YUSA 30 UNDER 30 AWARDEE: Michael Sanchez

Michael 30 Under 30 Awardee

COMMITMENT TO THE Y

Michael Sanchez is a Youth Development Director at the YMCA of Metropolitan Dallas. He is extremely  active within his Association, sitting on several volunteer groups including the Marketing Association  Committee Board, the Teen Association Committee Board, and the Teen Camp Committee Board. Michael’s  first job was at the YMCA ten years ago, and that part time position has turned into a meaningful and  fruitful career for him.

 

COMMITMENT TO DIG

Michael is grateful to work for an organization where diversity and inclusion have been a priority. Michael  ensures that his programs build an inclusive environment that embody D.I.G. principles. For example, within  Youth in Government, Michel facilitates effective conversations on D.I.G. topics and gives teens a podium  to talk about what they are passionate about. Michael also brings in guest speakers to talk about the  LGBTQ community, mental health, healthy relationship building, and financial literacy. Michael and his team  also offer financial assistance for these programs – which fills a great need in his community. Michael  ensures D.I.G. is something that is essential in his work because he sees the teens in his programs as the  future, and he wants to ensure they have the tools to effectively make the change the world needs to see.

 

COMMITMENT TO THE COMMUNITY

When Michael started working in the Youth Program in 2014 the program was still growing – serving  around 10 youth. Under Michael’s leadership and with the help of his staff, they were able to grow the  programs to reach 60 teens through camp and 35 kids through Youth in Government. Michael ensures  that staff build relationships with not only the teens but their parents as well, ensuring they stay engaged  and excited as they attend programs. His programs build family-like environment and the teens support  each other in and outside of the YMCA. As youth age out of Michael’s programs many have come back to  work for the YMCA. Michael believe this is a true testament to the impact his team’s work has made on  the community.

 

Outside of the YMCA, Michael serves as a volunteer at St Michaels Catholic Church and the Grand Prairie  Independent School District. Michael is also a part of the Hispanic Latino Leadership Network as well as  the Leadership Club Grand Prairie.

 

Contact Michael: msanchez@YMCADALLAS.org