Raised at the Y:

Sharif has been coming to the Y since before he could walk. His parents met here. His earliest memories were made here. And today, he helps shape new ones—for the next generation.

“I don’t remember a point in my life where I wasn’t going to the Y,” says Sharif. “If it weren’t for this place, I probably would’ve gotten into a lot of trouble.”

It’s a quiet moment of reflection—but one that speaks volumes. For Sharif, the Y isn’t just a place to work. It’s where he became who he is: a mentor, a leader, and a role model for young people who, like him, just need somewhere to belong.

As a child, Sharif participated in everything from swimming and taekwondo to youth leadership and floor hockey. He didn’t just spend time at the Y—he grew up here.

Later, when university and work started to compete for his time, he took a chance and applied for a part-time job. What started as a front desk shift turned into something more.

Now, Sharif works across several roles: Supervisor on Duty, children’s programming, youth leadership, even filling in for gymnastics and kids’ triathlons. But what matters most to him is being a steady, supportive presence for youth.

“I help run the Open Y drop-ins for teens on Friday nights,” he says. “And I always think—if they’re not here, there are a lot worse places they could be. I’d rather give a kid a bit of a hard time at the gym than have them out getting into trouble.”

That understanding comes from experience.

“Back then, if I didn’t have the Y, I would’ve had way too much time on my hands. And I probably would’ve made some really bad decisions.”

Sharif recalls one moment from his early teens. He kept forgetting his membership card—until one staff member, Norina, sat him down and gave him a quiet but firm talk about responsibility.

“She said, ‘It’s not about the card—it’s about how you show up in life.’ And she was right. That one little thing changed how I thought about everything.”

Now, Sharif is the one having those conversations with kids.

“I tell them, ‘That wasn’t your best choice—but I know you can do better.’ That kind of mentorship really stuck with me. It made me want to be someone others can count on, too.”

When asked why he believes in Strong Kids, he puts it simply:

“There are very few things more impactful on a child’s life than health, exercise, and community. This is a place where they can get all three.”