YMCA of Central Florida Advocates and Supporters

At the Y, our areas of impact include Youth Development, Healthy Living, and Social Responsibility. As a nonprofit organization, we have a long-standing track record and on-the-ground presence with fellow advocates to address the community’s most pressing philanthropic issues. Our Advocate Spotlight highlights the community collaboration that we’ve taken to go one step further. With support from these individuals and groups in our Advocate Spotlight, the YMCA of Central Florida will continue to work hard so every person has the opportunity to be healthy, confident, connected, and secure.


Barbara Roper

Barbara Roper at Podium

The first female board chair at the YMCA of Central Florida, and the first female board chair of Y-USA.

For more than five decades, Barbara has served as a pioneer of progress within the global YMCA movement. Her trailblazing work and unwavering perseverance helped to reshape the image of the YMCA from an association for young men to a movement committed to serving and improving the lives of all.

Leonard Williams, Sr.

Lifelong YMCA champion and 2011 Champion of Youth Award Winner.

Leonard Williams supported the YMCA of Central Florida for decades in its efforts to create a safe place in underserved communities where the Y could teach children to swim and be safe around the water, mentor teens, provide a safe place for kids and families to connect, and encourage seniors to stay active and social.