Women's History Month: Celebrating Edie Metz's Journey at the Y

At the Y, we’re proud to recognize and celebrate the contributions individuals have made to our association over the years. This Women’s History Month, we’re shining the light on Edie Metz, a staff member who has dedicated 29 years of her professional career to the Y and developed into a special leader of people.  

A Journey of Growth at the Y

Edie’s Y journey began as a part-time gymnastics instructor and over the years, she has consistently embraced new challenges. Her career has seen her take on programs and roles such as preschool programming, youth sports, day camp, homeschool physical education, lifeguard, senior youth program director, and associate executive director. Along each step of the way, Edie built her confidence as a leader.

“Talk about building my confidence and honing skills I didn't know I had,” Edie said. “I've always led from the heart, and I wanted to touch lives and make a difference. Especially with staff, I just want to help bring out their potential.”

Edie is now closing in on the one-year mark as the executive director of the Haselwood Family YMCA and still manages to teach one class per week, which she says helps her remain closely connected to members.

“I love it so much and it's the best way for me to connect with the members. They’re right there in front of you,” Edie said. “I had over 100 members in my class at Tom Taylor, and I’m at 45, 50 here at Haselwood, so we’re working on getting those numbers up.”

Becoming a Leader

Bev Eredia, who currently serves as the Y’s learning and development specialist, has gotten to know Edie well over the past 25 years and praises her leadership style.

"Edie is really good at creating that family unit within the workplace,” Bev said. “She's absolutely supportive of all her staff, she would teach classes, she would support, she was a mini therapist. It's impressive to see her growth and confidence build." 

The importance of building relationships and connecting with staff is always top of mind for Edie. Rese Knickerbocker, who Edie hired at the Tom Taylor Family YMCA as a camp coordinator, credits Edie with instilling those values in her own career. 

"I strive to foster a positive and impactful environment for the youth we serve, mirroring the values Edie instilled in me," Rese said. "Edie leads with kindness, empathy, and makes work not feel like work but like a true support system that emulates the sense of community that is part of the foundations of the YMCA." 

Rese, who now serves as the senior youth director at the Pearl Street Family YMCA, calls Edie a transformative force in her career thanks to the skills and confidence Edie imparted to her. 

We celebrate Edie’s remarkable contributions and thank her for her unwavering commitment to the Y community.

“If I could talk to myself 29 years ago, I would say stay the course," Edie said. "You're not going to believe the person you're going to become. And it's going to be incredible.”