When she worked at Cargill, Kelly Hyman wanted to support a nonprofit through the company's Cares Council by providing funding and volunteering.
She remembered meeting Betsy Grams, a YMCA of the North leader who was leading CycleHealth, a new kid-powered wellness initiative that aimed to get children and families active through indoor cycling.
"I got very involved because I'm a big advocate of moving and adventure, and getting kids engaged, not only physically but mentally," Kelly says.
Kelly nor her children had much engagement with the YMCA, but they recognized the importance of the Y's work and the role their family could play in helping others.
"We are privileged that our kids were in organized sports," Kelly says, "but I realize that not everyone can have that opportunity. And I'm that mom that says, 'Okay, what are you going to do this season to move your body? You pick it by this date, or I pick it.' "
A native of Minneapolis, Kelly graduated from the University of Wisconsin, Madison, and she established herself professionally in Chicago. But with her husband traveling a lot for his work, Kelly and her family moved to Minnesota, where they've been raising their three children. She worked as a consultant locally, before landing at Cargill.
Kelly has appreciated the opportunity for her family to get involved with the Y, including her son leading the kid's triathlon events.
Over time, Kelly was introduced to YMCA of the North CEO and President Glen Gunderson, who opened up her eyes to the Y's broader impact.
“I brought my kids to YMCA swimming classes, so it's not that we didn't use it," Kelly says. "But I had a very narrow scope over what the Y really offered the community."
Check out other highlights of Kelly's interview:
On her passion for getting kids active: “I grew up playing outside. My mom's plan was, 'Go outside, and I'll ring the bell over lunch and at dinner.'
I just feel like our kids are missing out on getting outside, having an adventure, having a little grit rather than watching a screen. The Y speaks to everything in terms of physical, mental, social and getting back to nature, which is something I'm super passionate about."
On personal legacy and community involvement: “I’m in this really interesting phase of my life, where I have two kids in college and one in his junior year of high school. I'm trying to figure out what the next steps are for me. How do I want to take care of my mom and make sure she has community? How do I have community outside of work? How do I want to leave my legacy? To get my kids thinking that it's beyond just camp or a place to use for swimming/ gym as they progress through life."
On the YMCA’s role in inclusivity: “For better or worse, during COVID, we all got stuck in our own little bubbles. I think the Y is doing an excellent job of opening up the landscape to be active and outside and being inclusive of all — physically, mentally and socially — in a time when it is so needed."