Originally from Canada, Justin Higa serves as the Executive Director for the Roper YMCA family center. He joined the Y Family as a Wellness Director at the Roper YMCA soon after moving to Florida in 2009. Justin has held several leadership roles throughout his Y career, including Membership Director & Associate Executive Director. Justin is also an Executive Mentor for the association's Healthy Living Experience Team and serves on the Diversity, Inclusion, and Global Experience Team and the YUSA Equitable Communities Cohort.
Growing up in grade school, Justin remembers being shy and insecure. When he started playing sports, Justin found the confidence and self-esteem that have led him to achieve great things for his community. In his early 20s, he entered a regional powerlifting competition and placed first in his weight class for bench press.
Justin is proud to have built outstanding teams of staff and volunteers to move the Y mission and impact forward through programs, special events, and philanthropy. Justin and his lovely wife of 13 years, two daughters, and one son love weekend getaways in St. Augustine or visiting the local theme parks around Orlando.
My Y: "My Y is the people: the people that I work with and the people that we serve each and every day in our community."