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.
Biographies:
Robert
As the Associate Executive Director of the Andrew & Walter Young Family YMCA, Robert Wright has 20 years of experience encouraging and motivating individuals in the human and social service industry. His experience working with children and adults with mental health and substance abuse diagnoses, as well as developmental disabilities, fueled his passion for being an advocate and champion of others, and fed his spirit and desire to join the Andrew & Walter Young Family YMCA in 2000. Robert utilized his experience of assisting others and transferred his energy and focus to fitness and wellness by joining the Wellness department in 2009 as a Group Exercise Instructor and Wellness Coach. He is motivated to merge both arenas to give individuals with diagnoses and disabilities another avenue other than the traditional clinical and medicinal approaches. Robert is a graduate of Morehouse College and holds a BA in Business Administration. He is a proud father of two beautiful young women, Taylor and Devyn, a proud member of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc., and enjoys exercising, traveling, and spending time with his family.
Zarinah
Zarinah Winston began working for the YMCA of Metro Atlanta in 1999 and has served in multiple roles for the past 23 years. Currently, she is a Center Director of an Early Learning Center. Prior to becoming Center Director for the Y, she was a Summer Camp Counselor, After School Site Director, Assistant Teacher, Lead Teacher and Lead Instructional Support Coach. Zarinah received the high distinction of “Outstanding Performance Award” for her work with the Covington Family. She earned a Bachelor of Science in Multidisciplinary Studies (Education), a Master of Education in Curriculum & Instruction with a minor in Early Childhood Education. Zarinah is proud to be a mother of three wonderful children, Zamaria, Zachary, and Zavier, two of which attended a YMCA Early Learning at the tender age of six weeks. Zarinah’s family is her heart and inspiration for striving to be the best version of herself. Outside of the Y, she owns her own candle business, she enjoys 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.
Allison
Allison Toller is the Chief Social Impact Officer for the YMCA of Metro Atlanta. Charged with
cultivating and stewarding the Y’s strategic partnerships, she also drives the Association’s strategic plan. Additionally, Allison oversees the Y’s volunteerism and advocacy initiatives. Prior to coming to the Y, she 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. 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. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Communication from Florida State University and a Master of Arts in Teaching from Georgia College & State University. Allison lives in Sandy Springs with her husband Rick, and their two children. Nina and Jackson. Both children spent their summers growing up at YMCA Camp High Harbour at Lake Allatoona.
