This Charity Trustees Week, running from November 11th to November 15th, charities across Ireland are coming together to recognise the invaluable time, commitment, and expertise that trustees bring to Ireland’s 11,500 registered charities. Trustees play a vital role in empowering these organisations to make meaningful impacts within their communities.
At YMCA Dublin, we’re proud to celebrate the dedication of our own Board of Directors. Our board members guide our strategic direction, ensure compliance with legal standards, and uphold best practices—helping us fulfil our mission to foster healthy, confident, secure, and connected communities across Dublin.
This week, we’ll be sharing stories from some of our inspiring board members, each bringing their unique skills and passion to YMCA Dublin. Today, we’re excited to introduce Helen Carbery. An accomplished finance and strategic professional with over 20 years in the financial services sector, Helen is currently Chair of the Development Subcommittee. She brings extensive expertise and a deep commitment to expanding YMCA Dublin’s reach and supporting young people and families across Dublin.
Helen was drawn to YMCA Dublin for several reasons, including the professionalism and dedication she saw in its leadership. “I was impressed with the calibre of the board members I met and the CEO, which gave me comfort that the charity was being run with a high level of professionalism,” she shares. With her governance background, Helen felt inspired to join an organisation with a committed team and clear strategic vision, confident that her expertise could meaningfully contribute to YMCA Dublin’s mission.
Since joining, Helen has witnessed YMCA Dublin’s core values—welcoming, inclusive, empowering, caring, and responsible—in action. “You see all the values in the work YMCA Dublin does,” she notes, pointing to the compassion and dedication of the YMCA team. “The team care in spades—it comes out in everything they do and say,” she adds, expressing admiration for the unwavering commitment of YMCA’s staff and volunteers.
As Chair of the Development Subcommittee, Helen is passionate about expanding YMCA Dublin’s impact, particularly in underserved communities. “I hope YMCA Dublin’s services can reach more people in more communities. We make such a difference, and so many areas in Dublin need it,” she explains, envisioning a future where YMCA Dublin’s support empowers even more individuals and families.
Helen’s extensive experience in governance and finance includes executive roles at AIB, where she led teams in regulated environments and provided strategic oversight. Her qualifications, including Chartered Accountant, Qualified Tax Consultant, and a Diploma in Company Direction, bring valuable insights to YMCA Dublin’s strategic planning and operations.
Through her expertise and dedication, Helen Carbery embodies the values and vision of YMCA Dublin. We are truly grateful for her guidance and commitment as we work toward a more impactful future for young people and families across Dublin.
Stay tuned this week to meet more of our dedicated board members as we continue celebrating Charity Trustees Week!