The Watsonville Family YMCA is thrilled to welcome two passionate leaders to our team, Oscar Hernandez as our new Executive Director and Maria Rabaino as our new Healthy Living Director. With a shared commitment to community, well-being, and inclusiveness, Oscar and Maria are excited to help shape the future of the Y and expand its impact in Watsonville. 

Oscar’s connection to the Watsonville Family YMCA runs deep as he shares that his parents brought him here as a child, and now, years later, he returns as its Executive Director. With a strong background in health, education, and nonprofit work, Oscar has dedicated his career to helping individuals of all ages grow and thrive. “One of my top goals is for the community to keep coming into the Y and seeing the positive changes we’re making—this Y is for them,” Oscar shared. He hopes to strengthen partnerships, create new opportunities, and ensure the Y remains a welcoming, safe space for all. 

Maria joins us with a strong background in fitness and adaptive exercise, as well as a deep commitment to building inclusive communities. As a certified personal trainer with expertise in corrective exercise, she has spent years helping individuals of all abilities develop sustainable, healthy habits. “Life isn’t always easy, and I know firsthand how important it is to have a strong support system,” Maria said. “That’s why I want to create that same sense of support and encouragement for others—helping people live healthier, no matter their starting point or abilities.” One of her key goals is to expand our class offerings, ensuring there’s something for everyone in Watsonville’s diverse community. 

Both Oscar and Maria are dedicated to making a lasting impact—not only through their leadership but by uplifting the staff, members, and families who make the Y so special. Oscar finds inspiration in activist Dolores Huerta’s words: “You really can change the world if you care enough.” Similarly, Maria shares his passion for change and is committed to fostering leadership and inclusivity at the Watsonville Family YMCA. As she puts it, she’s focused on “building a ramp to success since there is no elevator,” ensuring that everyone has access to opportunities for growth. 

We encourage our community to give Oscar and Maria a warm welcome! If you see them around the Y, don’t hesitate to say hello or introduce yourself. To contact them directly, please call the Watsonville Family YMCA at (831) 728-9622 or reach out via email at OHernandez@ymcacentralcoast.org and MRabaino@ymcacentralcoast.org. 

To learn more about our programs and offerings, visit centralcoastymca.org, and be sure to follow us on Facebook and Instagram to stay up to date on everything happening at the Y!