ANGELA HOWARD

Story By: Annissa Brockington

In 2019, Angela Howard took the plunge – family in tow – to embark upon an opportunity of a lifetime as the new President and CEO of the North Central Florida YMCA in Gainesville, Florida. Although not new to leadership, Howard would be the first African-American female to serve in the role since its doors opened in 1967.

Believing that she was destined to serve others, Howard’s road to Presidency was a cry far from traditional. Her introduction to the Y began many moons ago as a youth member enrolled in swimming lessons (one of the many activities offered through the Y).

She would later earn two post-secondary degrees (BS in Organizational Management and MBA), before returning to the agency well known for its mission to “…put Christian principles into practice through programs that promote youth development, healthy living and social responsibility.”

Over the past 15 years, Howard served in a variety of roles within the Y, including Director of Youth and Teen Services and Branch Executive Director – each role preparing her for her most challenging opportunity of revitalizing and breathing life back into what she lovingly referred to as a “hidden gem,” the Gainesville location.

Humbled by her experiences, Howard credits her continual growth (personally and professionally) to a circle of strong mentors, coaches, and family members.

“I was blessed to have a strong and encouraging mother with whom I talk to every day, coaches who introduced me to the nuances of effective leadership, and internal and external mentors who ensured my access to resources historically excluded from women and people of color.”

Although the world has its ills, Howard’s experiences demonstrate that leadership opportunities are within reach when accompanied by the right mindset.

“One of the biggest lessons I can share with others is to invest in yourself and not give up. If you listen to those around you who spew words of discouragement, or feel that you are not what they feel you should be, you’ll never experience the magnitude of your greatness or reach your intended destination.”

Howard vividly recalls her initial hesitancy in pursuing participation in the Y’s Multicultural Program and its year-long CEO Preparation Institute. Encouraged by two of her most memorable mentors, participation in these programs would serve as the springboard to her ultimately securing the position of CEO of the Gainesville location. Both programs (which are centered on executive development) opened her eyes to a plethora of ways to expand her reach and the organization’s impact within the communities served. “No one acquires the skills needed to be an effective leader overnight. Effective leaders are visionaries who possess the gift of motivating and influencing those that they are responsible for leading. My effectiveness and overall success in this role is largely dependent upon my keen ability to connect with the community, strong fundraising skills and financial competency, and ongoing efforts to establish sound and stable partnerships/ relationships – both internally and externally.”

Howard accepts and acknowledges that her new role and location comes with its own set of challenges.

“It’s hard to prepare for the unknown. Every day brings about a new surprise and opportunity to problem-solve.”

Howard describes her new role as an amazing journey presenting her with the daily blessing to serve others and make a lasting impact on the community in which she lives.

"ONE OF THE BIGGEST LESSONS I CAN SHARE WITH OTHERS IS TO INVEST IN YOURSELF AND NOT GIVE UP."

-Angela Howard

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