Jess Myhre currently serves as the Social Media Manager. She shares her thoughts on what DEIB work means to her and why it's important to our Y.
I was raised in Tacoma in a low-income family. As a young child, while my peers discussed their eventual careers as veterinarians, firefighters, or teachers, I had my sights set on becoming the President of the United States. However, as time went on, I started recognizing that not everyone shared my optimism about how my life would play out. My tattered hand-me-downs told a different story of my potential than my attitude did. Teachers noticed my constant tardiness and unexcused absences as my mom and dad struggled to co-parent and share custody. It all came to a crashing halt when I was in second grade, and an administrator told me I likely never would be president but would “probably be somebody’s secretary someday”.
When you’re young, you don’t always realize that you are poor. It was not until someone in a leadership role addressed me in this way, negating my ability to become the most powerful person in the free world, that I started to doubt my own capability. After many years of experience and unlearning, my confidence has returned, and I am passionate about providing opportunities for others, especially the youth.
I knew I wanted to find a career where I could give back and help people. I served every corner of my community, from young families to our unhoused neighbors, and saw a great need for services. Feeling called to do more for those around me, I applied at the Y, a household name for its programs for children and families.
I believe that by giving young people opportunities and experiences, we can lift them up from their beginnings, whatever they may be, and assist them in realizing their potential. The programs provided by the YMCA have changed countless lives and provided a safe space for children to learn and grow. Focusing on underserved populations, and creating equitable opportunities despite their income levels, allows for imagination and creativity. No child should be told that their dreams are out of reach.
While I am still new to the Y, I am not new to DEIB work. I have advocated for mothers in the birth space, protested violence against marginalized communities, and volunteered my time to serve those less fortunate. It is empowering for someone with my background to be able to help make changes in a professional setting, and I feel so fortunate to be here. As I said in my interview, each day in a nonprofit setting should start with asking how we can serve the most people, and that is exactly how I start each day.
I feel that by including myself and others with varied experiences and backgrounds in conversations, we can better understand and meet the needs of everyone in our community. It has been a gift to be given a seat at the table, and while I may not be the president, I can confidently say I am on my way to being a change-maker, with the Y by my side. Five-year-old me would be proud of the work we are doing, and I cannot wait to see how far we can go!