Tag: Executive Director

Five Questions with Virginia Kaczmarek, Executive Director, Rochester YMCA

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Virginia Kaczmarek, Executive Director, Rochester YMCA

Every day, The Rochester YMCA works side-by-side with its neighbors to make sure that everyone, regardless of age, income or background, has the opportunity to learn, grow and thrive.  As Executive Director of the Rochester YMCA, Virginia Kaczmarek knows that lasting personal and social changes comes about when we all work together.

DMC recently chatted with Kaczmarek, a 20-year employee with the YMCA and 5 months in her role as Executive Director of the Rochester YMCA, about some of her priorities and what path brought her to Rochester.

DMC: What path brought you to your current position with the Rochester YMCA?  

Kaczmarek: As a young single mother, the YMCA played an important support role in my life and since those days, I have always wanted to give to others the support I received when I most needed it. My fiancé grew up in Rochester and after spending the last 11 years in Northfield, MN (where we raised the needed funds to open a brand new Y in 2014) it was time for me to move on to a new adventure and challenge.

DMC: What are some of the top priorities for the organization in the coming year?

Kaczmarek: Partnerships, Partnerships, Partnerships.  In today’s world, community impact is most powerful when people, groups, organizations and businesses come together to meet the needs of our community.  

DMC: What do you feel sets Rochester apart from other cities?

Kaczmarek:  It is an amazing ”big/small town” with so many amazing people working together to make a positive impact on those around us.  There isn’t much complacency here and I love that.

DMC: Why is the Destination Medical Center initiative so important to the future of Rochester?

Kaczmarek:  The DMC initiative provides amazing opportunities for growth and the YMCA is very proud to work together to make good things happen in our community.  

DMC: What advice would you give to someone thinking about building a life, starting a career, and/or raising a family in America’s City for Health?

Kaczmarek: Reach out and ask questions. Connect with your neighbors.  There is an abundance of important opportunities to connect and share in the movement towards ensuring we all have a healthy opportunity to grow and thrive.

 

Five Questions with Brian Austin, Executive Director of the Rochester Art Center

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Brian Austin

The Rochester Art Center (RAC) is an essential community asset and the local hub for culture, innovation, and creativity driven through contemporary art.

We sat down with Executive Director Brian Austin, who has been in his role since January 2018, to learn more about his priorities for the organization and why he thinks the Destination Medical Center (DMC) initiative will encourage more collaborations for the community.

Five Questions with Dee Sabol, Executive Director of the Diversity Council

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Dee Sabol

Diversity is a key component in building a strong, cohesive community. In fact, the more unique perspectives we invite to be part of our community conversations, the more creative and innovative ideas will result.

Dee Sabol stepped into the role of executive director for the Diversity Council in 2015. She is committed to community engagement, equity, and education as she works toward the Diversity Council’s vision of creating “an inclusive and welcome community in which every individual is respected.”

DMC connected with Sabol to gain more insight into the importance of diversity in building America’s City for Health and why the Destination Medical Center (DMC) initiative was an important factor in her return to the Midwest.