Finding Strength, Community and Connection at the Y: Mirna Prado’s Story
For more than two decades, Mirna Prado has been a familiar face at the T. Boone Pickens YMCA. A member since 2003, Mirna has watched the Y change through the years - and has experienced firsthand the lasting impact of a community that shows up for its members.
A lifelong Dallas-area resident, Mirna graduated from Booker T. Washington High School for the Performing and Visual Arts with a concentration in theater before earning her bachelor’s degree in Arts and Humanities from The University of Texas at Dallas. She spent much of her career working in the legal field, including at Legal Aid of NorthWest Texas.
For Mirna, exercise has always been about more than physical fitness.
“Exercising has always helped me achieve an emotional, physical and spiritual balance.”
That sense of balance became especially important during one of the most difficult seasons of her life.
A Place to Keep Moving Forward
In 2025, Mirna left her job to care for her mother, who was battling Stage 4 breast cancer. She spent much of the year moving between her mother’s bedside and the Y.
During an incredibly difficult time, the YMCA became a place where Mirna could take a breath, move her body and find connection.
“The staff and members of the YMCA helped me tremendously during that difficult period,” she shared. “I am so grateful to ALL of you just for being here!”
Mirna credits the Y with helping her through the emotional weight of that season.
“This place saved me from a lot of depression and emotional pain.”
Her fellow members became an important part of that support system, including her friends in the Golden Hoopers basketball group: Isha, Rob, Armando and Gilbert.
Their encouragement, along with the welcoming environment at the Y, helped Mirna continue showing up for herself.
Strength, One Rep at a Time
Mirna's fitness journey at the Y has also been one of steady growth.
In 2022, she began working with Wellness Coach Rod Hicks on the hex bar. With Rod's guidance, patience and encouragement, Mirna worked her way from lifting 50 pounds to 140 pounds. Along the way, she learned proper form and breathing techniques to help her become a stronger and more confident lifter.
Mirna first met Rod in 2010, and their relationship has continued to be an important part of her YMCA experience. They share a love of fitness and baseball, and Mirna describes Rod as a constant source of inspiration and encouragement.
“Thank you, Rod!” she says.
Her commitment to her fitness journey continued in 2025 when she completed the Y's 30-day challenge by participating in the Boo Crew Challenge.
More Than a Gym
After more than 20 years as a member, Mirna says the people are what make the T. Boone Pickens YMCA special.
“The YMCA is literally my happy place!”
Over the years, she has met countless members and staff, forming connections that have made the Y feel like an extended family.
“I find the members and staff to be so kind and empathetic,” Mirna says. “It truly is like an extended family.”
She also appreciates the support she received through YMCA membership assistance during leaner times. For Mirna, that support made it possible to continue accessing a place that had become such an important part of her life.
“This is a valuable resource for members when they really need it! Gracias!”
A Legacy of Showing Up
Mirna's story is a reminder that the Y can be many things at once: a place to work out, a place to find friendship, a place to build strength and, sometimes, a place to simply feel a little less alone.
After more than 20 years at the T. Boone Pickens YMCA, Mirna continues to show up—not just for herself, but as part of a community that has supported her through life's seasons.
“I love everyone at T. Boone Pickens YMCA! I hope you enjoy the gym for many, many years!”
Thank you, Mirna, for sharing your story and for being such an important part of the T. Boone Pickens YMCA community.