Mentorship in Motion: Anne Jeffrey Honored at YMCA Leaders’ School

This summer, the Tampa YMCA proudly sent 61 teens from our YMCA Teen Leaders Club to the YMCA Blue Ridge Leaders’ School. This weeklong leadership and personal development experience is held in the mountains of North Carolina. The school, which has shaped generations of young Y leaders for more than 100 years, brings together teens from across the nation to grow in spirit, mind and body through structured training, physical activity and character-building programs. 

Among this year’s delegation was a standout moment worth celebrating. Our very own Anne Jeffrey, Operations Director at our South Tampa Family YMCA, received her 6th Year Jacket. 

Anne has been a staff member Advisor for the YMCA Teen Leaders program for the past seven years and has attended Blue Ridge Leaders School for six summers, only missing one year due to the COVID closure.

Earning a 6th year jacket is a significant achievement and is given to any teen or volunteer who attends the school for six years. The jacket signifies one’s commitment to the YMCA, learning and teaching as part of a six-year track.

Anne shares, “You choose someone to award you your jacket who has been a significant part of your life and motivates you to continue your YMCA Leaders journey.  I chose Tiff Goff, Operations Director, at the Bob Sierra YMCA to award me my 6th year jacket.”

She adds, “I love to go up to Blue Ridge each summer with the Teen Leaders of the South Tampa Family YMCA because seeing their passion and love for the YMCA is so rewarding.  They have not only served their South Tampa community throughout  the school year through volunteering at their local Y but are also dedicated enough to attend the weeklong school in North Carolina that teaches and pushes them to be better Leaders for the YMCA movement.” 

As the Tampa Y continues to invest in its teens and celebrate milestones like Anne’s 6th year jacket, we are reminded of the power of consistency, mentorship and community. We are so proud of Anne and our teens. They are the future leaders of Tampa Bay, and their journey is just getting started!