Y Achievers, a national YMCA program, serves students of numerous racial, ethnic and socioeconomic groups from varying academic levels in pursuit of high educational and career goals. Y Achievers helps teens improve academic performance, develop a positive sense of self, build character, explore diverse college and career options plus interact with professionals who serve as role models.
Join us in July 2024 for the YMCA Achievers Summit – a national gathering for both Achievers teens and staff. Taking place at the scenic YMCA Blue Ridge Assembly in the mountains of Western North Carolina, the Summit will provide valuable leadership development, life enhancing skills and group interaction in a fun and exciting week. The adults will receive valuable program and personal development while also having opportunities to support and serve the teens. For questions about the Achievers Summit, email AchieversSummit@yblueridge.org.
Seth Cottom began his YMCA journey in Norfolk VA as a college student at Old Dominion University. He has been working with teens for 6 years introducing new teen fitness classes and transitioned into running Teen Leaders Clubs, Teen Camps, and the Sponsor a Teen Summer Membership Program. He recently graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science, and currently serves as the Regional Sports & Teen Director in with the YMCA of South Hampton Roads.
Corrien Elmore-Stratton is the former Executive Director of Teen Leadership for the Greater Philadelphia YMCA. She managed and operated programs for over 4,000 students across the Greater Philadelphia region. With over 17 years of experience in youth development, with 11 of those years being with the YMCA, Corrien has built her career on providing quality programming for youth and families. Corrien brings her passion for working with BIPOC youth and love of Achievers to the planning committee team.
Greg Hall has served teens for his entire career. Starting his career in Kentucky, Greg has been a part of the Atlanta, Charlotte, Winston Salem, and Cincinnati YMCA’s. He also served the Y movement as a senior consultant for the Redwoods Group before assuming his current role as Vice President of Mission Impact at the YMCA Blue Ridge Assembly.
Benjamin Major is a North Carolina native and Florida resident, who has been a part of the YMCA since birth. Being a Y member all his life, Ben has been a part of many Y opportunities as a youth and teen; and has continued the trend professionally. Ben’s nine years of experience includes teen development in Leaders’ Club, Y Achievers, Youth and Government, Teen Camps, and global teen leadership development. The journey has allowed him to become an advisor in Gen Z development within global justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion across the Y movement. Ben currently serves at State Director, Social Impact with the Florida State Alliance of YMCAs.
Eboné Mitchell was introduced to the YMCA as a college student at NC State University, working with over 100 middle school teens every day. After graduating college, she then moved to Richmond, VA where she had opportunities to grow as a Y professional in a variety of different capacities. She currently resides in Tampa, FL, where she serves as an Associate Executive Director. When not spending time at the Y, you can find her at brunch, the gym or cleaning her sneakers.
Kashala has been with the YMCA of Greater Houston for 18 years all in different aspects of Youth Development. In Kashala’s current role she supports a team of dedicated Youth workers in delivering a variety of youth centered high quality teen leadership opportunities and experiences. Kashala remains committed to using her energy and influence to ensure that young people have equitable access to opportunities that help them to learn, thrive and become active agents of change in their communities.
Karina Teixeira is the Executive Director of Teen Development at the YMCA of Greater Boston. She also serves as the Executive Chair for the Latino Resource Network group and holds a Master’s degree in Organizational Management and Leadership from Springfield College. In addition to her nonprofit experience, Karina volunteers with the Big Sister program to give back to other companies that are supporting our future leaders.
Keith Vinson is a cause-driven senior executive leader that supports a culture of excellence, quality, and diversity. Keith currently serves as the Vice President of Operations for the YMCA of Metropolitan Dallas. Additionally, he has been an executive leader in YMCA of Greater Charlotte, YMCA of South Hampton Roads and YMCA of Middle Tennessee. Keith is the co-host on the Causenectic podcast which seeks to amplify the voice of the Y in the community.
