Regional Executive Director Jazmine Spicer Selected for Prestigious Multicultural Executive Development Institute Cohort 

The YMCA of Coastal Georgia is proud to announce the selection of Jazmine Spicer, Regional Executive Director, for Cohort #19 of the YMCA of the USA’s (Y-USA) Multicultural Executive Development Institute (MEDI). Spicer’s participation in this prestigious program reflects her ongoing commitment to leadership excellence and professional development within the organization. 

Recently promoted to the role of Regional Executive Director in recognition of her exceptional leadership, Spicer has overseen increased programmatic success and rising membership numbers while promoting financial stability as Executive Director of the Habersham YMCA branch. In her expanded role, she also assumes oversight of the Statesboro Y branch, further amplifying her influence. 

When asked about her selection for MEDI, Spicer expressed deep gratitude, stating, “I’m deeply humbled and honored to be accepted into the multicultural Institute. It represents a significant milestone in my career.” 

Spicer highlighted the collaborative nature of the MEDI program, noting its potential to facilitate meaningful connections and exchanges among YMCA leaders from various backgrounds. “The opportunity to engage with fellow participants with diverse perspectives and experiences is invaluable,” she explained. “Through collaborative learning and dialogue, we can broaden our understanding, challenge assumptions, and explore innovative approaches to leadership and community engagement.” 

“Jazmine’s selection for MEDI underscores her dedication to excellence and leadership within the YMCA of Coastal Georgia. Her participation in this program is a testament to her commitment to advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion within the organization and the communities it serves,” noted Krystal Crawford, Chief Operating Officer of the YMCA of Coastal Georgia. 

Spicer outlined her expectations and goals for the program, emphasizing her commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion in leadership roles. She also highlighted her excitement about collaborating with participants to develop a higher level of strategic planning and stakeholder engagement, viewing it as an opportunity to leverage her learning in her role as Regional Executive Director. 

Spicer’s enthusiasm for the program extends to its emphasis on cultural awareness, noting that the first in-person meeting will be held in Honolulu, Hawaii, providing a unique opportunity to understand the Asian Pacific Community and its significance to the YMCA mission. 

Reflecting on the support and resources from Y-USA, Spicer expressed optimism about the organization’s efforts to provide valuable resources, including the MEDI program, to support professional development and growth within the YMCA community. She remarked, “I am truly encouraged by the commitment of Y-USA to invest in programs like MEDI that foster leadership development and promote diversity, equity, and inclusion within our organization. These initiatives not only empower individual leaders like myself but also contribute to the collective strength and effectiveness of the YMCA community as a whole.” 

Spicer emphasized the significance of such initiatives in nurturing talent and enhancing the capabilities of YMCA leaders to address the evolving needs of the communities they serve. “By equipping us with the necessary tools and knowledge,” she continued, “the MEDI program enables us to better understand and serve the diverse populations within our communities, ultimately leading to more inclusive and impactful programming.” 

Spicer offers advice to aspiring leaders, encouraging them to seize opportunities for growth and learning, even if they feel apprehensive. “Never pass up on any opportunity for growth, to learn or to be exposed,” she advised. “All it’s going to do is stretch you.”