WNJY - A Podcast for YMCA Professionals

In what we hope to be a multi-episode series, WNJY presents the morning Keynote speech of the 2022 Regional Emerging Multicultural Leadership Development Experience December 2 at the Wayne YMCA. Rodrigua Ross, Vice President of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion for the YMCA of Metropolitan Dallas and Chair of the National African American Resource Network for YUSA, speaks about what it means to mobilize oneself in the pursuit of career growth and leadership opportunities within the YMCA movement. She has collaborated with government entities, public and private nonprofit agencies, and corporate partners nationwide to address issues such as youth development program deficiencies, improving family stability, increasing access in resource deficient communities, poverty, reducing social stigmas associated with certain populations, and the dismantling of inequitable systems. Special thanks to Washima Redding from Metro YMCA of the Oranges for help with this podcast, and WNJY host Nya Noziere for emceeing the event.

YPN Chapter 17, Metro YMCA of the Oranges and the NJ State Alliance of YMCAs present a conversation with three of the Jersey 4. Nya Noziere from the Sussex Y hosts Danny Reyes, Jarmaine Grant and Rayshawn Brown who, on April 23, 1998, along with Keshon Moore, hopped in Moore’s van to drive down to North Carolina Central University basketball tryouts. USA Today reported it was on the NJ Turnpike heading south that evening when State Troopers John Hogan and James Kenna pulled up alongside Moore, who was driving, to peer across the lane at the van and its passengers. A moment later the state police were behind Moore’s van pulling them over. While reaching for his license and registration, the van slowly rolled backward, bumping the front fender of the police car. Moore had accidentally put the van in reverse, instead of park.

NJ State Police open fired into the van, injuring Grant and Brown, nearly killing Reyes. The Troopers were handcuffing and arresting the men while paramedics were trying to administer care. “Under arrest for what?” Brown asked police before being airlifted to a Trenton Hospital. “You guys shot us! We didn’t do anything!”

“That’s what you all say,” The Trooper responded. Police shot Reyes six times, Grant three and Brown twice. Fortunately, Moore was not hit by police bullets that night.

In this first episode of Season 2 of WNJY Michael interviews Dr. Meg Fisher about the January 6 updated NJ Dept. of Health Guidelines for Licensed Childcare, with post-interview analysis provided by Cindy Shields, Senior Director of Childcare Services for the Metuchen, Edison, Woodbridge and South Amboy YMCA.  Ahead of that, we announce the launch of YPN Chapter 17's new website, www.YPNchapter17.org and 2022's YPN Board volunteers.   

Michael interviews YPN Communication Chair Emily Michaels on current YPN Chapter 17 Events.  Then Michael interviews Dr. Meg Fisher from the NJ Department of Health's Office of the Commissioner about the COVID-19 vaccines: facts, fiction, and why you need to get it.

Michael talks with Bruce Black, President and CEO of the Hunterdon County YMCA about his upcoming retirement. Bruce shares learning and leadership experiences from throughout his 39-year career serving YMCA communities.

Michael discusses behavioral/mental health for staff and members during the Coronavirus Pandemic with LeeAnn Wagner, LPC, LCADC, VP of Counseling and Social Services for the YMCA of Greater Monmouth County. Topics include supervisor empathy, employee self-care, and the changing needs of individuals and families as we all navigate the current state of the pandemic.

Michael interviews Pam Hearn, Chief Development Officer for YMCA of Greater Monmouth County and Director of Membership & Education for North American YMCA Development Organization (NAYDO). Topic is development and fundraising amidst the pandemic: cultivating, pivoting, innovating, communicating and many other "ings" essential to Y success through crisis.