We are committed to assuring a safe experience for all attendees at The Michigan YMCA Leaders Conference.
We will continue to monitor the progression of COVID-19 in the state, and at this time, we will ask the leadership at each YMCA to confirm proof of vaccination or a negative COVID test dated no earlier than October 26 in order to attend. Masks will also be required for all attendees.
The one-day conference schedule is filled with two excellent Keynote Speakers, plus three rounds of Breakout Sessions and Networking opportunities.
| time | activity |
|---|---|
| 8:00–8:45 am | Registration Starts |
| 8:45–9:00 am | Opening Remarks |
| 9:00–9:50 am | Morning Keynote |
| 9:45–9:50 am | Champions Award Presentation |
| 9:55–10:50 am | Network Groups |
| 11:00–11:50 am | Breakout 1 |
| 12:00–12:40 pm | Lunch |
| 12:50–1:40 pm | Breakout 2 |
| 1:50–2:40 pm | Breakout 3 |
| 2:40-3:00 pm | Break |
| 3:00–3:30 pm | Afternoon Keynote |
| 3:30–3:40 pm | Closing Remarks and Prizes |
| 4:00 pm | Free Happy Hour Location: the Nuthouse Sports Grill sponsored by Radar Promotions |
Josh Linkner is a creative troublemaker. He started his career as a jazz guitarist and then went on to become the founder and CEO of five tech companies, which sold for a combined value of over $200 million. He is also a deeply experienced business leader, venture capitalist, top-rated keynote speaker, New York Times bestselling author, and professional jazz guitarist. He is a world-renown expert on innovation, disruption, and hyper-growth leadership.
Terry Whitfield supports the Skillman Foundation’s K-12 Education work and leads its Afterschool work. Prior to his role with The Skillman Foundation, he served as a youth development worker and community organizer for 10 years. He is a board member of the Michigan Afterschool Association, and a member of 100 Black Men of Greater Detroit, a group working to improve the quality of life in the African American community through their collective resources, abilities and experiences.
This year, our breakout sessions will include information about fundraising best practices, board development, and great things happening at Y across Michigan.
Sometimes we have a story to tell, but not the data, and other times we collect data and need to know how to tell the story from the numbers. This workshop will help participants work through the steps of simple data collection, analysis, and creating a story of impact. Useful tools, tricks, and examples will be provided.
Dawn Palmer-Van Camp is a 14-year Y leader responsible for grants from writing to compliance with over 25 years of experience in evaluation and market research in for-profit and non-profit sectors.
Latitia McCree brings over 30 years of nonprofit leadership, communications/marketing, writing, and philanthropy experience to her role as Senior VP of Communications & Marketing.
Mike Strong is a veteran researcher with more than two decades of experience in market research, data analysis, questionnaire development, report writing, and presentation design.
This session is built on the research excellence of the Center for Positive Organizations, housed at the Stephen M Ross school of Business at the University of Michigan. Betsy Erwin will lead you in an interactive session that will deepen your understanding of the elements of a thriving organization and equip you with practices to elevate thriving in your own organizations.
Betsy Erwin, Senior Associate Director, Faculty Associate, Co-Director Engaged Learning and Innovation Center for Positive Organizations, University of Michigan Ross School of Business
Michigan schools have received historic levels of funding to respond to the pandemic. Partnership between schools & community placed organizations like the Y is critical to respond to the increased needs of our communities. Come hear from the educational experts on how to identify, build, and sustain school partnerships.
James Yake, Director of Health, Safety & Nutrition, Genesee ISD
Paul Libenow
Erin Skene-Pratt, Founder and Principal Consultant, Momentum Associates
For decades, YMCAs have relied on a CEO-centric structure to set the direction and lead the organization. Through the past 18 months, some YMCAs have discovered the power - and absolute necessity - of an engaged and empowered YMCA Board. Learn what it will take to make this happen at your YMCA.
Gigi Woodruff, Founder, Gigi Woodruff & Associates, LLC
Retirement Fund consultations are by appointment. Please sign up here.
Miriam Paulin, Senior Client Relationship Manager, YMCA Retirement Fund
Training consultations are drop-in.
Christina Carter, Ann Arbor YMCA
A 45-minute presentation designed for new hires or those ready to save for retirement. Presentation highlights the difference between the Retirement and Savings Plans and how to make the most of the Savings Plan—403(b) Smart Account and Rollovers—features while working and in Retirement.
Miriam Paulin, Senior Client Relationship Manager, YMCA Retirement Fund
Outcomes of this training:
Cat Lanting & Christy Buck, Mental Health Foundation of West Michigan
We will welcome the Licensing and Regulatory Affairs new Director, Emily Laidlaw to Leaders '21. Emily will share her vision for LARA as well as update us on changes and answer questions or address concerns. Please submit questions in advance if possible.
Emily Laidlaw, Director, Child Care Licensing, State of Michigan
Outcomes of this training:
Whitney Ferrell, Mary Free Bed YMCA
Dr. Marshall Spencer M.D., Cardiology Specialist, MidMichigan Medical Center
McKenna Crossley, Swim Instructor Aid
Every YMCA board must learn to engage all three modes of governance -- fiduciary, strategic, and generative. After years of education and discussion, staff and volunteer leaders still struggle to identify truly generative opportunities or challenges - and how to engage others in the discovery. This highly interactive session will discuss what it takes for a board, and its leaders, to hold generative conversations, and how your YMCA board can reap the power of functioning appropriately at this level?
Gigi Woodruff, Founder, Gigi Woodruff & Associates, LLC
Training consultations are drop-in.
Christina Carter, Ann Arbor YMCA
In this session, the Detroit Y team will discuss 3 technology-related communication challenges (virtual YMCAs, digital in-branch displays, and parent-to-overnight camper communication) and share their budget-conscious, open source solutions.
Seth Amadei, Events Director, Y Arts Detroit & Boll Family YMCA
Jim Baksa, Director of Information Systems, YMCA of Metropolitan Detroit
Elizabeth Kerner, Director of Digital Marketing, YMCA of Metropolitan Detroit
Jacqueline Kippen, Executive Director of Volunteer and Virtual Services, YMCA of Metropolitan Detroit
How is your work-life balance? What can you do, your Y do to support women leaders? Network with women leaders and allies from across Michigan and talk about tactics and tools to continue to move your career forward. Share WLRN Resources, sign up to participate in a LEAN in Circle and continue to strengthen the women's leadership network across Michigan.
Lynette Simmons, Vice President of Operations-Community Initiatives, YMCA of Metropolitan Detroit
Lauren Trautz, Vice President of Human Resources and Business Services, YMCA of Greater Grand Rapids
Lydia Mitchell, Executive Director of Youth in Government, State Alliance of Michigan YMCAs
Joslyn Jamrog, Membership & Marketing Director, Dow Bay Area Family YMCA
We don't want to repeat it, but we have learned a great deal about ourselves through the pandemic and other world challenges that have greatly impacted our organization and communities. Learn from and share case studies of how our organizational practices and priorities have been changed forever!
Gigi Woodruff, Founder, Gigi Woodruff & Associates, LLC
Public awareness of faults in the child care system has increased dramatically throughout the pandemic, creating an opportunity window to educate lawmakers about the importance of investing in child care to support kids and families across Michigan. Learn how you can use your voice and encourage your YMCA members to do the same. This session will include a discussion about child care and other policy areas that are important to you.
Madeline Elliott is a Policy and Programs Associate at Michigan’s Children. Her focus area is early childhood policy. She is an MSU graduate with a passion for uplifting programs and services that kids and families need to thrive.
Retirement Fund consultations are by appointment. Please sign up here.
Miriam Paulin, Senior Client Relationship Manager, YMCA Retirement Fund
Training consultations are drop-in.
Christina Carter, Ann Arbor YMCA
Our Network Gatherings give conference attendees dedicated time to connect with their cohorts from across the state to discuss best practices, trends, and challenges.
| Group | Room |
|---|---|
| Membership & Marketing Directors | 101 |
| Fundraising & Development | 102 |
| Youth Sports | 103 |
| Overnight Camp | 104 |
| Child Care (Afterschool & Early Learning) | 201 |
| Branch Directors | 202 |
| Volunteer Leaders | 203 |
| Aquatics | 204 |
| Health & Wellness | 205 |
| CEOs | Governor's Room |
| Information Technology | Boardroom 1 |
| HR Specialists | Boardroom 2 |
| Outreach (Food) | NE Banquet |
| Outreach (Mentoring) | NW Banquet |
| Property Managers | SE Banquet |
| SW Banquet | Teen Programs |
The Lansing Convention Center is located in the heart of downtown Lansing, Michigan.
We’ll meet at the Lansing Center, which is located in the heart of Michigan’s capital. Lansing Center is conveniently attached to the Radisson Hotel via a covered sky bridge that stretches over the Grand River.
333 E. Michigan Avenue, Lansing, MI 48933
Phone: 517-483-7400
Parking lots under and north of Lansing Center are available for conference attendees to park free of charge on the day of the conference. If there is a parking attendant present, please tell them you are attending the Michigan YMCA Leaders Conference. The entrance to the parking lot underneath the Lansing Center is on Cedar Street.
There are many other paid parking options in and around the Lansing Center. You can find more information here.
The Michigan YMCA Leaders Conference relies on the generous sponsorship of local businesses and individual leaders to present the highest quality conference for Y professionals and volunteers.
Y Leaders 2021 is generously supported by the following sponsors who have provided their time and financial resources. Our sponsors will be in attendance at the conference, so if you have the opportunity please give them your consideration and recognize their contributions.
The Conference Planning Leadership is committed to assuring a safe experience for attendees. We will continue to monitor the progression of COVID-19 in the state including any variants and outbreaks and will make decisions based on the best information possible. At this time, we believe we will require masks in attendance. Should a switch to a virtual experience be required, we will make that decision soon after the first of October and will provide partial refunds as possible.
