In honor of Women’s History Month, we’re shining a spotlight on some of our amazing female volunteers and staff. Read our interviews to learn more about these female leaders who are helping the Y strengthen the foundations of community.
Interview with Leah Pinette, Head Coach and Director of the Andover/North Andover YMCA Synchronized Swim Team (ANA Synchro)
How long have you worked at the Merrimack Valley YMCA? What branches and departments have you worked in? What is your current role/position?
I have worked at the Merrimack Valley YMCA for over seven years. I took the Head Coach position in August of 2013 and have been in the position ever since.
How has your experience been as a woman and an employee at the YMCA?
It’s been an amazing journey. I have been surrounded by many strong and caring women leaders at the YMCA. My role has me mostly surrounded by women and girls, as I am in a primarily predominant female sport. I love to see different leadership roles outside of coaching, which inspires me every day. Throughout my role as Head Coach, we have had only one male in our sport and we look forward to diversifying our sport. I feel like that might be opposite of what we are striving for but it gives a different insight into creating an environment for all.
Who is your top female role model and how does she inspire you?
Since I am a sports coach, I have to say Serena Williams. Not only does she contend to be named the best athlete of all time, but she has confronted several norms within her sport to show that anyone from anywhere can do anything. She does so much outside of the sport as well – has her own foundation and built schools in Africa – which makes her someone to look up to and aspire to be.
What qualities do you believe make a great leader?
As a coach and a leader, I strive to inspire others to be their best selves. This can be inside and outside of sport. I think a true leader has a positive outlook to create a better self for themselves and others. Everyone has the opportunity to light up someone’s life and we should take those opportunities to influence in a positive way. I also think communication is key!
Can you share an obstacle you have faced as a woman in a leadership role and how you successfully pushed past it?
I think back to when I took the position and comments that have been made throughout my synchronized swimming career… “You are stronger than I thought.” I am small of stature and quiet unless I am in my element. I have learned to speak when it is my turn (many years of just listening to coaches, ha!) and speak up when I need to. I don’t always talk to just hear myself or insert my opinion. It takes time for me to think, interpret and come up with a plan. Until you get to know me, you don’t know how strong I am – whether that’s physically, mentally or emotionally. I have been an elite athlete on the highest level, which provided me the skills to go for my dreams and learn what it means to fail at them. My goal of being an Olympian was never fulfilled, as I qualified for the USA Olympic Selection Team in 2012 but we didn’t qualify to the Olympics. I spent 23 years of my life dedicated to my sport and how do you overcome that…? It took some time and I am still working on that!!
What advice would you give the next generation of women as they grow into leaders?
Lead through empathy. It helps you understand others and what their needs are as well as being aware of their feelings, which I think women excel at.
What part of your Y story do you believe resonates most with other women in a leadership role?
We can take on more! I think women sometimes hold back because they want to provide for their families and care for those they supervise. If women lead from the heart, you can manage others, lead an organization or program and have time for your family. It does take time and practice but determining your priorities will help.