Since 1995 I have been part of the YMCA family serving in several positions.  I am currently the Chief Diversity Officer for the Metro Atlanta YMCA.

In my past role as the Vice President of Academic Achievement and Diversity & Inclusion I had the oversight and responsibility for the Early Learning Programs and After School programs. I was also responsible for new grant generation and project management for State, Federal and Foundation Grants in support of academic achievement. Under my leadership over the last fifteen years,  grants have provided the resources for the YMCA to infuse Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Math (STEAM) in after school and summer learning programs for children K-8 grades in Title-1 schools.  As Diversity & Inclusion Champion and Change Agent I  supports the CEO’s mission to carry out the important work and foundation built around the Y Diversity & inclusion goals. I have served on the planning committee for the YUSA National Diversity Conference as well as a national trainer in the area of Diversity and Youth development 0-18.  Over the last 23 years I have delivered keynotes and workshops for various YMCA national and statewide conferences. 

A native of Brooklyn, New York, I. received a degree in elementary education and early childhood curriculum from the State University College of New York at Buffalo.  I received the YMCA of the USA’s Outstanding Child Care Administrator, Metro Atlanta YMCA’s Outstanding Professional awards and Metro Atlanta YMCA 2015 Sullie Award. I was named one of twelve finalist for 2016 Women of Year with Women in Technology (WIT) in the Non Profit Category.  Clark Atlanta University’s Department of Education  recognized me with an Excellence in Leadership award during my tenure in the classroom.

Prior to joining the YMCA, I was an elementary schools teacher in the DeKalb County school district and worked at Thacker Organization training minority contractors.  I have also worked in city and state governments in staff and consultant capacity.

Lydia resides in Conyers with her husband, Jerry and son, Harrison.  She enjoys cooking, reading, writing and walking. She has been a chocolatier for 20 + years.