Two Rivers YMCA Young Professional Serves on Global Initiative
Daisy Moran, Director of Youth Achievement and Community Engagement at the Two Rivers YMCA is bringing her voice and passion to the international stage as part of a Global Initiative.
In late 2020, the World Alliance of YMCAs Project Board created an initiative titled “The Global Youth Mobilization for Generation Disrupted”. This initiative is made up of representatives from “The Big 6” which includes; the World YMCA, World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts, World Organization of the Scout Movement, International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, World YWCA, and The Duke of Edinburg’s International Award.
Ms. Moran was selected to serve as the only representative from the entire United States YMCA movement. The selection process started with a nomination from YMCA of the USA and included an interview with the General Secretary of the World Alliance of YMCAs in Geneva.
Ms. Moran is humbled to represent the United Sates and proud of how far she as come. “This is surreal. It has given me the validation that my work is impactful and supports others to lead. Being a daughter of immigrants, I never thought I would get an opportunity on an international platform.”
The need for this initiative came directly from the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on today’s youth. The focus is on youth and children who have experienced public health restrictions and socioeconomic disruptions that have impacted their education, mental health, career prospects, safety, and personal development.
This newly formed group is tasked with finding innovative ways of supporting communities and providing hope to younger generations. It will also address how the pandemic highlighted and increased existing inequalities in our societies by addressing youth employment, mental health and safety, inclusion and inequality, education. They will also focus on youth empowerment, leadership, and volunteering.
The first meeting took place in December. The International CEOs of each of the “Big 6” and their 12 selected youth representatives met virtually on how to support youth led solutions around the world.
Mike Wennekamp, Two Rivers YMCA CEO, said "We are incredibly proud of Daisy and her efforts, not only in our community, but now on a global platform. She has a strong passion for leading youth and inspiring them to be changemakers. We know she is going to represent our Y, our community, and our country very well.”
“This is an opportunity not just for me personally but for our region. This is putting the Quad Cities on the international map. The initiative is creating youth-led solutions not only in our country but our community. I want to inspire local youth to show them that they are amazing and there are opportunities out there for them” said Ms. Moran.
Professionally, Ms. Moran also collaborates with MetroLINK on community engagement, youth strategic planning, and other community outreach.
Ms. Moran is also currently involved in many organizations and initiatives across the Quad Cities including, but not limited to;
- QC United Way Foundation – Together for Tomorrow Cohort,
- LULAC #5285 – Membership Chair,
- Quad Cities Community Foundation – Scholarship Committee,
- The Greater Quad Cities Hispanic Chamber of Commerce – Empowering Latina Leadership Alliance Steering Committee.
She also received the 2020 Diversity, Inclusion & Global Engagement award from the IL State Alliance of YMCAs.
Overall, Ms. Moran is excited to bring the Y’s mission to more youth in the Quad Cities and across the globe. “I love that the Y is an organization that gives space and a platform to young women of color. Again and again I have witnessed the dedication, mission, and focus of the YMCA for today’s youth.”