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 Yeraida Delgado, Child Care Contracts Administrator for the Andover/North Andover YMCA

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 been working at the Andover/North Andover YMCA for almost three year as a Child Care Contracts Administrator.

How has your experience been as a woman and an employee at the YMCA?

Thank God, as a woman and an employee, I never experience a gender differentiation.

I feel that I have always been given the same respect as any man. In addition, my experience working at the YMCA has been rewarding because I feel that I am contributing to my community and for me there’s nothing more beautiful than being able to help our neighbor in some way or another.

Who is your top female role model and how does she inspire you?

My role model is Isabel Melendez because she is a warrior. She is an example of overcoming adversity to achieve your dreams and goals. She has selflessly helped her community, helped many people to get employment, advocated for immigrants and helped reduce hunger. I never got to meet her in person. But I identify with her.

What qualities do you believe make a great leader?

A great leader has the ability to have empathy, to listen and pay attention to details, to have passion, humility and compassion. I strongly believe that those values can make you a good and successful leader.

Can you share an obstacle you have faced as a woman in a leadership role and how you successfully pushed past it?

One obstacle I have faced is toxic and / or negative attitudes.  I believe that recognizing those attitudes will help you act accordingly. Don’t let that negativity affect you in such a way that it makes you afraid or insecure. The key is to believe in yourself, respect the opinions of others and try to understand others.

What advice would you give the next generation of women as they grow into leaders?

Do not give up, if you fall you get up stronger, walk with your head up and always smile at life. Show yourself and others that you can achieve your dreams and your goals because you are a warrior. You just have to believe in yourself.