Liliana Montenegro arrived in Canada from Colombia in the spring of 2008, filled with hopes for a new life with her husband and soon-to-be-born daughter. Settling in the neighbourhood of Richmond in Calgary, she was far from the familiar rhythms of her home country, and still adjusting to the differences of this new city. One of the bright spots in her new life was the YMCA, a place her friend had recommended as welcoming and supportive. Intrigued by the possibility of connecting with her new community, Liliana began volunteering as a childcare assistant.
Despite the long public transportation rides to the YMCA, Liliana found the environment safe and nurturing for both her and her daughter. “I liked the environment of the YMCA, and even though at the beginning we didn’t have a car, it was worth taking public transportation to get there” she says. The YMCA became a safe place where she felt valued and embraced, a place where her differences were seen as strengths and her culture a source of inspiration.
As Liliana settled into her volunteer role, she discovered Zumba classes at the YMCA. A dancer since childhood, she was captivated by the opportunity to dance to Latin music in Calgary. Liliana said that as a child she “danced more than I walked,” and the familiar beats transported her back to the streets of Colombia. She found joy and a sense of freedom in the classes, attending every Zumba session she could, even if it meant traveling to various YMCA locations across the city.
One day, a fellow participant mentioned that the YMCA offered a Zumba certification. Liliana, whose only goal had been to dance for fun, decided to sign up so she could dance even more. Despite her initial reservations about ever leading a class, she completed the training, driven by her passion and her family's encouragement. Her husband, who also volunteered at the YMCA, then heard about a position opening up for a Zumba instructor and encouraged her to apply. Liliana recalls the experience, saying, “Even though I had never led a class before, I went to the demo. I remember it like yesterday—the demo was so good, and the YMCA liked my energy, so they offered to train me.”
Teaching Zumba was a transformative experience for Liliana. Initially shy, she often hid next to the speakers to avoid the spotlight. However, the YMCA and its trainers were patient and persistent, providing her with eight months of training to build her confidence and teaching skills. While she always had a passion for dance, the weekly mentorship helped her develop the skills to engage participants, lead a class, and step into the role of a leader. Her family’s encouragement was crucial; her husband and children attended every class, cheering her on and reinforcing her belief in herself. “Zumba connects our family with Colombia. It transports me back and allows me to share my passion with my family,” says Liliana.
Liliana’s journey from shy volunteer to confident Zumba instructor epitomizes the YMCA’s mission: to create a space where everyone can belong, grow, thrive, and lead. “The YMCA improved my self-esteem, my confidence, as a mom, as a friend, as an immigrant here in Calgary... it helped me feel that I belong here.” Liliana’s confidence extended beyond the dance studio. As an engineer working toward her designation in Calgary, the skills and self-assurance she gained through her Zumba journey helped her tackle professional challenges and have confidence that she could achieve anything she set her mind to.
Now, eleven years later, Liliana continues to teach Zumba at charity events and fundraisers, but her work with the YMCA has evolved yet again. When Liliana heard about YMCA’s Global Initiatives project, she knew she had found something new to bring her passion to. The YMCA launched Global Initiatives with the vision of providing support to YMCAs across the world in times of need. By forming a partnership with a YMCA in a different country, members can support projects that make a difference in the lives of people across the globe.
Liliana joined the Global Initiatives team in 2022, seeing it as a meaningful way to connect back to Colombia, as YMCA Calgary partners with YMCA Bogota. Returning to Columbia and visiting YMCA Bogota in 2023, she was struck by the needs she hadn’t fully appreciated as a young student when she lived at home with her parents. This realization deepened her commitment to giving back, and she found a powerful way to connect her passion for dance with meaningful support for her home country. Of the experience, Liliana says that “Volunteering for Global Initiatives connects my two passions, dance, and Colombia. Now, I can transmit these feelings into action.”
For Liliana, the YMCA represents more than just a gym or a community center. It’s a symbol of support, belonging, and development—a bridge between her past and present, her passions and her aspirations. The YMCA has given her a future, a community, and a sense of purpose. Through her journey, Liliana exemplifies the YMCA’s belief in people, their potential, and the strength found in diversity.
Learn more about the incredible volunteers that make up the YMCA's fitness instructor community and beyond. Do you also have a passion for fitness and giving back? We're always looking for fitness instructors to join our community—join us today!