In honour of Charity Trustees Week, we’re celebrating the 76,000+ volunteer board members across Ireland who guide over 11,500 charities—including YMCA Dublin. Their time, dedication, and expertise help make a real difference in communities.
As the third profile in our Charity Trustees Week series, we’re thrilled to spotlight Triona Campbell, one of our dedicated board members. Currently working in a Group Strategy role at VHI Healthcare, Triona brings a wealth of experience and a deep commitment to YMCA Dublin’s mission. Since joining the board in 2022, she has been an active member and Deputy Co-Chair of the Strategy Development Subcommittee, helping guide our growth and expand our impact within the community.
Triona’s journey to YMCA Dublin began with a lasting connection to the YMCA community. “I was a member of the YMCA when I lived in Montreal, Canada, and used their services extensively,” she recalls. “I really like the mission and ethos of the YMCA, and when the opportunity came up on Boardmatch to volunteer, I felt it was an ideal way to contribute to the organisation.”
Reflecting on impactful moments, Triona shares a story that left a lasting impression. “Most recently, we spoke about Jake’s story from the Alternative Suspension Programme, and I was really moved and touched by it.” Jake’s journey from facing challenges in his community to finding stability through YMCA Dublin’s targeted interventions exemplifies the importance of these programmes for at-risk youth. For Triona, stories like Jake’s reaffirm the need for continued investment in initiatives that help young people overcome obstacles and realise their potential.
As a board member, Triona has seen firsthand how YMCA Dublin’s strategic direction is shaped. “The board has carried out extensive work on developing a strategy to broaden YMCA Dublin’s impact in the community,” she explains. “The board is now overseeing the implementation of this strategy, which is very exciting but also holds significant responsibility.” This commitment speaks to the board’s crucial role in guiding YMCA Dublin’s mission forward, balancing ambitious goals with the need for sustainable, lasting change.
When asked what keeps her motivated, Triona expresses enthusiasm for the journey ahead. “It’s a very exciting time to be part of YMCA Dublin as they aim to expand their reach. It’s great to be part of this and support YMCA Dublin in reaching their goals while doing so sustainably.”
Among YMCA Dublin’s core values, one resonates with Triona most deeply. “The value that resonates with me the most is caring,” she says. “I see this value at the forefront of all my YMCA engagements, with Kathryn, the CEO, leading the way.” This spirit of care is foundational to YMCA Dublin’s work, inspiring Triona to envision a future where even more young people and families can benefit from its programmes.
Triona also shares her hopes for YMCA Dublin’s future: “My hope is that YMCA Dublin can broaden its impact by serving a greater number of young people and families and by deepening its offerings, especially for youth.”
For those considering a similar path in board service, Triona offers some advice. “You get so many personal rewards from a role like this. It’s like going to the gym—it is hard work getting involved and taking the time, but you feel good at the end of it, and slowly you are creating a better future. You also get many benefits, such as connecting with other board members, gaining new insights, and developing skills and tools you can bring back into your own work.”
Through her work, Triona exemplifies what is at the heart of YMCA Dublin’s mission—a dedication to empowering people and strengthening communities.