Volunteers play a crucial role in making magic happen here at the Harold Mezile North Community YMCA Youth & Teen Enrichment Center. Our volunteer-based Community Board brings together diverse talents from numerous industries across the Twin Cities.

Learn a little more below about each member’s motivations for investing his/her time and talents.

Deona Williams - Board Chair

Target Corporation

“The level of success I’ve attained could not have been reached without the community centers, after school programs, and mentoring provided to me. It is my duty and privilege to pay it forward. I am honored to serve and support North Community YMCA in their mission to lift up the youth in the same way I have been lifted.”

Vivian Gilleylen - Board Development Chair

Ceridian

“I joined the board because I am passionate about giving back to the community that helped raised me. I know the difference that community service and giving the gift of time can have on others, and I feel like if I can have a positive impact on those who I can come in contact with I feel like I can help make a difference one interaction, and with one person at a time.”

Eskor Eyo - Community Relations Chair

Jamf Software

“I joined the board for 1 reason and 1 reason only. To have the ability to influence the next generation. The YMCA was always a positive and safe outlet for me growing up. It is a privilege and an honor, to be able to help do the same for the community and generations after me.”

Kevin Raff - Mission Advancement Chair

This is Kevin’s second time on the North Minneapolis YMCA Board.  He became a board member ten years ago after he sent his kids to their summer camp and was impressed with the execution of their mission.  Life got busy and he needed to step away, but now that he has more time he is back.  He is the current Mission Advancement Chair.

Kevin is a Family Medicine Physician with Allina in Brooklyn Park.  He has two kids, Alex and Mia.  He is an avid hockey player and skier.  

Aric Arneson

GAF

“Achieving common goals through compassionate action is just one way of building a community and I cannot think of a better goal or action than to help provide improvement in the lives of our communities' youth. I am honored to help support and participate in an organization that helps these young community members in achieving their goals.”

Chris Bach

CHRIS BACH, CFA, CFP

“I joined the board to be part of something much bigger than myself. A strong community support system helped shape me into the person I am today. I believe it is my obligation to help support and foster a community for young people where they can grow into the best version of themselves.”

Clarence Robert Jones

Volunteering with the YMCA provides me with a greater opportunity to utilize the resources of the Y to serve my community. Collaborations only strengthen the positive impact of the collective work

Denise King

Markella Smith