From Program Participant to People Leader

From her first swim lesson to leading the YMCA of Niagara’s people and culture initiatives, Connie’s lifelong journey with the YMCA is one of growth, resilience, and dedication. Beginning as a young swimmer hesitant to get her face wet, she overcame countless challenges to become a mentor, a first-generation university graduate, and now an HR Manager. Throughout every chapter, the YMCA has provided Connie with steady support, a sense of community, and the opportunity to build a career helping others thrive. Her story embodies the Y’s lasting impact on individuals and families.

Connie’s journey with the YMCA began at six in Chatham, where her first challenge was learning to swim. Overcoming an initial fear of water, Connie faced early setbacks, including failing pre-beginner lessons twice and a nerve-wracking experience with treading water. Yet, she kept at it, advancing through swim levels and lifeguarding certifications, demonstrating a dedication that would define her relationship with the Y for decades.

By 12, Connie volunteered in youth and camp programs, just as her community faced economic hardship due to industry downturns. For Connie and many families, the Y became a steady presence, offering support and stability in uncertain times. This inspired her growing commitment to the YMCA, sparking a dream to work on the pool deck one day.

At 16, Connie realized that dream of becoming a lifeguard and swim instructor. Her empathy and understanding of water-related fears turned her role into a platform to instill confidence in others. Through this work, she saved enough to become the first in her family to attend university, marking another milestone with support from her Y community.

After a brief time away during her studies at Brock University, Connie reconnected with the YMCA through the Grantham Branch. Completing her Recreation and Leisure Studies degree, she took on roles that would eventually lead to a pioneering project—introducing rolling registration in aquatics.

Connie’s YMCA story deepened further with her son’s involvement. As he thrived in Y child care and swimming programs, Connie found the YMCA became a second home for her family. Her career expanded through various opportunities, from facility management to overseeing aquatics programs and ProKids, an initiative that reduced barriers for families much like her own seeking recreation.

Driven to support the organization in new ways, Connie returned to school for a diploma in Human Resource Management. Her commitment to safety and well-being in aquatics translated seamlessly into her administrative role, where today, she serves as the Manager of Human Resources for the YMCA of Niagara.

Through every chapter (good and bad), the YMCA has been more than a place of employment or a source of personal growth—it has been a constant presence, supporting Connie’s journey and inspiring her dedication. For Connie, the YMCA represents more than a destination; it’s been her life’s journey, filled with challenges and achievements, and a source of strength that’s always guided her forward.

“Through all of the ‘ups’, and also life’s many challenges—my YMCA family has been there, encouraging, mentoring, and supporting me.”

–Connie Mack, Manager of Human Resources