2017 Global Service Learning Team

The YMCA is a community based organization with presence in more than 119 countries. The YMCA of Greater Charlotte has a long-standing partnership with the Senegal Y which began in 2005. For over 10 years Charlotte and Senegal have partnered through sharing of resources and numerous cultural exchanges between the U.S. and West Africa.

The 2017 Global Service learning team will strengthen their personal and professional leadership development through an international experience with the Senegal YMCA in West Africa in November 2017. By developing global competencies and perspectives we expand the Y’s collective ability to positively impact and serve our increasingly diverse communities.

2017 Global Service Learning Team -Pictured above L to R:

Michael DeVaul, Chief Community Impact Officer
Scierra Bratton, Y Association Marketing Coordinator- Impact & Development
Xzabia Harris, Y Achievers Student- West Mecklenburg High School
Symone McGee, Community Impact Manager of High School Initiatives

Heather Suttmiller, Johnston Y Branch Service Manager & Administration
Courtney Stein, Harris Y Associate Youth Service Director

Dena Paulding, McCrorey Y Executive Director
Toussaint Romain, Y Volunteer DIG Committee

Todd Tibbits, President & CEO

*not pictured- the team is excited to also include Dena Paulding’s son Jordan Paulding as well as Todd Tibbit’s wife Denise and daughter Eliana.

This experience is more than just a trip, the team meets monthly before travel for planning, preparation and even presenting research topics to learn about the country of Senegal. Each team member has committed months of time and efforts in fundraising to support the program experience and the annual donation given to the Senegal Y. As of November 6th, 2017 the team has raised over $11,400!! Thank you to all the friends, family and community members that have helped share the Y's for all mission, beyond borders: 

http://campaigner.ymcacharlotte.org/site/TR?pg=entry&fr_id=1080

Stay tuned to this blog for daily updates written personally by members of the 2017 team! Official departure date November 18th, 2017