August 2025 Staff Member of the Month - Meissa Diop

What is your role at the YMCA? 

I am the Business Director.

Tell us a little about your Y-story. What made you want to come work at the YMCA? 

I started working at the Y as a Summer Counselor because I was a basketball coach and we usually had the summers off. I needed to stay busy during the summer and the Y offered the perfect work hours I needed at the time. A year and a half later, I was promoted to the Youth Development Coordinator. I worked in the childcare department a few years before joining our Business Office. I’ve been the Business Director since January 2024.

How has the YMCA impacted your life? 

The YMCA has given me more confidence but also taught me how to be resilient. It also helped me develop different skills such networking and working with diverse groups of people. Between working in the childcare department and now being the Business Director, I have met some amazing people who all want to see the Y succeed.

What do you think the community needs to know about the YMCA of Parkersburg?

The YMCA of Parkersburg is more than a gym. We offer so many programs for different age groups. We serve people from different backgrounds, and we do our best to promote diversity, inclusion, and community support.

How have you witnessed the YMCA mission in action?

YMCA Mission: To put Christian principles into practice through programs that build healthy spirit, mind and body for all. 

The YMCA provides affordable programs, but also financial assistance for qualified members. We are always working on improving the services we offer to our community to make sure this is a safe place for all.

What is something you are proud of from the last year?

I am proud of the growth I have made personally, but also the way our entire leadership has grown. We do our best to support each other when needed.