YMCA Director Driven by Passion for Fitness

By: Mollie Shauger | Tuesday, July 26, 2022 | Healthy Living

Anj Harraka

Name: Anj Harraka

First Y Job: Fitness Instructor 

Current Y Job: Member and Community Wellness Director, Wayne YMCA

How many years at the Y: 3 years 

Q: How did your YMCA career begin?

A:  Fitness has been a passion of mine for nearly three decades. I taught classes in various clubs and nonprofit organizations, throughout my career in IT. My Y experience began in 1989, when I led step classes at the YWCA in Ridgewood. In 2007, I also taught Cycle and Mossa’s Strength Train Together at the Wayne YM-YWHA. It was Mossa’s Strength Train Together that piqued my interest once again, which brought me to the YMCA/YWCA in Ridgewood in 2018. I started personal training, developed a small group training class for high school kids, and ran the Livestrong programs. It was these programs that impacted me as I was able to experience the changes in the participants. The self-confidence in the kids and functional ability to practice a healthy lifestyle for the cancer survivors led me to consider a new full-time career path in wellness and fitness at the Y. 

Q: What’s great about working for the Y in your role?

A: The best part of the job is meeting different people and motivating people to move. We create a fun and safe environment, where everyone feels welcome and comfortable to achieve their individual fitness goals. Every day is a new opportunity to feel good inside and out. 

Q: What would you tell someone considering applying to the Y?

A:  If you want to make a difference in someone's life or the community working at the Y will give you that! There are a lot of opportunities to develop your passion and skills. It's a great way to work with people of different backgrounds, ethnicities, different ages and skill levels.