We're celebrating those who make an impact! Every day our employee recognition program highlights staff who live our mission. Nominations for our 2026 award winners will be open soon. Check out our 2025 award winners below!
Ryan Windyka Spirt of the Y Award: Honors an employee who lives out the YMCA core values of Caring, Honesty, Respect, and Responsibility in their daily work. Staff who uplift others, go out of their way to help members or teammates, and create a welcoming and supportive environment.
YMCA Leadership Award: Recognizes an individual who demonstrates outstanding leadership, regardless of their job title. Staff who take initiative, inspire others, lead by example, and contribute to the overall growth and success of the YMCA.
Positive Impact Award: Celebrates an employee who helps build a positive, inclusive, and engaging workplace culture. Staff who promote teamwork, encourage diversity and inclusion, and help make the Y a great place to work for everyone.
2025 Award Winners
POSITIVE IMPACT AWARD
Angel Lopez, Director
Angel Lopez’s story with the YMCA of Greater Springfield comes full circle. After first joining the Y as a teen in the Y-AIM program in 2011, he now serves as a Site Director for our before and after school program. With nearly eight years on staff, Angel brings a deep, personal understanding of what the Y can mean in a young person’s life.
That perspective drives everything he does. Angel is passionate about being a positive, steady presence for the kids and families he works with whether that’s teaching something new, offering encouragement, or simply listening. One moment that stands out to him is helping guide a young participant away from a difficult path and toward a brighter future, ultimately seeing that child graduate and even come back to work at the Y. For Angel, those moments are what it’s all about.
He’s known for creating a supportive, welcoming environment for everyone around him, from kids to parents to fellow staff. Whether it’s a small act of kindness or meaningful mentorship, Angel leads with honesty, care, and respect. He believes what makes the Y special is simple: the people. “We are a family,” he says, and it shows in the way he shows up every day.
Outside of the Y, Angel enjoys spending time with his two daughters and making lasting memories with his family. He’s also a big MMA fan and hopes to one day train in martial arts himself. And one fun fact you might not expect, his birthday is on Christmas Day.
LEADERSHIP AWARD
Debbie Kelder, Executive Director, Scantic Valley YMCA
With nearly three decades at the YMCA of Greater Springfield, Debbie Kelder’s journey is a true reflection of growth, dedication, and purpose. Starting 28 years ago as a part-time group exercise instructor and stepping into a full-time role in 2004, she now serves as the Executive Director of the Scantic Valley YMCA, helping shape the experience for members, families, and staff every day.
What keeps Debbie inspired is the impact she sees firsthand. From everyday interactions to life-changing moments, the Y’s role in the community is constant and powerful. One experience that stands out is a member who, after losing her husband, found comfort and connection at the Y. What began as a place for physical wellness became a true second home, filled with friendships, support, and a sense of belonging. Stories like that are a reminder of why this work matters.
She leads with compassion, respect, and authenticity, making sure every voice is heard and valued. To Debbie, what makes the Y so special is the people. “The Y attracts good people,” she says, and that spirit of inclusivity and connection is felt across every corner of the organization.
Outside of the Y, Debbie enjoys spending time in nature, walking in the woods, being by the water, and trying new things. Most recently, that included skydiving, even making a jump with her daughter and father. Above all, she treasures time with her children and grandson.
RYAN WINDYKA SPIRT OF THE Y AWARD
Sonia Lyew, Membership, Downtown Springfield YMCA
For the past 12 years, Sonia Lyew has been a familiar, welcoming face at our downtown locations, from her early days at the Dunbar Center to Chestnut Street, and now at the membership desk at our Downtown branch in Tower Square. If you’ve walked through the doors, chances are Sonia has greeted you with a smile and maybe even a little dance.
Sonia truly loves what she does, and it shows. She’s known for going above and beyond to connect with members, even checking in with a call if someone hasn’t been around in a while. That personal touch means everything, and members genuinely appreciate knowing someone notices and cares. Whether she’s chatting with a regular, supporting a teammate, or bringing energy to the front desk, Sonia helps create a space that feels warm, welcoming, and alive.
She’s also a big part of what makes Downtown events so special. From helping at the annual comedy fundraiser that supports the Y’s Annual Fund, which helps provide scholarships for families, veterans, and others in need, to bringing her signature energy to Breakfast with Santa, where hundreds of kids experience the magic of the season, Sonia shows up with enthusiasm and heart every time.
Not everyone knows that Sonia’s nickname is “Georgia,” something she wishes more people would use. She proudly brings her Jamaican roots into her everyday life, from traveling home to cooking traditional favorites like her well-loved rice and beans. She also loves healthy food, being outdoors, and spending time tending to her vegetable garden.