Published September 27, 2024
From the second grade through high school, you could find Isabel Gates hanging out at the Tom Taylor Family YMCA. Isabel's time at the Y was not just about fun and games; she participated in a range of programs, from Summer Day Camps to Youth and Government, showcasing her versatility and gaining valuable life experience.
Today, Isabel walks through the halls of the Department of Commerce in Washington D.C. as a Presidential Management Fellow specializing in digital policy.
As a Youth and Government participant, Isabel was part of the Press Corps, a group of youth designated to write feature stories, briefs, broadcasts, and all things media for the Youth Legislative Session that took place every spring. There, she was recognized by her peers as the "Most Outstanding Press." In 2016, Isabel was named the YMCA Youth of the Year.
"It was just a great program to be a part of; I think being in Washington state, we feel far removed from D.C.,” said Isabel. “Many kids don't know what the political process is like. It was a great way to introduce high school students into politics."
The Gates family's decision to join the Tom Taylor Family YMCA turned out to be more rewarding than they had anticipated. Tim Gates, Isabel’s father, a native of Gig Harbor, recalled his teenage years when the community was missing a centerpiece like the Y.
“There wasn't really a place for kids to go [prior to the YMCA],” said Tim. “It was either ride your bike on the dangerous roads or hang out at the docks.”
Since its establishment in 2007, the Tom Taylor Family YMCA has been a celebrated and enduring addition to the Gig Harbor community. With its diverse programs catering to all walks of life, from children to seniors, the Y has cemented its place as a beloved and integral part of Gig Harbor.
For Isabel, the Y was more than just a place to work out. It was a social hub and a place to unwind outside of the school and family environment.
“What I really loved about the Tom Taylor Y was that it was a spot to go to after school,” said Isabel. “It was great to have that many points of access to go to when you’re young. I think it set me on a good path. I really reminisce about those days where I would just go to the Y to hang out with my friends, play games, and be exposed to a lot of different personalities and opportunities,” said Isabel.
After her time at the Y, Isabel continued her education and policy work at the University of Washington, where she advocated for a bill banning private prisons. She then moved onto graduate school at Brown University in Public Affairs where she started consulting with the FCC to improve the reporting policies for telecommunications companies experiencing cyberattacks.
Isabel's mother, Amy Gates, remained a guiding influence as she pursued these significant careers achievements. Amy is deeply committed to raising her daughters to be good, kind stewards of the world.
"When you're raising kids, it's great if they strive for excellence in school or sports,” said Amy. “But I think it's always been more important to us that they're nice people; and that they're learning these values.”
As Amy puts it, the details are in those A’s or personal bests, but when you're able to build community or values, that's where the good stuff of life lives.
Amy and Tim both agree that Y has helped them with raising their daughters as leaders. From youth programs all the way to teen programs, they wanted their daughters to have as many opportunities as possible to find where their passions are.
“Who would’ve known that the Y, a place where we thought it would be just get exercise—was nourishing us in so many other ways far more than what we intended it to be,” said Tim.