20 Under 40: Kimberly Z. Miller

Director of Health and Wellness and Healthy Living, Eugene Family YMCA

Age: 39

I was lucky when I started at the Y as a personal trainer. I had amazing mentors who guided me to grow professionally and personally. Now 16 years later, as the director of health and wellness and healthy living, I get to help others on their wellness journeys and see how that creates a healthier community. I believe true connections come from individuals taking the time to support each other.

For me, it starts by supporting a program that prevents the onset of Type 2 diabetes, teaching a class where seniors regain balance to prevent falls or helping cancer survivors become comfortable with their post-treatment bodies. When individuals find strength they didn’t know they had and connections they didn’t know they needed, it strengthens our community.

In fast-paced, technology-driven lives, it can be hard to remember that we are meant to move and to connect. I help people get back to those basics, reminding them to be active, be social and to encourage one another on their journeys. I believe everyone has something to give. We all have the knowledge and ability to make a difference in our own health and the health of the community. While change can be challenging, it is my job to empower individuals to make changes for the better.

In my work and in my personal life, I want to support a healthy and inclusive community wherever I can.