Our Outstanding 2019 Employees of the Year
EVERY YEAR, OUR ORGANIZATION HONORS ONE STAND-OUT EMPLOYEE FROM EACH OF OUR 15 Y LOCATIONS.
These employees exemplify the character values of honesty, respect, caring and responsibility in all areas of their work. They also:
- Made a significant accomplishment within his or her area of responsibility.
- Made a significant collaborative effort/contribution to help others, his or her department, branch or the YMCA of San Francisco.
- Made a significant positive impact upon the branch or Association Office.
- Performed his or her job at such a superior level that it has positively affected his or her co-workers, department, branch or the YMCA of San Francisco.
Let us introduce you to our 2019 Employees of the Year!
Association Office - Stephanie Ong
Stephanie Ong started her career with the Y in 2016 as an on-call office assistant and quickly progressed to a fulltime position in accounting and was recently promoted to HR Coordinator. Stephanie is a quiet powerhouse and always demonstrates a desire to assist regardless of the task. She is able to quickly redirect AO staff to the subject matter expert by drawing on her experience in Administrative Services, Accounting and now Human Resources. Stephanie also volunteers regularly at Embarcadero as a Wellness Coach and in Member Services in addition to YMCA of San Francisco special events and other community organizations. As a certified NERT volunteer, Stephanie has shared her knowledge and expertise with the Association Office in her role as Safety Committee Coordinator.
Congratulate Stephanie on Social Media
Bayview Hunters Point YMCA - Nicole Yarbrough
Nicole is phenomenal at her current position as Residents Activities Coordinator for the Huntersview neighborhood. The residents simply adore her. She goes over and beyond the call of duty and shows great initiative in her role. She is a team player and lives the YMCA mission and cause in her work every day. Her leadership helped to create innovative programming for residents, such as a recording studio for youth and adults to learn engineer skills, and a book club to promote literacy.
Congratulate Nicole on Social Media
Buchanann YMCA - Fanny Yu
Most known for being an amazing Kinder teacher and the Assistant Site Coordinator at the Chinese Immersion School program, Fanny holds different roles to support many areas of the Chinese Immersion School program operations to ensure everything runs smoothly. She has taught dance (wow!), curated a water ballet, trained our Junior Detectives, and much more. She has grown tremendously in the past three years and is part of the Buchanan YMCA narrative.
Congratulate Fanny on Social Media
Camp Jones Gulch - Tony Marcelo
Tony works tirelessly behind the scenes to make sure YMCA Camp Jones Gulch runs smoothly and meets the needs of our guests. With 11 years of experience here at Camp Jones Gulch, Tony knows everything that needs to happen and is always happy to assist in any way that he can. His positive attitude is contagious, even during busy or stressful days. It is because of Tony that Camp Jones Gulch is such a great place to work and why all of our guests enjoy their time at the Gulch. Thank you Tony!
Congratulate Tony on Social Media
Chinatown YMCA - Koey Zhou
Koey goes above and beyond her duties as Community Programs Coordinator. Aside from running Chinatown YMCA's community programs, she is supportive of other departments and branch wide activities. Koey also makes herself available to families; providing support in the form of advice, or just being there for them. She is hardworking, willing to learn, passionate for the community, and has always got your back.
Congratulate Koey on Social Media
Embarcadero YMCA - Ana Lima De Los Santos
Through her words and actions, Ana has proven to be a champion of the Y's core values of honesty, caring, respect, and responsibility. In her work for both After School Programs and Summer Camp, Ana is known for her supportive, calming, nurturing, and encouraging presence. In 2017, she brought the same energy, professionalism, and care to all members and guests of the Y when she joined the Membership team. She has also stepped up to assist the administrative department, when the department faced a serious staffing shortage, going out of her way to ensure the department, and ultimately, branch operations, continued smoothly. Since starting with the Embarcadero Y as a camp counselor in training eight years ago, Ana has brought her meticulous organization, high energy, and personal flair to Embarcadero YMCA.
Congratulate Ana on Social Media
Marin YMCA - Riley Sutton
Riley has been with the Marin YMCA for approximately one year and during this time, Riley has become a favorite amongst members. Riley is always upbeat, always willing to help others, and is always enhancing the member experience. It is great to have Riley on Team Marin.
Congratulate Riley on Social Media
Mission YMCA - Adriana Green
Adriana has grown tremendously over the last year. During difficult and stressful times, Adriana ensures that programming is at its best and does it all with a big smile on her face. Her passion and devotion for the after school program at Monroe Elementary shows through every day of her work with the youth. Adriana strives to build relationships with the school body, youth in the after school program, and their families. We couldn't be more proud to have her at Mission YMCA.
Congratulate Adriana on Social Media
Peninsula Family YMCA - Gerry Balingit
Gerry is the Maintenance Mechanic Supervisor at Peninsula Family YMCA. He always has a positive attitude and is friendly with all (staff and members). He is extremely hardworking and comes in whenever he is needed - without ever complaining for facility emergencies. He takes pride in his work and is thorough - doing it right and with quality the first time. Gerry is always willing to help out and we have never seen a harder worker than Gerry.
Congratulate Gerry on Social Media
Point Bonita YMCA - Ricardo Patron
Ricardo exemplifies a great work ethic and is committed to the Y's cause. He works in multiple departments as a cook, Y Rangers counselor, and outdoor educator. He's both a caring and passionate educator and a fabulous cook. He cares deeply about doing a great job in all of his roles and has stepped up to provide leadership and support during periods of transitions in staffing. Ricardo is an all-around amazing employee and we are lucky to have him at Point Bonita YMCA.
Congratulate Ricardo on Social Media
Presidio Community YMCA - Malay Khamsyvoravong
Malay has been an integral part of our YBike program at Presidio Community YMCA for many years. More recently, Malay has developed and implemented a Girls Riding Club, which encourages young women and gender non-conforming youth to ride bikes for fun, exercise, transit and community. She has also managed YBike's PE Program, and has delivered bike safety education to most SFUSD schools.
Congratulate Malay on Social Media
Richmond District YMCA - Jenny Little
Jenny is the best thing to happen to the Richmond District Y in over a decade. She has raised the quality of the branch's Group Exercise classes in a very short time. Jenny has created a welcoming and nurturing environment through her group exercise classes. She is well respected by her peers and has been an integral leader in the Les Mills Task Force, sharing her experience and knowledge with other branches. Jenny has embraced the Y values of caring, honesty, respect and responsibility wholeheartedly, and we believe she will have a long and successful career here at the Y.
Congratulate Jenny on Social Media
Shih Yu-Lang Central YMCA - Itchel Alsalte
Returning to the YMCA after several years away, Itchel has helped strengthen and reaffirm the Y's health and wellness programming in the Tenderloin neighborhood of San Francisco. She brings strong skills in marketing and communications to share the amazing work happening at the branch across all departments. Always ready to help and share ideas or laughter, Itchel has shown time and again her importance not just as our Healthy Living and Marketing Coordinator, but as an essential part of the Shih Yu-Lang Central YMCA team.
Congratulate Itchel on Social Media
Stonestown Family YMCA - Roselin Sretpisalsilp
Roselin has been a strong leader for the Stonestown Family YMCA’s Aquatics Department since June 2013, and has proven her ability time and time again through her thoughtfulness, attention to the YMCA mission, tireless dedication, and overall spirit. Her professional highlights include her dedication to building a team of aquatics professionals ranging from teens to adults, implementing a culture of safety, and teaching our community to be safe around water through a free community event called Safety Around Water. She has been an integral part of the success of the department as both a behind-the-scenes contributor and as the face of Stonestown Family YMCA's programming. We see and feel Roselin’s passion every day and are thankful to have her on our team.
Congratulate Roselin on Social Media
Urban Services YMCA - Andrea Nuñez
Andrea is dedicated, committed and passionate about community work and serving youth at John O’Connell high school. The students trust her and feel confident coming to her for support related to their academics and personal lives. Andrea connects with all of the school's community and staff. This bridge between Urban Services YMCA and John O'Connell High School ensures that all the students on her caseload are being plugged into the many services they need to succeed.
Congratulate Andrea on Social Media