Equity Initiatives

At the YMCA, we are dedicated to fostering fair treatment, access, opportunity, and advancement for all, where individuals are not at a disadvantage from achieving their potential because of their background or social position. Our Equity Initiatives aim to break down barriers, educate, empower, and provide support through a variety of programs and services. 

Our Vision: The Dallas YMCA intentionally leads, and boldly models, a diverse and inclusive culture to impact and strengthen the foundation of our community.

Our Commitment to Inclusion: The Y is made up of people of all ages and from every walk of life working side by side to strengthen communities. Together we work to ensure that everyone, regardless of ability, age, cultural background, ethnicity, faith, gender, gender identity, ideology, income, national origin, race or sexual orientation has the opportunity to reach their full potential with dignity. Our core values are caring, honesty, respect and responsibility—they guide everything we do. 

YMCA OF METROPOLITAN DALLAS ANNOUNCES NEW VICE PRESIDENT OF EQUITY

The YMCA of Metropolitan Dallas is excited to announce Latecia Patton as our new Vice President of Equity. Born and raised on the Southside of Chicago, Latecia is passionate about transforming lives by removing barriers to economic access and empowering people to realize their full potential. Her impressive career includes breaking barriers for marginalized communities, reducing the racial wealth gap, and promoting generational wealth through entrepreneurship, homeownership, and workforce development. Latecia holds advanced degrees and certifications in Business Management, Human Resource Management, Nonprofit Management, Leadership, Job Development, Mental Health First Aid USA, and Crisis Intervention Training. 

Equity Centers

The Dallas YMCA is committed to educating and empowering the community we serve by creating Equity Centers. Equity Centers serve as a hub for resources, education, and support, addressing critical issues. Through collaborative efforts and partnerships, we aim to build a stronger, more equitable North Texas, ensuring every community member has the chance to reach their full potential. Equity Centers will provide:

Workforce Training & Development - Enhance your skills and increase employability with our workforce training and development programs. We provide comprehensive support to help you succeed in today’s job market.

Entrepreneurship Support - Our entrepreneurship support offers resources and guidance to help you turn your ideas into reality or take intentional steps to enhance your business performance.

Financial Education - Learn to manage your finances effectively with our financial education programs. Gain the knowledge and skills needed to achieve financial stability and growth.

Digital Training Access - Stay ahead in the digital age with access to essential digital resources that can open doors to new opportunities.

Community Health and Mental Wellness Programs - Your well-being is our priority. Our community health and mental wellness programs provide the support you need to maintain a healthy mind and body. LEARN MORE

Catalyst Initiative - Offering a range of essential services designed to provide cultural awareness, collaborations, and partnerships to support and uplift the North Texas community. LEARN MORE

Equality vs Equity:

Equality: An approach in which all members of a society are afforded opportunities, access, and treatment in the same manner.

Equity: The guarantee of fair treatment, access, opportunity, and advancement for all, where individuals are not disadvantaged from achieving their potential because of their background or social position.

Equality vs Equity: 

1. The size of the individuals in the illustration represents the impact that systemic inequality/inequity has on an individual’s ability to achieve its potential.
2. The fruit in the trees represents the opportunities that are more likely to be attained once institutional, organizational, and societal barriers are removed.
3. The boxes represent organizational, institutional, or societal support systems and/or infrastructure.

Under equality, the boxes for each individual are equal – or the same size, which prevents some of the individuals from reaching the fruit.

Under equity, the different-sized boxes represent the removal of organizational, institutional, or societal barriers, and therefore, all individuals can reach the fruit.

Support Equity Initiatives At The Dallas YMCA

Interested in collaboration, partnership, or learning more about the YMCA of Metropolitan Dallas Equity Initiatives? Contact: 

LATECIA PATTON
Vice President of Equity Initiatives
lpatton@ymcadallas.org