Anna Arancibia to drive the legacy of the Y in Southeast San Diego, continuing to help strengthen community
Anna Arancibia has been named the new Executive Director of the Jackie Robinson Family YMCA, the YMCA of San Diego County announced today. Arancibia was chosen for the role after an extensive nationwide search, and effectively serving as the branch’s Interim Executive Director for nearly eight months.
“Anna is an effective leader focused on social literacy — she empowers people and the community,” said Lisa D’Angelo, Area Vice President for the YMCA of San Diego County. “The Y actively and intentionally recruited from a diverse pool of candidates for this important role. Anna’s experience, combined with her reputation as a community builder and advocate in San Diego’s most critical area made her the overwhelming choice.”
Arancibia has more than 16 years of experience with the Y, most recently serving as the branch’s Associate Executive Director for seven years before becoming the Interim Executive Director in July 2019. She progressed through the ranks, serving in various roles including site supervisor for before and after school programs, and director positions for sports, youth programming, outreach and membership. She was instrumental in the $22 million fundraising project and rebuild of the facility that reopened in Oct. 2017.
She continues to drive change for the Y, serving as a branch diversity champion, and was a graduate of the organization’s inaugural Multicultural Development Program cohort in 2012. Motivated to make an impact, she continued to drive change for the association mentorship and development program to ensure people of color are given opportunities to grow within Y locally.
“I love the southeast community and thrilled to continue my work in this important area of San Diego,” said Arancibia. “Over my tenure with the Y I’ve seen so many youth, staff and community members flourish. The innovative programming we’ve been able to do, and the quality experience we give families, adults and youth is second-to-none. Together we will continue to do amazing things and help all reach their fullest potential.”
Arancibia received her Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science from Boston University. She initially gained her passion for social justice from her family – each night at the dinner table they had discussions on world politics, equity and change. She used that passion to fuel her education. In 2015, Arancibia was named Community Activist of the Year by the Blue Heart Foundation, and served on the Southeast San Diego Rotary Club board 2015-2019, holding positions of Treasurer and President. She holds several YMCA of the USA certifications, and is a member of other community organizations. Arancibia is a native San Diegan and proud mother of two beautiful children, ages 13 and 8.
The YMCA thanks the following Jackie Robinson Y Board of Advisors and community members who assisted throughout the selection process: Tony Russell, Rev. Amos Johnson, Norma Colunga, Dr. Eugene Bailey, Stephanie Alexander and Dee Sanford.
The Jackie Robinson Y has proudly served the communities of Southeastern San Diego and surrounding areas since 1943. For more information, please visit www.ymcasd.org/jackierobinson.
For media interview requests or additional details, please contact Courtney Pendleton, Association Director of Public Relations & Communications, at [email protected] or via cell 714-926-8106.