Eugene, Ore., May 16, 2023 – Eugene Family YMCA is celebrating local leader, Danielle Uhlhorn, for being selected to attend the Multicultural Executive Development Institute (MEDI), a selective executive development program that prepares staff of color for senior executive leadership positions at the YMCA.
“Danielle is an outstanding community and YMCA leader. We're honored that she was identified as a desired candidate in the movement, and I was delighted to complete her nomination application. We are excited to see her continue her professional growth through Y-USA's Multicultural Executive Development Institute,” said Brian Steffen, CEO of the Eugene Family YMCA.
Across the country, communities of color are underrepresented in senior leadership positions, including within the nonprofit industry. As of 2021, 79 percent of board chairs and executive directors (including CEOs) at nonprofits identify as non-Hispanic white, despite the fact that the general population is 60 percent non-Hispanic white
MEDI is designed to address these gaps. The Institute is operated by YMCA of the USA (Y-USA), the national resource office for 2,600 Ys across the country, as a core part of its strategy to achieve racial equity at all levels of leadership. Participants spend at least 12 months undergoing intensive leadership development and expert coaching alongside their peers. In turn, graduates of MEDI have a promotion rate of more than 75 percent.
“The Y is committed to strengthening community for all,” said Shanna Smiley, Director of Multicultural Development at Y-USA. “The Multicultural Executive Development Institute ensures that our YMCA leaders reflect and are responsive to the diverse communities we serve.”
Uhlhorn’s Eugene YMCA experience is extensive: She found the Y when searching for affordable child care after learning of her infant’s health issues. She then served on its Board of Directors as President for more than 6 years before joining the staff as the Chief Development Officer. Under her direction, the Eugene Y is realizing its vision of opening a new state-of-the-art facility to improve the health and wellness of thousands more in its community.
About the Eugene Family YMCA
The Eugene Family YMCA is one of the region's leading nonprofits strengthening communities through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. Each year across Lane County, the Y engages more than 18,000 people regardless of age, gender, income or background—to nurture the potential of children, teens and seniors; improve health and well-being; and provide opportunities to give back and support neighbors. In 2022, the Eugene Family YMCA awarded $492,451 in financial assistance. The YMCA has been serving the Eugene-area since 1887.
