Seattle, WA — In one of the nation’s most innovative and fast-growing regions, the YMCA of Greater Seattle is doing far more than offering swim lessons and gym memberships. Under the leadership of President and CEO Loria Yeadon, the Y has become a lifeline for young people facing homelessness, families navigating rising costs and neighbors searching for belonging and hope.
And Loria’s journey to this role is just as remarkable as the lives she now impacts.
Listen to the entire conversation between Crystal Thornton and Loria Yeadon in the podcast below
From a Dirt Road in Rural Virginia to the CEO’s Office
Born and raised on a dirt road in Kenbridge, Virginia—still unpaved today—Yeadon grew up surrounded by signs of segregation. Yet what shaped her most was her parents’ example:
“My parents had a tremendous work ethic… they constantly worked to improve our condition and to help others.”
Despite limited coursework, a science teacher insisted she belonged in engineering.
“You are supposed to go to engineering school.”
That encouragement launched her into engineering at the University of Virginia, then into patent law and high-level leadership roles in global technology. But even amid career success, she felt a deeper pull:
“There was a voice saying, ‘There is something you are supposed to do.’”
She stepped away from corporate America in 2015 to answer that call — a call toward service, community and faith-driven leadership.
A Historic First: Leading the Y into Its 150th Year
In 2019, the YMCA of Greater Seattle made history when Yeadon became the first woman and first person of color to lead the organization in nearly 150 years.
“I’ve been the one, the only, the first… but I felt the responsibility to make sure I was not the last.”
Her leadership has been widely recognized across the region. She has been named among Puget Sound Business Journal’s Most Admired CEOs (2025) and twice to its Power 100 list (2024 & 2025). She also received the Tabor 100 Crystal Eagle Community Leadership Award, the Thelma DeWitty Trailblazer Award and the 2025 Life Saver Award for her work in advancing water safety and drowning prevention.
Just months into her tenure, Seattle became ground zero for the pandemic. That moment revealed exactly why she had been called to the Y.
“It was a crystallizing moment… all of my experience kicked in to help the Y pivot and continue serving.”
When health officials couldn’t provide guidance, the Y created its own safety protocols — protocols so effective that the health department later asked the Y to share them.
More Than a Gym: Meeting the Region’s Greatest Needs
Many know the Y for swim lessons and treadmills, but under Yeadon’s leadership, its work extends far deeper.
In 2024, the YMCA of Greater Seattle served more than 205,000 people across the region through 14 branches, three overnight camps, 61 school program sites and 11 young adult housing facilities. Nearly $8 million in financial assistance ensured access to essential programs and services.
Youth & Young Adult Housing
Every night, the Y’s Social Impact Center houses about 450 young people experiencing homelessness.
“We don’t just provide a house—we provide a home… life skills, behavioral health, workforce support.”
Up to 80% do not return to homelessness after completing Y programs.
Behavioral Health & Crisis Response
The Y employs nearly 100 behavioral health professionals, offering counseling, substance-use recovery and crisis intervention. Staff members are trained in Narcan and have saved numerous lives during overdoses.
“The YMCA has become a place where God moments happen daily.”
During the pandemic, the Y served over a million meals and continues to distribute nearly half a million annually, including weekend backpacks for children facing food insecurity.
“I see those moments happening around us every single day.”
Equity, Justice & Belonging: Meeting People Where They Are
For Yeadon, these values aren’t slogans—they’re commitments rooted in fairness and love.
“Equity means meeting people at their point of need… Justice just means being fair.”
“Belonging means people feel they belong here.”
In 2023 alone, the Y provided over $13 million in financial assistance, even while facing its own budget pressures, ensuring families could access swim lessons, childcare, camp, sports and life-changing youth programs.
A Region of Innovation, A Call for Compassion
Even with immense wealth and technological innovation, Seattle faces growing challenges: housing instability, food insecurity, behavioral health crises and inequities across neighborhoods.
Yeadon believes the solution requires everyone.
“Each of us can do something more for our neighbors.”
A Story of Transformation: Anne’s Journey
One story that continues to inspire Yeadon is that of Anne, a young woman from Rainier Beach who faced violence, instability and homelessness. After entering the Y’s housing program, she used every resource available, became a peer counselor—and recently became director of the Y’s Arcadia Shelter in Auburn.
“I expect Anne to sit in my seat one day.”
Another example of lasting impact is the Y’s Roy Street Commons, a 40-unit apartment building that became a temporary youth shelter during the pandemic. In the five years since:
- 217 young people have called it home
- They stayed an average of 9 months
- 75% moved into stable housing
- Only 10% returned to homelessness
A remarkable success in a region facing complex housing challenges.
Faith, Hope and Leadership
For Yeadon, leadership is inseparable from her Christian faith.
“I’m a Christian and I wear it on my sleeve… I accept, I love, I support everyone.”
Her faith shapes not only how she leads, but how she sees the Y’s work:
“There’s a God moment every day.”
For Anyone Feeling Called to Do More
To those sensing a nudge toward leadership or service, her message is clear:
“The tugging is not going to go away… ignoring it won’t give you relief.”
“Take the plunge, dive in. Just take a step.”
Looking Ahead: The Next 150 Years
As the Y prepares to celebrate 150 years of service in the region, Yeadon draws strength from its history of leading through crises—from the Great Depression to segregation to the pandemic.
“We were ahead of our time then and we will be ahead of our time now.”
Her message to the Seattle community echoes a timeless call:
“Keep hope alive.”
A Final Reflection
From a dirt road in Virginia to transforming lives in the Pacific Northwest, Loria Yeadon’s journey reminds us that when we combine faith with action, accept God’s calling with courage and serve others with love, extraordinary things happen—one life, one family, one community at a time.
To learn more about the YMCA of Greater Seattle or explore ways to support their mission, visit SeattleYMCA.org.
I’m Crystal Thornton, National News and Public Affairs Anchor for K-LOVE where we celebrate Positive People—everyday leaders doing extraordinary things.
Until next time, keep looking for the good, keep sharing hope and keep trusting that God can use your story to make a difference.
