Where Leaders Grow, and Communities Thrive
Photo: Tacing Parker (left) and Takija T. Gardner (right) with YMCA of Greater San Francisco CEO, Jamie Bruning-Miles (center)
Celebrating two respected leaders, Takija T. Gardner and Tacing Parker, who are stepping into new roles.
At the YMCA of Greater San Francisco, our vision is simple but powerful: to empower people to be their authentic selves, belong in community, and become whatever they aspire to be. We believe leadership isn’t about a title, it’s a spark that exists within every person. As an organization, our role is to provide a platform—a space and support—for people to come together, lift one another up, and create something meaningful.
You can feel this spirit throughout our organization. From youth in our afterschool programs to older adults in our wellness classes, to staff at every level. For decades, we have strived to nurture leaders at every stage of life, guided not only by what we offer but by what our communities need and envision with us.
We are thrilled that Takija T. Gardner, SVP of Government Relations & External Affairs, and Tacing Parker, Sr. Executive Director of Bayview Hunters Point YMCA & Dogpatch YMCA at Crane Cove, will be stepping into new leadership roles beyond the Y. Takija will be joining 4C’s of Alameda as CEO and Tacing will be joining GLIDE as Chief Program Officer. Their growth is a testament to the Y as a place where leaders are cultivated, celebrated, and empowered to make a difference while remaining rooted in equity, inclusion, and community service.
While their next chapters take them to new organizations, their impact here remains indelible. Here are their stories in their own words:
Takija T. Gardner:
Thanks for speaking with us, Takija! You’ve been with the Y for 23 years. What first inspired you to join the Y, and what made you stay?
I spent my formative years in the Bayview Hunters Point neighborhood, and returning to work in the community that helped shape who I am was incredibly special. The opportunity to give back to the neighborhood and city that nurtured me inspired me from the very beginning. The Y has always been more than just an organization — it’s a movement for equity, global connection, and lifelong discovery. I stayed because of the people: the passionate staff, the amazing members, and our dedicated partners all working together to make a difference.
Looking back, you’ve done so much for the organization. Is there a moment or accomplishment that best reflects the impact you’ve had here?
There have been many meaningful moments, but the development of the Dogpatch Y at Crane Cove stands out most. It represents our commitment to collective impact, equity, and community well-being. Watching the project come to life through collaboration and shared vision showed what’s possible when we unite for a common purpose.
Congratulations again on your appointment as CEO of 4Cs of Alameda. As you step into your new role, what lessons or values from your Y journey do you believe will guide you?
My time with the Y taught me that leadership starts with listening — lifting up voices, building bridges, and creating space for others to grow. As I enter this new role, I’ll carry forward the Y’s belief that everyone deserves a place to discover who they are, where they belong, and what they can become.
Tacing Parker:
And a “Thank you!” to you, Tacing, for your time as well! Tell us, how has working at the Y shaped your approach to leadership and community service?
Working at the Y has been transformative for me. Leading in communities like the Fillmore, Bayview Hunters Point, Dogpatch, and across San Francisco taught me that true leadership is not about position — it’s about presence, consistency, and trust. Listening deeply to community voices and centering those voices has to come before strategy or programming.
You also have been with the organization for many years. Is there a particular initiative from your time here that you’re most proud of?
I’m proud of our work expanding holistic programming for youth and families in Bayview Hunters Point, especially during the city’s toughest years — economic hardship, displacement, and COVID-19. The Y became a place of stability, opportunity, and hope. Seeing generations of youth return later as mentors, staff, and leaders in their own right has been one of the greatest honors of my career.
Congratulations to you on your appointment as Chief Program Officer with GLIDE. What advice would you share with future Y leaders about creating spaces where people can thrive?
Lead with love, humility, and courage. Remember that people don’t just come to the Y for programs — they come seeking belonging, healing, and possibility. Creating spaces where people thrive means centering equity in every decision, investing in relationships, and ensuring community voices drive the work. Be patient, be bold, and never forget: the Y is not just an organization — it is a movement.
Both Takija and Tacing leave a profound legacy at the Y. Their leadership has inspired staff, strengthened programs, and created lasting impact across communities. As they step into these exciting new roles, we celebrate them with gratitude and pride and wish them well knowing their journeys will continue to uplift communities and inspire future leaders. Their time with the Y will forever remain part of the fabric of our story.
