For more than five decades, Barbara served as a pioneer of progress
The YMCA family in Central Florida and communities around the world mourn the loss of trailblazer, philanthropist, mentor, and wonderful friend, Barbara Roper.
Barbara Roper, the first female board chair at the YMCA of Central Florida and the first female board chair of the YMCA of the USA, was inducted into the National YMCA Hall of Fame during the General Assembly of YMCAs in July 2019.
A Trailblazer and Visionary
In a time when America was still working to adopt women’s rights, Barbara persisted, breaking through historical gender barriers and redefining notions about women in business. 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.
Barbara began her service at the YMCA of Central Florida in the mid-1960s as a board member for Camp Wewa, and next, as a delegate to the Metro YMCA board. She helped to establish a YMCA in her community of Winter Garden, FL: the West Orange Y (now named the Roper YMCA Family Center). She founded and chaired the Commission on the Status of Women in Orange County and eventually, statewide. She was appointed as the Central Florida representative to the regional YMCA board and also chaired the National Committee on Membership Standards that conducts reviews of YMCA associations.
In 1980, Barbara was elected the first female board chair of the YMCA of Central Florida and then went on to become the first female board chair of the YMCA of the USA. She was also chair of the YMCA National Council and held volunteer positions in the World Alliance of YMCAs.
West Orange YMCA Renamed Roper YMCA in 2004
Barbara and her husband, Bert, left an enduring legacy at the West Orange Y in Winter Garden, which they supported and served for so many years. In 2004, the Ropers gave a $1 million gift to fund the expansion of the facility, the largest gift received by the YMCA of Central Florida at that time. That year, the new building was renamed the Roper YMCA Family Center in their honor.
Barbara’s Legacy at the Y
At the YMCA of Central Florida, Barbara was a trustee and a member of both the volunteer executive committee and the metropolitan board of directors. Her legacies of service and leadership touched many different communities all around the world. On both local and global scales, Barbara was known as a committed and passionate YMCA leader who dedicated her life to advancing the Y mission.
An inspiration to many in our Central Florida community, Barbara’s lifelong service at the Y impacted and transformed many lives continues on to this day through her children and family who continue to be actively involved in supporting the Y. In her honor each year, the YMCA of Central Florida awards the Barbara Roper Advocacy Award to a volunteer who raises the bar in moving our organization forward.
In lieu of flowers, the Roper family prefers donations be made in honor of Barbara to the YMCA of Central Florida.
