Since it opened it’s doors in 2014, the Copley-Price Family YMCA has championed community engagement, offering programs that drive positive change and provide a welcoming environment for members of our vibrant and diverse community.

During that time, Julian Villegas, the Regional Executive Director and VP of Diversity, Inclusion & Belonging of YMCA San Diego County, has played a central role in its member engagement and program development. Additionally, Julian has managed various YMCA branches and served as an operations director, aquatics director, and head swim coach at different locations throughout his career.

Julian’s long-spanning career at the YMCA has involved fiscal management, membership development, government contracts, and resource development. He has consistently demonstrated an ability to forge strong community relationships, collaborating with donors and other service organizations to drive impactful change.

We are delighted to introduce Julian Villegas to share more about the important role the Copley-Price YMCA plays in our local community.

1 |  Thank you for chatting with us. Could you please tell us about yourself, your business, and why you decided to join KTBA?

I have been working in the non-profit sector for over 35 years and during the last 15, I have worked in marginalized communities providing the resources for those in need. I joined the KTBA as it is a great networking opportunity for me and the YMCA. The KTBA has given back to the community in many different ways under Megan’s leadership. We have received food drive donations when we host our Thanksgiving dinners and now they are conducting a toy drive for our annual Holiday Family Event serving more than 800 families.

2 | What sets the Copley-Price Family YMCA apart from other local fitness & community centers? 

The Copley-Price Family YMCA is not a gym or a swim. We provide a diverse range of services to the communities we serve. We have one of best early childhood education centers in the area, we offer services for homeless youth with our Housing Our Youth program, we provide a Teen Achievers, Teen Wellness and Y-Strong Girls program servicing more than 400 teens per year. Since COVID, we have become a Center for Well-Being by providing services such as free access to chronic disease prevention seminars and nutrition cooking classes for youth and seniors. We have also become a food distribution HUB and offer swimming lessons to any child with a disability at no cost.

All our youth programs including sports, swim, camp and gymnastics focus on positive youth development. Our Vision: we are the catalyst to transform lives and communities.

3 | What is your best advice for people who are interested in your services but may be a little hesitant to contact you?

The second you enter our Y you are greeted with a smile. Everyone is welcome at the YMCA. There are no barriers to be part of our family. You don’t need to be a member to participate in our programs. If you want to become member, which will give you access to other 13 locations, but cannot afford it, we provide scholarships for those with limited resources. I invite you to come and learn more about your YMCA, you will be impressed with what you find when you walk inside our building.

4 | What is one thing you wish everyone knew about the Copley-Price Family YMCA? 

We are the best well-being center in the area with access to multiple services.

We are so proud to have Julian and the Copley Price Family YMCA as members of the KTBA and we encourage you to learn more about the the Copley-Price Family YMCA and its many year-round programs and events.