In a recent episode of The Day with Trae, host Trae Holiday and welcomed, Loria Yeadon, President & CEO of the YMCA of Greater Seattle, to discuss her groundbreaking role and the impactful work the YMCA is doing in the Seattle community.

Yeadon, the first woman and person of color to lead the YMCA in its 146-year history, highlighted the organization's deep roots in the city and its multifaceted approach to serving the community. Under her leadership, the YMCA of Greater Seattle has expanded its services, which now include 13 branches, childcare sites, behavioral health services, and shelters for homeless youth. Yeadon emphasized that the YMCA goes beyond physical fitness, serving as a vital resource for fostering equity, justice, and wellness.

The conversation also spotlighted the upcoming Communities and Change Makers Luncheon on September 25th. This annual event, formerly known as the AK Guy Awards, celebrates community leaders and volunteers who are making a difference. Yeadon shared details about the honorees, including Sherri Schultz of the Schultz Family Foundation and Eric Pettigrew, a former legislator known for his work in underserved communities. The luncheon will focus on critical issues like youth mental health and the growing crisis of loneliness.

Yeadon also highlighted the keynote speaker, Dr. Ben Danielson, a respected pediatrician and community advocate, who will discuss the health impacts of loneliness, a topic she noted is as harmful to the body as smoking 15 cigarettes a day.

The event promises to be a powerful platform for change makers to inspire others to get involved and tackle these pressing social issues. Tickets for the luncheon are available on the YMCA's website, and Yeadon encouraged community members to attend and join the conversation.

The episode ended on a hopeful note, with both Holiday and Yeadon emphasizing the importance of collective action and community engagement in addressing the challenges ahead.

For more information visit https://www.seattleymca.org/give/changemaker-awards.

To see more guests like Yeadon, tune in with Trae every weekday at 11 a.m. on all Converge Media platforms and The Day With Trae YouTube Channel.