International Women’s Month Employee Spotlight: Amaya Roman
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As International Women’s Month comes to an end, we want to take the time to share the contribution of some of our incredible female staff members. Today, we are shining a light on Amaya Roman, Lead Creative and Multimedia Designer, who has been with Central YMCA for 12 years. We chatted with Amaya about her experience as a woman working for Central YMCA and how this role has impacted her.
What inspired you to join Central YMCA, and what has kept you here for so many years?
I was drawn to Central YMCA because of its mission to empower people through health, and education. As a designer, I wanted my work to have a real impact, not just look good. The idea that my creative skills could help promote well-being and make a difference in people’s lives was really appealing.
What’s kept me here is that sense of purpose. Over the years, I’ve had the chance to work on meaningful campaigns that encourage people to take care of their health, physically and mentally. The team here is also a big part of it. There’s a strong sense of collaboration and shared values, which makes it a great environment to grow both professionally and personally.
What progress have you seen for women in your industry, and what changes would you like to see next?
There’s definitely been progress, more women are stepping into leadership roles in design and creative industries, and there’s greater recognition of the value we bring beyond execution. The industry is also becoming more aware of the need for diverse perspectives, which is great to see.
But there’s still a long way to go. Pay gaps, underrepresentation in executive roles, and the challenge of balancing career growth with personal life are still big issues. I’d love to see more mentorship programmes for women, better access to leadership training, and real commitment to pay equity. It’s also important to create spaces where women feel comfortable speaking up and where their ideas are taken seriously.
How can organisations like Central YMCA continue to champion gender equality and female leadership?
Organisations like Central YMCA can champion gender equality by actively supporting women in leadership through mentorship, training, and fair career opportunities. Policies that promote work-life balance such as flexible working, parental leave, and menopause support help create an inclusive environment where women can thrive. Ensuring diverse representation at all levels and fostering a culture where female voices are heard and valued is essential. Seeing more women in leadership roles reinforces that success is not the exception but the standard.
Thank you so much to Amaya for sharing her experience!
If you’re feeling inspired by Amaya’s experience working for Central YMCA and would like to work in a field where you can positively impact the lives of others, we regularly hire for new roles in different areas of the business. Keep an eye on our job postings if you would be interested in joining the Central YMCA family!
