Director of East Orange YMCA Selected to Attend National Multicultural Leadership Institute

By: Mollie Shauger | Monday, April 22, 2024 | Leadership

Washima Redding

EAST ORANGE, NJ - East Orange YMCA Executive Director Washima Redding has been selected to participate in the Multicultural Executive Development Institute, a program that helps emerging leaders from multicultural backgrounds advance their careers at the Y.

Redding is among only 16 participants in the nation to be joining this prestigious learning experience, which aims to work with individuals who have been identified by leadership within the Y Movement as someone who has the potential to be a CEO. 

"I am truly honored to be selected for the YMCA of the USA National Multicultural Executive Director Leadership Institute. This opportunity is not just a recognition of my commitment to diversity and leadership but a testament to the power of unity in building a stronger, more inclusive community,” said Redding. “I look forward to learning, growing, and contributing to the shared vision of a world where diversity is not just celebrated but embraced as our greatest strength."

Over the course of the next year, Redding will attend two in-person institutes and a series of virtual learning connections, coaching, and assignments. During this time, she will be able to immerse herself in mentorship and networking opportunities alongside YMCA peers from all over the country. Y-USA pays for all travel expenses and institute materials.

As more people retire from their top level positions and workplaces become more diverse, the Y has focused on succession planning that is more inclusive of multicultural staff.

“Supporting career growth of multicultural professionals through leadership development programs such as MEDI will help ensure that the future leaders of the Movement are reflective of the communities we serve,” said Khalilah Pitt, Manager of Multicultural Leadership Development, Learning & Leadership Development, at Y-USA.

Redding, of East Orange, was named Executive Director of the East Orange YMCA in 2020, following a brief tenure as Associate Executive Director of the YMCA of Greater Bergen County, also a branch of the Metropolitan YMCA of the Oranges. She has worked for the YMCA movement since 2011, first as Senior Health and Wellness Director at the YMCA of Montclair. 

In December of 2022, Redding led a team of staff in planning one of eight Regional Emerging Multicultural Leadership Experiences throughout the nation. The REMLE celebrates and supports the Y’s next generation of multicultural leaders through networking, mentoring opportunities, educational experiences and career development resources. REMLE was held at the Wayne YMCA with over 100 of Y staff from across New Jersey and the tri-state area attending. The Metro YMCA of the Oranges is also hosting a regional event again this year with three other area Ys.

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ABOUT THE Y

Established in 1885, the Metropolitan YMCA of the Oranges invests in its diverse communities to promote wellness, safety and quality of life for children, adults and seniors. Its seven branches in East Orange, Livingston, Maplewood, New Milford, Hardyston, Stillwater and Wayne are committed to nurturing the potential of kids, promoting healthy living and fostering a sense of social responsibility through an array of programs. Some 35,000 people belong to the Metro Y, which awards more than $2 million annually in direct and indirect financial assistance.