Wayman D. Palmer

Toledo, OH – March 24, 2025 — At the YMCA of Greater Toledo, we believe strong communities are built by passionate leaders—those who give of themselves, lift others up, and help create lasting change. This year, we are proud to recognize one of those changemakers.

Lisa Hawker, our current Board Chair and longtime advocate for the Y, has been named the YMCA Volunteer of the Year, a distinguished national honor that recognizes individuals who exemplify our mission and transform their communities through service.

At the YMCA of Greater Toledo, we believe that every child deserves the opportunity to be safe in and around water. That’s why, in partnership with ProMedica, TPS Foundation, Cenovus Energy, Toledo Refining Company, and Mercy Health, we’ve launched a lifesaving initiative to provide free swim lessons to second graders in Toledo Public Schools on the East Side.

This program was created in honor of a TPS student who tragically drowned in Lake Superior last summer. His legacy now lives on through this initiative, ensuring young students gain the confidence and critical water safety skills they need.