Jarquetta Egeston Named South Side YMCA Executive Director
CHICAGO, June 14, 2023 — The YMCA of Metropolitan Chicago today announced the appointment of Jarquetta Egeston as Executive Director of the South Side YMCA. In her role as Executive Director, Egeston will oversee operations and staff for the South Side Y facility and will continue to build the Y’s capacity as a vital community asset across the South Side of Chicago.
In addition to 15 years of experience in higher education and public service, Egeston was a longtime member of the South Side YMCA’s Advisory Board, most recently serving as Chair.
“Excited doesn’t even begin to convey how much I’m looking forward to the opportunity to turn my passion for the Y and for my South Side neighbors into a full-time role,” said Egeston. “Thank you to Y leadership for this opportunity, to the members of the Advisory Board with whom I look forward to working in a new capacity, and to the South Side community for embracing me as your friend and partner for the future.”
Among Egeston’s first orders of business is an appearance at the annual Juneteenth Celebration and Community BBQ this Saturday, June 17 at the South Side YMCA, an event she has overseen for several years as a member of the Advisory Board. Later this summer, Egeston and fellow Y leaders will host a reception event — details to be announced — also at the South Side Y, where members, friends, neighbors, and supporters can get to know Egeston and learn more about her vision for the South Side Y.
Prior to joining the South Side Y as Executive Director, Egeston most recently served as Dean of Students & Director, Student Services for the University of Chicago Graham School, where she has worked since 2015. Her personal and professional missions include increasing educational attainment for under-resourced and urban populations and making intergenerational connections and working collaboratively to strengthen community.
“Jarquetta has the experience, the connections, and the enthusiasm to accelerate the South Side Y’s journey toward being a true community hub and resource,” said Dorri McWhorter, President & CEO, YMCA of Metropolitan Chicago. “I can’t wait to see all of the great work she does to transform both the role and the way that the Y serves the South Side community — and beyond.”
About the YMCA of Metropolitan Chicago
The YMCA of Metropolitan Chicago is the leader in accessible, inclusive programming for more than 300,000 individuals each year, strengthening community by connecting people to their purpose, potential, and each other. The YMCA of Metro Chicago is evolving to become a 21st-century social enterprise for the region, through an association of 14 centers, 5 overnight camps, and 100 extension sites throughout Chicagoland and the Midwest. Learn more about the Y's locations and our programming at ymcachicago.org.
MEDIA CONTACT
Katy Broom
Director, Public Relations & Communications
YMCA of Metropolitan Chicago
312-932-1171
[email protected]