how we could help. The reality is that unless we have lived in poverty it’s difficult to understand the experience or to connect with people to provide real help and hope. Poverty 101 will give you tools to help you understand the causes of poverty, to communicate and connect with people who live in poverty, to become an advocate armed with facts rather than myths, and to help our neighbors get access to the resources and opportunities they need to move out of poverty toward a sustainable living.

About the Facilitator

Marlene Webster is the founder and executive director of a grassroots non-profit called Shiawassee Hope that has been working with people in generational poverty in Shiawassee County for more than 12 years. Marlene is a certified poverty coach and has helped hundreds of people learn about the experience of living in poverty so that they can improve outcomes for those they serve. Marlene also serves her community as a pastor, county commissioner, and school board member. She holds a MA in religion from Northwest Nazarene University.

"No Place Like This Place" Collective Marketing Campaign

Location: Glens 2

Facilitated by Vanessa Blair, YMCA of the USA

Join this session for an overview of the Y’s collective marketing campaign, “No Place Like This Place.” We’ll highlight the bold, new creative and available resources to help you activate the campaign at your Y.

About the Facilitator

Vanessa Blair is the Director, Marketing and Communications at YMCA of the USA and part of the core planning team for the new campaign creative. Prior to joining Y-USA, Vanessa was the Senior Communications Specialist for Plante Moran and Director of Marketing for the La Porte County Family YMCA in Indiana. A graduate of the University of Nebraska, she’s currently based in the metro Detroit area.

Unlocking Potential: Understanding Yourself Through Culture Index

Location: Prairies 5

Facilitated by Melissa Everhart, Indiana Alliance of YMCAs

This interactive workshop will help you uncover how you’re naturally wired to think, communicate, and work. Using your personal Culture Index results, you’ll gain fresh insight into your strengths, motivators, and blind spots—and how these shape the way you show up in your role and on your team. Through guided reflection and discussion, you’ll leave with a deeper understanding of yourself and how to leverage your unique traits for greater satisfaction and success in your work.

About the Facilitator

Melissa Everhart is the Director of Strategic Consulting for the Indiana Alliance of YMCAs, where she partners with CEOs, boards, and leadership teams to strengthen organizational effectiveness, governance, and culture. A certified Culture Index Analyst, Melissa brings more than 20 years of nonprofit leadership experience and a passion for helping individuals understand and embrace their natural strengths. She has facilitated leadership development, strategic planning, and governance training for organizations across the country, always with a focus on connection, clarity, and actionable insight. Melissa’s engaging and approachable style creates an environment where participants feel encouraged to explore their unique traits and how to bring their best selves to their work.

Permission to Lead: Stepping out of your comfort zone

Because sometimes you have to speak to the manager—especially when it’s you.

Location: Stone Theater

Facilitated by Karen Friedman, YMCA of the USA

Leadership begins with self-awareness. This workshop invites participants to explore the connection between their values and emotional responses—and how that awareness can unlock authentic, effective leadership. Through interactive dialogue and reflection, we’ll ask:

• How can recognizing the link between values and emotions help you lead?
• In what ways does self-awareness build trust and authenticity?
• What strategies ensure your leadership reflects your core values?

If you’ve ever waited for permission to lead, this is your moment to claim it.

About the Facilitator

Karen Friedman is the Director of Strategy and Quality Practices Mental Health at YMCA of the USA (Y-USA). Karen provides leadership to local YMCAs and YMCA State and Regional Alliances in Mental Health. She supports Y-USA in unifying collective strategies; activating leading practices; supporting national partnerships; supporting advocacy and public policy; and identifying industry trends to inform continuous quality improvement and emerging innovation for Mental Health. Leading up to this role, Karen was the Senior Manager of Access and Ability with the Global Relations and Community Engagement team at Y-USA. Prior to Y-USA, Karen was a Senior Director at the Hockomock Area YMCA in Massachusetts. She has also held positions at the Center for Social Development and Education at the University of Massachusetts Boston, the Maryland Department of Disabilities and the National Federation of the Blind.

Empowering Identity and Agency in Leaders

Location: Glens 2

Facilitated by Marcy Peake, Center for Cultural Agility

Leaders are continually bombarded by assumptions about their work and the people they serve. Areas of expertise and professional identities are often misunderstood and defined by others who lack insight - all of which can contribute to professional self-perception, impacting service delivery, leadership, and effectiveness. This workshop inspires self-reflection through guided activities and conversations that result in strategy development and individual approaches to authentic alignment for participants. Each participant’s experience will be unique with a shared goal of empowering professional identity and agency.

About the Facilitator

Marcy Peake is the founder of The Center for Cultural Agility, published author of books, curriculum and articles, State of Michigan Licensed Professional Counselor, National Certified Counselor, Certified Family Life Educator, and Great Start to Quality Trainer. She is a national consultant and speaker in the areas of Cultural Agility and sharing space, pre-K-12 and higher education, youth development, and family and community engagement. She is a former Family Science faculty member who taught graduate and undergraduate students pursuing degrees in education, youth development, counseling, and student affairs in higher education, and served as the Director of Diversity and Community Outreach Initiatives in the College of Education and Human Development at Western Michigan University. In addition to formal education, Marcy has attended and completed hours of training with organizations such as the Highlander Research and Education Center, the Equity Leaders Institute at the Midwest and Plains Equity Assistance Center at IUPUI, and the Center for Equity and Postsecondary Attainment at San Diego State University. She is a former director of equity-based social and educational programs including the Institute for New Leadership, TRIO Student Support Services, Future Teachers of Color, Funding the Advancement of Minorities in Education, and the Future Educator Program. An experienced leader of numerous initiatives and Professional Learning Communities, Marcy is the author of a youth social justice curriculum, creator of graduate and undergraduate course content in the areas of race, gender, class, culture, families, and youth development, Universal Design contributor to the State of Michigan Future Proud Michigan Educator curriculum, and creator/facilitator of a Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA) aligned implicit Bias training for healthcare licensees. She has served pre-K—12 youth and families for over 30 years in school and Out-of-School Time (OST) environments. Marcy is a former Kalamazoo Public Schools Board of Education Trustee, community volunteer for youth and family initiatives and organizations, and has served and led various boards and committees; including consulting and guiding in her areas of expertise for youth serving agencies, schools, colleges, and businesses. She approaches her work from her multi-racial, multi-ethnic, and multi-cultural identities, research, service, and scholarship.

The Importance of Culture at the Y

Location: Prairies 5

Facilitated by Becca Schnetzer, State Alliance of Michigan YMCAs

Creating culture is one of the hardest, but most important things you do as a leader. In today’s dynamic and rapidly evolving professional landscape, the significance of work culture cannot be overstated. A healthy work culture goes beyond employee satisfaction and retention, it impacts the association’s productivity, influences the member experience and our reputation in the community, and can be a major factor in the overall success or failure of a YMCA. Come talk about how you can influence your culture, inspire your team, and help your Y thrive by creating an environment that positively shapes the daily experience of everyone within your organization.

About the Facilitator

Rebecca Schnetzer is the CEO at the State Alliance of Michigan YMCAs. As the CEO, she provides strategic and operational support for YMCAs through Michigan. Becca also acts as a national Service Delivery Partner for Membership and Out of School Time and sits on the YMCA National Service Delivery Advisory Council. Prior to joining the Michigan Alliance, she was the Chief Operating Officer at the Ann Arbor YMCA, where she spent 22 years in nearly every YMCA role, from seasonal camp counselor to the Membership Director to Vice President of Youth Development.

Becca grew up in northern Ohio a stone’s throw from Cedar Point and spent her undergraduate and graduate years at Bowling Green State University studying Sociology and Recreation. She lives in Dexter, Michigan with her husband Josh and their two children. Becca tries to be outside as much as possible, whether it is walking for exercise, hiking with the family, or gardening. Becca also enjoys yoga, genealogy, and baking.

Moving from Conflict to Connection: Mastering Critical Workplace Conversations

Location: Glens 1

Facilitated by Laura Archer, Shiawasse YMCA

Basic strategies will be shared to facilitate conversations that are often avoided or seen as confrontational. Participants will reflect on their own skills and comfort with difficult conversations and will be guided to refocus on connecting with the other person instead of being in conflict with them.

About the Facilitator

Originally from Escanaba in the Upper Peninsula, Laura Archer has always had a passion for non-profit work beginning in high school through various volunteering opportunities. She attended the University of Detroit, graduating with a degree in English and Secondary Education. She began working in higher education at Baker College of Owosso in the fall of 1994 teaching English as an adjunct instructor while working on her graduate degrees at MSU. Through her various positions at Baker, Laura learned to love helping others live up to their fullest potential and to collaborate with other community agencies and businesses. In her last position at Baker as Dean of Health Sciences and Human Services, Laura developed strong connections to area non-profits and was thrilled to become CEO at the Shiawassee Family YMCA in 2017. The best part of her work is that it’s all about community!

Poverty 102

Location: Glens 3

Facilitated by Marlene Webster, Shiawassee Hope

This session is an extension of this morning's and last year's Poverty 101. Participants will develop a deeper understanding of poverty and how our YMCA's can better serve this population.

About the Facilitator

Marlene Webster is the founder and executive director of a grassroots non-profit called Shiawassee Hope that has been working with people in generational poverty in Shiawassee County for more than 12 years. Marlene is a certified poverty coach and has helped hundreds of people learn about the experience of living in poverty so that they can improve outcomes for those they serve. Marlene also serves her community as a pastor, county commissioner, and school board member. She holds a MA in religion from Northwest Nazarene University.

Culture Index One-on-Ones

Location: Prairies - TBA

Facilitated by Melissa Everhart, Indiana Alliance of YMCAs

About the Facilitator

Melissa Everhart is the Director of Strategic Consulting for the Indiana Alliance of YMCAs, where she partners with CEOs, boards, and leadership teams to strengthen organizational effectiveness, governance, and culture. A certified Culture Index Analyst, Melissa brings more than 20 years of nonprofit leadership experience and a passion for helping individuals understand and embrace their natural strengths. She has facilitated leadership development, strategic planning, and governance training for organizations across the country, always with a focus on connection, clarity, and actionable insight. Melissa’s engaging and approachable style creates an environment where participants feel encouraged to explore their unique traits and how to bring their best selves to their work.

Be the Calm in the Chaos: Leadership When It’s Needed Most

Location: Glens 2

Facilitated by Kristen Wade, Muskegon YMCA

In moments of stress, change, or uncertainty, people naturally look for stability. Leadership isn’t always about having all the answers — it’s about how you show up when things feel chaotic. This interactive session will help you discover practical tools to regulate yourself, communicate with clarity, and ground those around you. Through reflection, real-life scenarios, and simple strategies, you’ll learn how to be the steady presence your team, members, and community need. Whether you’re new in your role or a seasoned professional, you’ll walk away with an action plan for staying centered and leading with calm in even the most challenging moments.

About the Facilitator

Kristen Wade is an executive coach, speaker, and Board Member of the Muskegon YMCA. With over 30 years of experience in Human Resources and leadership development, she specializes in helping professionals discover their strengths, build confidence, and intentionally shape their career paths. Kristen’s passion is guiding emerging and established leaders to recognize that leadership is less about a title and more about how you show up every day. Through her coaching practice, she equips leaders with practical tools for personal branding, executive presence, time and energy management, and navigating career transitions. Kristen brings an approachable, encouraging style that helps individuals uncover the leader within themselves and step into their next level of impact. At this year’s State Leaders Conference, Kristen is excited to help participants embrace the theme of Discovering the Leader in You by sharing actionable strategies for staying grounded, building influence, and leading with intention in every role.

The Power of Our Voice: Building a Culture of Advocacy in the Y

Location: Stone Theater

Facilitated by Paula Wackenheim and Kellie Rankey

Whether at the Capitol or in your own community, advocacy starts with relationships. This interactive session will provide an overview of Y-USA’s federal priorities, Michigan’s legislative landscape, and the opportunities ahead for local Ys to influence decisions that affect our youth, families, and communities. Together, we’ll discuss how to connect the dots between statewide advocacy and grassroots engagement, and how every Y leader can play a role.

About the Facilitators

Paula Wackenheim is the Executive Director of the Oklahoma Alliance of YMCAs. She is an experienced non-profit professional with a demonstrated history of working in public policy, communications, development, grant writing and administration, and executive leadership.

Kellie Rankey serves as the Senior Director of Advocacy for the State Alliance of Michigan YMCAs, where she leverages her extensive background in nonprofit leadership and public policy to champion the mission of YMCAs across the state. Previously, she served as the Executive Director of the Michigan Alliance of Boys & Girls Clubs, driving programs that support youth development and empowerment, and securing over $18M in state budget funding in just two years. With five years of experience working in the Michigan legislature, Kellie brings a deep understanding of policy advocacy and strategic collaboration with elected officials and departments. Outside of work, Kellie enjoys reading, talking walks, and spending time with her husband and her 5 and 3 year old children.

Creating Understanding: Leading with Empathy

Location: Prairies 5

Facilitated by Lee Anna Massey, State Alliance of Michigan YMCAs

In this session, participants will: connect and reflect on empathy, talk about what empathy is and is not, define and understand how Fundamental Attribution Error shows up in our work, consider our own implicit bias and how that shows up in our work and think on how to approach situations through a lens of curiosity and empathy.

About the Facilitators

Lee Anna Massey is the Senior Director of Programs & Curriculum for the State Alliance of Michigan YMCAs. A proud graduate of The Ohio State University, she has dedicated 18 years to advancing the YMCA’s mission by developing youth and empowering staff. Her journey began as a middle school math and science teacher, where she saw the critical need for learning and safe spaces to extend beyond the classroom. Today, Lee Anna drives local, state, and national YMCA initiatives—designing programs, shaping policies, and advocating for stronger out-of-school time opportunities. She is a frequent conference presenter, sharing insights at multiple conferences around the state. Passionate and purpose-driven, Lee Anna is committed to helping young people thrive. When not working, she enjoys spending time with her husband, 2 sons and multitude of friends and family!

Unlocking the Inventors, Innovators, and Entrepreneurs

Location: Glens 1

Facilitated by Andaiye Spencer, Invention Convention Michigan

Join Andaiye Spencer as she explores Invention Convention Worldwide and inHub - The Henry Ford’s online repository for invention education curriculum. Participants will catch the vision for how Invention Convention Worldwide amplifies youth self-directed and creative problem-solving, with free curriculum. activities and escalating events. Participants will be equipped with curricular resources and easily replicable learning experiences that will empower youth to creatively solve real-world problems, enhance their future ready skills, and reach their full potential with dignity.

Understanding Your YMCA Retirement Benefit

Location: Glens 3

Facilitated by Matt Servedio, Y Retirement Fund

Culture Index One-on-Ones

Location: Prairies - TBA

Facilitated by Melissa Everhart, Indiana Alliance of YMCAs

About the Facilitator

Melissa Everhart is the Director of Strategic Consulting for the Indiana Alliance of YMCAs, where she partners with CEOs, boards, and leadership teams to strengthen organizational effectiveness, governance, and culture. A certified Culture Index Analyst, Melissa brings more than 20 years of nonprofit leadership experience and a passion for helping individuals understand and embrace their natural strengths. She has facilitated leadership development, strategic planning, and governance training for organizations across the country, always with a focus on connection, clarity, and actionable insight. Melissa’s engaging and approachable style creates an environment where participants feel encouraged to explore their unique traits and how to bring their best selves to their work.