Lauren Baklund currently serves as the Senior Member Services Director at the Tacoma Center Y and University Y Student Center. Lauren shares what it is about her work at the Y that inspires her every day.
My dad always told me that it’s not about the place, it’s about the people. I’d like to take this space to tell you all just how each person at the University Y and Tacoma Center inspires me (in no particular order).
Zachary Shea
He is the second most tenured staff of the University Y, behind Yuriy. I believe he just crossed his fifth year here. Zack is a constant and strong presence. When he is around, I know that it’s going to be a good day. He shows up for people, personally and professionally. He gives all of himself to the job and to the people around him. I will forever be grateful for the friend I have found in him.
Debra Dominguez
She is a staple of the Tacoma Center team. I am honored to be her supervisor. The care and concern she shows for our members is inspiring. Debra strives to grow professionally each day. She deals with my scatterbrained thoughts and makes me feel heard. I am truly lucky to have her as my teammate.
Whitney Leppell
She is an aquatics rockstar. Once given a task, she runs with it and gets it done before the timeline. Her expertise in aquatics and safety inspires me to look further into the safety of our buildings.
Gabriel Catalan
Gabriel, long for Gabe. My wolfpack buddy. I have never laughed as hard at work than I have with him. The way he makes people feel safe and heard is inspiring. His style is unique. He has been a sponge and has learned some of the membership processes to be able to support my team.
Franchesca Borja
She is fun! Every day I learn something new about her makes her more unique. She is dedicated to the work we do around DEIB. She shows up for her team and is willing to take on any task that is thrown her way.
Kate Hardeman
I am so happy that she has joined the UY/TC Team. She has made a significant impact in her short amount of time here. I love her passion for our members and I admire the dedication she has to The Plunge.
Cassidy Inamasu
Our fearless Leader. Just in the past few weeks since starting, he has taken this team to the next level. His vision for where we will be in 2023 far surpasses what I could ever imagine. He is a servant leader that truly loves people. He laughs with us and keeps things fun on a daily basis.
Cady Chambers
She is the hardest worker I have ever seen. She is a grinder. I have seen Cady come out of her shell and challenge herself more in the past six months than ever before. She keeps our facilities sparkling and truly cares for her staff and the members.
Yuriy Zaytsev
Yuriy is the knower of all things TC and UY. He is the OG. I always know that I can count on Yuriy to follow through with any task given.
James Morvel
James is caring. He is organized and accurate. He takes steps to solve problems immediately. He helps with special projects and is an asset to this team.
This team serves the Downtown Tacoma population with love and acceptance. We are a unique team that is tight-knit and cares for each other. They are who inspire me and are who I show up for on a daily basis. They fill my cup and will forever have a place in my heart.