Happy International Women's Day

Every year, March 8th serves as a global celebration of the contribution and achievements of women across the world. This International Women’s Day, the YMCA of Greater Oklahoma City celebrates and honors all of the women and the impact they have on our association and the communities we serve. Of the over 100 leadership positions held across our association, over 50% are held by women.

Among those women-led positions, we are pleased to highlight two remarkable individuals: Krystal Milkeraitis, Great Plains Family YMCA Executive Director, and Whitney Chandler, Norman YMCA (formerly known as the Cleveland County Family YMCA) Executive Director.  

Milkeraitis shares that, “International Women’s Day is a day of celebration for all women, no matter who they are. We have come so far as a society that women can hold executive roles just as men have in the past. I am honored and blessed to work for an organization that believes in the power of women.” 

“International Women’s Day is a day dedicated to celebrating the achievements and contributions of women worldwide, and I’m proud to be part of an organization that supports the empowerment of women,” says Chandler. ”I find immense joy in being a mother of two wonderful girls while serving as Executive Director of the Norman Y. My role not only allows me to contribute to the community’s well-being but also serves as a living example for my daughters. It is my privilege to show them that through hard work, dedication and passion, they can achieve anything they set their minds to.” 

Krystal and Whitney both display outstanding leadership daily, but their dedication and mission-focused leadership were exemplified most recently when they led their respective YMCAs through a merger with the YMCA of Greater Oklahoma City association.  

As our association welcomes these two locations, we are poised for success under the guidance of these exceptional women who will continue to drive our mission forward and reinforce our commitment to inclusion and excellence for Weatherford, Norman and the surrounding areas for years to come. 

At the YMCA of Greater Oklahoma City, we are here to connect us all because we are stronger together. Together, we are committed to ensuring that everyone can reach their full potential with dignity. Join us in celebrating, supporting and uplifting women, not just today but every day, as we collectively strive for a more inclusive future.

To learn more about the merger: Click Here

Written by Corey Cargill, ccargill@ymcaokc.org