Thomas is a proud native of Louisville, Kentucky, and a former KYA Editor-in-Chief. He started his Y journey in the 10th grade, attending his first conference virtually during the Covid-19 pandemic. Throughout his Y journey, he has attended multiple conferences and, after graduating, volunteered for The Y throughout his undergrad experience at Morehead State University,
I was born and raised in East Moline, IL, graduated from Hope College (Holland, MI) in 2020, and immediately moved to Colorado Springs to start my career in education after finishing my final semester student teaching in Denver. I’ve always been drawn to work that connects people to the communities and resources that move them
Aly Smith has managed strategic projects, marketing efforts, and events in technology, finance, and nonprofit sectors. Her work has taken her to various destinations around the world, including Europe, the Middle East, and over 35 U.S. states. Highlights of her career include enabling a tech consulting firm to close $11 million in sales during a
Danielle is a Louisville native. She is a former Student Y member and long time volunteer. She was born and raised in Louisville, Kentucky, where she graduated from Atherton High School in 2016 and from the University of Louisville with a BA in Studio Art in 2020. She has worked at the Louisville Zoo since
Kelaina is a Kentucky native who is passionate about serving her community by engaging young people and supporting programs that inspire youth to become active community advocates. Originally from Georgetown, Kentucky, Kelaina has lived in Louisville for the past six years, working with students across the city to provide social-emotional learning and trauma-informed care resources.
Nick was a Y-kid through middle and high school where he grew up in Scott County, and has since returned to Kentucky as the Director of Program Outreach for the East region. Nick’s primary background as an undergraduate centered around psychology and research methods, along with cultural studies in Spanish and Arabic. He then attended
Haven is a Louisville native and a former KUNA kid. He started his collegiate career at Morehouse College before transferring to the University of Louisville where he majored in Sociology. Haven believes that the key to success is to find innovative solutions to complex problems. This philosophy has led Haven to become an active member in
Abbey Costello serves as the Director of Partnerships & Development at the Kentucky YMCA Youth Association. A Louisville native, she earned her bachelor’s degree in Communications from IU Southeast. Over the past 10 years, Abbey has built a career in the nonprofit sector, gaining extensive experience in event fundraising, grant writing, peer-to-peer campaigns, developing partnerships
Tristin is a proud native of Georgetown, Kentucky and a former KUNA SecGen. He started attending Y-conferences in the seventh grade and has experienced the transformative impact of the Y firsthand. He graduated from the University of Louisville with a degree in Political Science & International Affairs. Before joining Y-Staff, Tristin worked at the U.S.
Rianna Ayala, serving as the Director of Civic Engagement, works to ensure that the Kentucky Youth Assembly (KYA) and the Kentucky United Nations Assembly (KUNA) serve our students to the best of our ability and promotes civic engagement, advocacy, and connectedness. Rianna believes that young people hold the power, passion, and drive to positively impact
Ricki Brooke was born and raised in Berea, Kentucky and now resides in Richmond, Kentucky. She graduated from Madison Southern High School in 2008 where she was involved in many leadership and service groups. Ricki Brooke graduated from Eastern Kentucky University in 2012 with a BA in Cultural Anthropology and a minor in History, then
Amanda Pile Chism is the CEO/President of the Kentucky YMCA Youth Association. She grew up in Louisville, Kentucky, and graduated from the University of Kentucky with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science and Spanish. A graduate of the Y’s programs, she was hired as a Fellow after volunteering with the Y-Corps program. Since that