Leading with Purpose: Janeine Spencer, Chief People & Culture Officer
As we celebrate Women's History Month, we recognize the incredible women who lead, inspire, and shape the YMCA. This month, we are proud to highlight Janeine Spencer, Chief People & Culture Officer at the YMCA of South Hampton Roads. With 2 ½ years of service, Janeine has already made a lasting impact, guiding the Y with compassion and an unwavering commitment to its people.
Janeine’s journey to leadership at the YMCA is deeply personal. Raised in Virginia Beach after moving from northern New Jersey at age seven, her early memories of the beach and her first experience with swimming lessons at the Indian River YMCA are still vivid. She says, “Like many, I have a Y story,” and that was just the beginning.
“This role at the YMCA of South Hampton Roads is a full-circle moment for me,” Janeine shares. “Nearly 20 years of refining my HR expertise have led me here, a culmination of everything I’ve learned and valued. At the Y, I get to step into a leadership role that allows me to have a global impact on the internal customer experience while serving some of the most passionate, dedicated servant leaders I have ever met.”
One of Janeine’s proudest moments at the Y has been witnessing a shift in workplace culture, reflected in increasing employee engagement scores. “This progress is a testament to the quick partnership, trust, and buy-in from leaders and team members,” she says. “The Y’s commitment to cultivating a workplace where people feel valued and empowered is a key reason it remains an employer of choice for women in leadership.”
The result of the Y’s dedication to cultivating female leadership is clear. Women hold the majority of center leadership roles and make up a strong presence across the leadership team at all levels, all a reflection of the Y’s dedication to breaking barriers and creating pathways for women to thrive.
“The YMCA of South Hampton Roads is an employer of choice for women like me because it doesn’t just talk about opportunities, it actively creates them. At every level, the Y is committed to ensuring women have the space to lead, grow, and make a lasting impact.”
This commitment stands out in the nonprofit sector, where women make up nearly 70% of the workforce but hold only about 45% of CEO positions nationwide. At nonprofits with budgets over $50 million, that number drops to just 22%. In contrast, the Y is setting a new standard, with women leading 70% of centers and holding 60% of the corporate leadership roles. The YMCA of South Hampton Roads is challenging this norm by fostering a culture where women don’t just have a seat at the table, they have a voice that is heard, valued, and empowered.
Janeine is also deeply proud of how the Y fosters a culture of workplace belonging, “It is fully supported by our President & CEO, Anthony Walters, which has allowed us to move with purpose.” A pivotal moment for her was co-chairing the YMCA’s National Emerging Multicultural Leadership Experience (EMLE), a professional and personal development conference attended by nearly 700 staff and volunteer leaders. Janeine reflects, “Seeing Anthony speak about the joy of hosting this event and watching our team members show up as volunteers was humbling.”
For Janeine, one woman who has always inspired her is her grandmother, Lucy. “She was the strongest and most compassionate woman I have ever known,” Janeine says. Her grandmother’s strength and ability to lead with grace and kindness left a lasting impression. Janeine shares, “True leadership is quiet, compassionate, and unwavering. A voice doesn’t need to be raised to be heard, and a message is best received when delivered with confidence and care.”
Janeine’s advice to the next generation of women leaders is clear: “Don’t be afraid to claim your space. Once you have that space, make an impact. Show up every day as your authentic self, and when you do that, you don’t just make a difference for others, you become the difference.”
Join us in celebrating Janeine and the remarkable women shaping the Y.