Lauren Reyes, Vice President of Operations at the Tampa Metropolitan Area YMCA accepts the 2022 Women of Distinction Award from Tampa Metropolitan Area YMCA CEO, Matt Mitchell.
Earlier this month, YMCA USA’s National Women’s Leadership Resource Network (WLRN) awarded 8 women across the United States with Women of Distinction Awards in recognition of their hard work and the impact they make on the YMCA and on the communities they serve.
Our own Lauren Reyes was honored for her work as Chair of the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Group initiatives for Ys across the country. This group creates a platform for Y staff and volunteers to discuss ways in which a more diverse YMCA can strengthen our ability to address social issues as well as ensure our relevance and impact as a cause-driven organization. As a leader in the Tampa Metro Association, she works to bring quality programming and resources to some of our most marginalized communities including the oversight of our programming that serves kids and families in Sulphur Springs. Lauren also manages the team that operates the Y’s Veggie Van program, which brings healthy produce to food deserts in our service area.
“It has always been my desire to work to ensure that the way I view myself aligns with how others see me and receiving this award serves as affirmation,” says Reyes. “I continue to work daily to show up as the type of leader who people know they can count on [and] a leader who will stand up and speak out or even stay quiet when needed. Receiving this award makes me feel like I might be on the right track.”
Lauren’s advice to future leaders and young women, in particular, is to “Be bold in their leadership. I know it’s easier said than done, but I’m a big fan of making bold moves!” She’s also quick to add that she is able to be who she is because of the great team working alongside her every day. “They help me out, lift me up, keep me laughing, and thus give me the opportunity to shine!”
Congratulations to Lauren and to all of the 2022 Women Of Excellence who work daily to build stronger, healthier communities!