Where Leaders Grow, and Communities Thrive
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 partnered with communities 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.
Today, we are fortunate to celebrate two inspiring leaders who embody these values and are stepping into new roles of impact beyond the Y:
Takija T. Gardner, SVP of Government Relations & External Affairs, will become the Chief Executive Officer of 4Cs of Alameda.
Tacing Parker, Senior Executive Director of the Bayview Hunters Point & Dogpatch YMCAs, will join GLIDE as Chief Program Officer.
Their growth is a testament to the powerful connection created here. They grew as leaders in partnership with our community, celebrated for their authenticity and empowered to serve with an open-heart and inclusion at the center.
Takija T. Gardner
Takija, you’ve been with the YMCA of Greater San Francisco for 23 years. What first inspired you to join, 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 hope, dignity, global connection, and lifelong discovery for all. 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, 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 and community well-being for all. Watching the project come to life through collaboration and shared vision showed what’s possible when we unite for a common purpose.
As you step into your new role as CEO of 4Cs of Alameda, what lessons or values from your Y journey will you take with 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
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.
Is there a particular story or 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.
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 inclusion 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.
Carrying the Momentum Forward
As Takija and Tacing begin their next chapters, their legacy is a powerful reminder that our vision is not just a promise; it’s something people live out every day. Their stories are a testament to what happens when a community provides a platform for people to be who they are, find a place to belong, and become whatever they aspire to be.
We are incredibly grateful for their years of service, their unwavering commitment to our community, and the powerful example of leadership they have set for all of us. Their work has created a ripple effect of positive change that will continue to be felt for years to come. We look forward to seeing the incredible work they will continue to do in their new roles.
