Michael Broderick

Background

About Michael Broderick

WHAT I DO: I serve as the President and CEO of the YMCA of Honolulu, one of Hawaii’s largest charitable organizations serving more than men, women and children each year as members, program participants and community service recipients. WHY I DO IT: For more than seven years, I served as a Hawaii Family Court Judge where I presided over more than cases of every type involving families and children. What I saw every day was homelessness, mental illness, crystal meth addiction, domestic violence and kids totally disengaged from family, community and school. It was an honor to be a Family Court judge, but by the time these cases came before me, in many instances it was too late to help these youth and families. At the Y, I have been given the opportunity of a lifetime to help children and families prevent the kind of traumas and tragedies I witnessed as a Family Court judge. Many YMCA programs focus on the early intervention of social issues at the core of Family Court, such as substance abuse and child welfare. In addition, our Y programs support the health of people of all ages, close the academic gaps and disparities, and ensure that regardless of background, ability, and economic means – everyone has a chance to become their best self. MY INSPIRATION: Whenever I tell people I work at the Y, more often than not, they will share a story with me about how the Y has impacted their lives…stories such as - Ryan who was criminally assaulted, told by his doctors he would never walk again, and then in his words “was nursed back to life” by the Windward Y- a nameless, unknown young woman who came up to me after I gave a speech on trauma, and softly said, “Judge Broderick—I was a drug addict and the Kalihi Y—they saved my life.” At the Y, every life matters – and I get to be a part of making that happen every day.