Martin accelerates career at the Y

Tariq Martin first started working at the Marshalltown YMCA-YWCA as a lifeguard while he was in high school in 2017. Fast forward six years later and Martin has moved his career quickly forward to being the Facility and Property Director at the Y. 

“I like the long term impact we have on people,” Martin said of his job. 

He moved up the ranks quickly in the aquatics department at the Y, eventually reaching the role of assistant aquatics director, before landing his current role managing the entire Y facility and property last year. Even more impressive was how he was able to accelerate his career all while working toward his bachelor’s degree in Industrial Technology at Iowa State University. He will graduate from Iowa State this May.

“You’ve got to have determination for it,” Martin said of balancing his college work and a full-time job. “And I like to keep busy.”

Studying Industrial Technology at ISU has helped Martin sharpen his skills in running the facility. 

“It’s helped me with the knowledge and skills to help solve problems,” he said.

The 2019 Marshalltown High School graduate said what’s kept him at the Y for six years is the positive culture and camaraderie with his co-workers.

“We are a tight knit family,” he said.

Marshalltown YMCA-YWCA CEO Kim Jass-Ramirez said Tariq’s commitment to his work is evident.

“Tariq has the special combination of a high level of technical knowledge for his job and a commitment to the Y’s mission of supporting our community,” Jass-Ramirez said. “He has already completed several big capital projects and has found innovative solutions for building issues.  Y members appreciate Tariq’s fun and friendly attitude and his coworkers know they can count on him to be a team player.”

If you are interested in a career at the Marshalltown YMCA-YWCA see our employment opportunities at www.ymca-ywca.org/careers.