A letter from Angel La Luz, the new Executive Director of the Rauner Family YMCA
My name is Angel La Luz, and it’s an honor to introduce myself to you as the new Executive Director of the Rauner Family YMCA. I’m humbled and excited for this opportunity to lead this organization with a focus on mission and service.
Like many of you, I was first introduced to the YMCA as a child when my parents first enrolled me in one of its programs - swim lessons. To this day, I can still remember the care and attention that was paid to me, and the fun I had as I participated. To now be able to serve as the executive director for Rauner Family YMCA is truly a privilege.
I have been with the YMCA of Metropolitan Chicago since July of 2019. Initially assigned as the Resident Manager for Leaning Tower YMCA I committed myself to the mission and those we serve. I worked to build a rapport with the residents by being responsive to their requests, improving communication, and working with local organizations to provide needed resources. Shortly thereafter, I was asked to also serve as the interim executive director of the Rauner Family and West Communities YMCAs. I possess more than 20 years of non-profit management experience focusing on strategic planning, community engagement, program management, and operations. I have served on a variety of boards and committees that have included the United Way Health and Wellness Regional Panel for the Chicagoland area, Making Work Accessible Committee for the State of Illinois, Leadership Greater Chicago, and Kelly Hall YMCA Board of Directors. An Army veteran specializing in personnel management, I hold a bachelor's degree in Computer Information Systems from DeVry University and a certificate in Non-profit Management from North Park University.
Having had the opportunity to first serve as the interim executive director I was able to see some of our programs like summer camp, daycare, and youth safety and violence prevention (YSVP) in action and the impact they are having. I also was able to meet some of you to discuss how you first got involved with the YMCA and what the YMCA means to you.
As executive director, I look forward to:
continuing to ensure the four core values of the YMCA - caring, honesty, respect, and responsibility are reflected in every aspect of the work we do.
hearing from you and what you would like to see from our "Y"
working with community members and organizations to maximize our impact in the community
I am passionate about making a difference in our community and I look forward to your support. I hope to have the opportunity to get to know you and invite you to attend one of two "Meet and Greet" sessions with me and my staff at Rauner Family YMCA to learn more about our services and discuss the needs of our community. The dates for these events will be as follows:
Wednesday, January 22nd from 6 pm to 7 pm
Friday, January 24th from 10 am to 11 am
I appreciate your continued support of the Rauner Family YMCA and I look forward to sharing our stories and news with you.
Gratefully,
Angel La Luz