Today we're talking about something that sits at the heart of our new Strategic Plan's PEOPLE goal: building community within the YMCA. We're joined by three leaders who live this work every day: Timika Tucker from the Robert D. Fowler Y, Keeley Chester from the Forsyth County Family Y, and Shirene Sethi from the Carl E. Sanders at Buckhead Family Y.
Each of them leads the membership experience at their YMCA. They're the people thinking deeply about what it feels like when someone walks through our doors for the first time, when a member is struggling, when a family is trying to find connection. They're shaping culture in real time.
Today, we'll explore what welcoming really means, what they're learning from the people they serve, and how their work is strengthening belonging across our association.
What You'll Learn in This Episode:
✅ How small, intentional moments of community building drive powerful member engagement and long-term member retention strategies inside YMCA branches.
✅ Why first impressions in fitness matter deeply and how the first five minutes of a visit shape a member's entire sense of belonging at the Y.
✅ How frontline staff training and a service-first leadership mindset directly strengthen welcoming culture and create safer, more connected spaces for every member.
✅ How group exercises community programs like Parkinson's fitness classes transform not just individual health outcomes but entire family wellness journeys.
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TIMESTAMPS:
00:00 Hear how community building shapes every branch visit and a conversation about the YMCA strategic plan people goal
03:47 Timika shares her personal journey and how belonging at the Y became her professional calling
05:33 Shirene describes how a fitness community culture and a running club transformed her from a member to a leader
07:12 Keely explains how the words welcoming and belonging guided her into the YMCA membership experience and leadership
09:30 Keely unpacks what community building looks like on a Tuesday afternoon through small, intentional member engagement moments
11:14 How powerful first impressions are made
16:24 All three directors share real member stories revealing the true meaning of safe spaces for families and wellness coaching
23:49 Leaders discuss staff empowerment, team camaraderie, and building a culture where every team member feels they belong
30:10 The leaders share what they would want a listener to know about why the Y is specia
KEY TAKEAWAYS:
💎 Body language in customer service is not a soft skill. It is a strategic tool. Your eyes, posture, and tone directly communicate whether someone feels seen, valued, and welcomed the moment they walk through the door.
💎 A genuine welcoming culture is never the responsibility of one singular department. From wellness coaching to the play center, every team member at every touchpoint either strengthens or weakens a member's sense of belonging at the Y.
💎 Active older adults and individuals managing serious health diagnoses are among the most powerful examples of why inclusive, program-driven group exercise community spaces matter beyond fitness.
💎 Team camaraderie built through creative internal engagement, like Thrilling Thursdays, directly fuels the energy staff brings to members, proving that a thriving team culture and strong member retention strategies are deeply connected.
ABOUT THE GUESTS:
Shirene moved to Atlanta from New Delhi, India. She brings over 18 years of experience as a Team Leader, Communication Skills Trainer, and Event Organizer. Outside of work, she enjoys running, singing, and acting. Shirene Sethi began her YMCA journey as a Wellness Coach at the Buckhead YMCA. Her love for group exercise and passion for organizing programs and events led her to the Group Exercise Coordinator role. Last year, she was promoted to Member Experience Director, where she continues to do what she loves most — creating meaningful experiences, planning community events, and working closely with members to strengthen connection and belonging at the Y.
Timika Tucker is a proud veteran and the Membership Experience Director at the Robert D. Fowler YMCA in Peachtree Corners, GA. Her professional journey and personal life are both grounded in kindness, compassion, and a deep commitment to making others feel welcomed and supported.
At the Fowler YMCA, Timika leads with intention—cultivating a culture of exceptional customer service and meaningful member engagement. Her natural ability to connect with people and her dedication to fostering belonging make her leadership not just effective, but truly impactful. Timika's service‑driven approach reflects who she is at her core and continues to inspire her team and community every day.
Keeley Chester serves as the Membership Experience Director at the Forsyth County Family YMCA, beginning his role in March 2025. Driven by a passion for people and community, Keeley is committed to creating an environment where every individual and family feels seen, valued, and welcomed from the moment they walk through the Y's doors. A 2017 graduate of Emmanuel College with a Bachelor's degree in Health and Physical Education, Keeley's journey has been rooted in leadership and service. After competing in collegiate basketball at the University of North
Georgia, he transitioned into coaching at Emmanuel College and Brenau University, where he developed not only athletes but young leaders. His experience also includes teaching physical education from preschool through 12th grade and serving in director of operations roles, giving him a unique ability to blend strategic leadership with a heart for mentorship. At the YMCA, Keeley's focus is on fostering belonging, strengthening relationships, and building a community where youth development and member engagement thrive. With an educator's heart and a coach's mindset, he strives to inspire growth, connection, and lifelong impact throughout Forsyth County.
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