YUSA 30 Under 30 Awardee: Preeya Ganness

COMMITMENT TO THE Y

Preeya Ganness is a Youth Development Director at the YMCA of Metropolitan Dallas. During her tenure,  she has participated in a variety of initiatives including the Character Development Learning Institute and  EMLE. By incorporating intentional character development practices into her programs, Preeya has seen  noticeable difference in behavior and program quality. Preeya not only teaches the youth, but she says  she is always learning from her students as well. As a Youth Development Director, Preeya invests in youth  daily through offering educational opportunities, serving as a role model, and ensuring the program has  quality staff to ensue her Y makes a positive impact on the community’s youth.

COMMITMENT TO DIG

Preeya has a passion for D.I.G., and she has been intentional about partnering with non-profits in the  community to educate both youth and staff on diversity and inclusion, mental health, and LGBTQ rights.  Preeya does this by facilitating weekly guest speakers covering a range of topics aimed to help teens feel  comfortable with themselves and each other, in turn leading to an inclusive program environment.

As a part of the Y-USA Character Development Learning Institute team, Preeya infuses her programs with  the five best-practice areas of Emotional Management, Responsibility, Personal Development, Relationship  Building, and Empathy. By incorporating these practice areas into her programs, Preeya’s staff now model  the behavior they wish to see from the youth participants – leading to a positive program environment  where D.I.G. is prioritized.

COMMITMENT TO THE COMMUNITY

Preeya has a passion for impacting youth through quality programming. She builds D.I.G. principles and  best practices into her programs to ensure she is providing a meaningful experience for the community.  For example, Preeya ensures that teen summer campers not only take field trips while at camp, but  also participate in volunteer opportunities to give back to the community. Additionally, Preeya’s Youth  in Government and Model United Nations clubs both empower teens to find their voice and effectively  speak on topics that are important to them. She prepares them to create change, provides leadership  opportunities, and fosters an environment of learning and growth. Both programs have grown  tremendously under Preeya’s leadership.

Preeya volunteers outside the walls of the YMCA as a member of the Collin County Early Childhood Coalition.

Contact Preeya: pganness@YMCADALLAS.org