Meet Gwen, Chief Youth Development Officer

We’re excited to welcome Gwen Ichinose-Bagley to the Y as our Chief Youth Development Officer. The Chief Youth Development Officer is responsible for building and improving the programs across the Y which empower kids to reach their full potential. 

Gwen shared the following to get to know her better.  

Muhammad Ali said, "Service to others is the rent you pay for your room here on earth,” over the years this has become my mantra. I have dedicated my life to service to others.  

Growing up, I sought opportunities to volunteer and help others from tutoring to teaching Sunday School. I started working at the YMCA shortly after high school and discovered that I could make a positive impact through the Y. I graduated with a degree in Family Resources from the University of Hawai’i. I earned a master’s in Organizational Development with a certificate in Servant Leadership from Gonzaga University.  

In December 2019, I joined the YMCA of Greater Seattle as Chief Youth Development Officer and leader of the Youth Development Center of Excellence.  

Most recently, I served as Director of Organizational Development at Boys and Girls Clubs of America, providing support to Clubs across the Southwest to increase their ability to positively impact the lives of the youth they serve.  I previously served with the YMCA of Metropolitan Los Angeles, first as a Branch Executive and then as a Senior Vice President for Youth Programs & Leadership Development, with the Allegheny Highlands YMCA as CEO, the Georgia Mountains YMCA as a Group Vice President, the YMCA of Orange County as Vice President of Child Care Services, and the YMCAs of East Valley and of Honolulu as a Program Director.   

I am a seasoned, talented leader with nearly three decades of experience in the Y and other youth serving organizations, with a heavy emphasis on programs serving youth and families.  

On a personal note, I am married to my best friend, we just celebrated 15 years together as a married couple. We recently adopted a rescue dog named Paloma. We enjoy photography, reading, and just spending time together.  

Welcome Gwen!