Why Health Equity Matters in Our Communities with Caleb Cooper

Small Changes Big Shifts

"I’m grateful for where I’m planted in each season of life.” - Caleb Cooper

What would you do differently with your health if there were no barriers? Would you choose more organic? Workout at a gym? Plug into your community through classes or even see a therapist? Join Dr. Michelle Robin as she invites Caleb Cooper from the YMCA of Greater Kansas City to share why their organization is focused on health equity in our community - a state in which everyone has a fair and just opportunity to attain their highest level of health. He’ll also explain how kindness and gratitude overlap within their mission, and why he recognizes that many people choose the Y because they find kindness and gratitude within their walls. Caleb will also explain why it’s a human need to feel like we belong, and how the Y delivers on that need. At the end of the episode, he’ll also share some personal stories that he recalls over his 20-year career with the Y. Each one is rooted in the power of what happens when we give people an opportunity to reach for the best version of themselves.

About Today’s Guest:

Caleb Cooper joined the YMCA of Greater Kansas City as Chief Operating Officer. He brings mor than 20 years of experience from the Ys across the country. Most recently, he was the Vice President of Equity and Belonging for the YMCA of South Hampton Roads. In previous roles, Cooper successfully led more than 14 Y locations, raised over 2 million to benefit marginalized communities, created a diversity, equity and inclusion department, and rebranded six Ys as Health Equity Campuses. As COO of the YMCA of Greater Kansas City, he is a key member of the executive leadership team which is focused on supporting the vision and setting the strategy for all operations and programs. Cooper leads a comprehensive and complex array of services and programs that focus on healthy living, youth development, and social responsibility in 11 membership centers and more than 90 before- and after-school programs and summer-day camps in 14 school districts. He also provides leadership for Marketing and Communications. Cooper has a bachelor's degree in business management (Human Resources). His volunteer work has included serving as a board member for Rotary, Exchange Clubs, Sentara College of Health Sciences, Hampton Roads Diversity and Inclusion Consortium, and Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity Incorporated. Outside of work, Cooper enjoys golf, coaching soccer, fishing, and spending time with his family, which includes his wife Crystal and their two children.

Mentioned in the Episode:

• YMCA of Greater Kansas City
• YMCA locations in the U.S.
• Small Changes Big Shifts
• Quadrants of Well-Being