Today’s Pathway to the (Y) focuses on reflection and gratitude. Our three amazing guests, Joshua Byrd, Durwood Sneed, and Caroline Del Carmen share their stories, all of which are unique. Tune in to learn how handball, an internship, and an afterschool program brought them to the Y community and how they inspire change every day.

IN THIS EPISODE:

• [1:00] Durwood shares how Handball connected him to the (Y) in Richmond, VA.

• [1:20] When Durwood moved to Forsyth County, he connected with Caroline, who is very active in the community and her local YMCA.

• [2:30] Caroline’s story began in Montgomery, AL when she was a stay at home mom for her three children. She learned about an internship that she pursued through volunteering. This was the start of Caroline’s career with the Y.

• [2:30] Josh was introduced to the Y by a man named Franklin Hamilton, who organized a program called the Black Achievers for middle schoolers in the community. The program was hosted at the Ed Isakson YMCA in Alpharetta, GA. This led Josh to work with the Y because he loved it so much.

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

• Experiences at the Y don’t always start as a youth. Sometimes someone doesn’t discover the Y until they are an adult, but the impact can be just as great.

• Creating strong connections is crucial to building the Y community, be it through sports, after school programs, or volunteering.

• Through youth programs and activities, children can build strong foundations for their future, their leadership, and their communities.

RESOURCE LINKS:

Facebook: YMCA Metro Atlanta

Linkedin: YMCA Metro Atlanta

Twitter: YMCA Metro Atlanta

Website: YMCA Metro Atlanta

BIOGRAPHIES:

Josh Byrd is deeply committed to positively impacting and creating environments that foster love, kindness, and positivity. His work aims to uplift and empower individuals, helping them reach their full potential in both personal and professional aspects of life. As a seasoned business owner, wellness professional and operator of a thriving barbershop for over seven years, he has dedicated his career to fostering community, nurturing growth, and promoting holistic well-being. His diverse background in youth mentorship, coaching, and community activities has shaped his approach to creating inclusive, supportive spaces that serve personal and community needs.

Durwood Snead is the co-founder and a leader of the Forsyth Descendants Scholarship, a college scholarship for descendants of African Americans violently expelled from the county in 1912. Durwood is a retired pastor from North Point Ministries, where he directed North Point’s global(x) international ministry for almost eighteen years. Before transitioning to vocational ministry, Durwood spent 26 years in business, holding executive positions at CMD Group, AC Nielsen, and Duracell. He also serves on three other non-profit boards. Durwood and his wife Judi have lived in Forsyth County, Georgia, for 35 years, and they make regular visits to see their five children and sixteen grandchildren.

Caroline del Carmen started working with the Y in Montgomery, Alabama in 2006. Her journey began as a volunteer swim coach when her three children joined the Y’s swim team. Since then, she has worked as a Senior Director in aquatics, sports, and wellness. She is currently the Aquatics Director of the Forsyth County Family YMCA and for the past two years has led the planning and execution of Forsyth County’s Juneteenth Celebration.