Y Member Trinity Smith Helps Teen Girls Thrive

Today, we're joined by Trinity Smith, a high school senior and member of the East Lake Family YMCA who is already making an incredible impact in her community. Through her nonprofit Roots In Her Health, Trinity leads weekly wellness sessions for middle school girls at the Y, creating a space where they can slow down, talk openly, learn about their health and well-being, and build confidence in who they are. Her work was inspired by her own experience growing up with a chronic illness and learning how important it is for young people to understand their bodies and advocate for themselves—especially when their experiences aren't always fully understood or supported. Recently, Trinity shared a mission moment at one of our YMCA board meetings, and our board members were truly moved by her insight, compassion, and the leadership she's already showing at such a young age. CBS Atlanta also recently highlighted the incredible work she's doing at just 18. Her story is a reminder of what's possible when young people are supported, encouraged, and trusted to lead. What You'll Learn in This Episode: ✅ How teen girls' health and wellness programming at the YMCA creates safe spaces where middle school girls can build confidence-building skills and openly discuss what they are experiencing in their lives. ✅ How one young nonprofit founder turned her personal journey with chronic illness advocacy and chronic migraine awareness into a thriving youth nonprofit that is making a measurable community impact. ✅ How youth health education rooted in holistic wellness helps girls of color's health by addressing stress, self-care, journaling, and peer connection in ways that feel engaging rather than academic. ✅ Why health equity for Black girls' health matters in medicine and research, and how young leaders are stepping up to close those gaps before they ever enter a classroom or clinic. Join the Y Connect Podcast to discover inspiring stories of transformation and wellness. Tune in for practical tips and community-driven insights on fitness transformation. Subscribe now to elevate your fitness journey! TIMESTAMPS: 00:00 Meet Trinity Smith, teen girls' wellness leader and nonprofit founder03:53 Trinity shares how she connected to the YMCA as a youth programming employee before launching Roots In Her Health05:55 Trinity reveals her diagnosis and how chronic illness advocacy shaped her mission08:35 How the lack of school support sparked Trinity's drive for girls' empowerment and self-care for teens17:40 A look inside the weekly wellness sessions Trinity leads for girls of color health at the East Lake YMCA 22:50 Trinity's college goals focus on pediatric health, Black girls' health, and closing gaps in health equity research26:43 A memorable conversation with a participant reveals the ripple effect of youth health education and planting seeds of leadership34:28 Trinity reflects on what holistic wellness and community impact through the Y has meant for Roots In Her Health's growth KEY TAKEAWAYS: 💎 Teen girls' health and wellness is not only physical. Trinity reminds us that stress, peer pressure, and identity all affect a young girl's overall well-being, making holistic wellness programming essential in community spaces like the YMCA. 💎 Chronic illness advocacy starts with being believed. Trinity had to fight to have her chronic migraine awareness taken seriously in school, and that experience became the foundation for everything she built through her youth nonprofit. 💎 Girls of color's health is a systemic issue. Trinity plans to pursue clinical research focused on health equity for Black women and young girls because representation in medicine is not optional. It is necessary. 💎 Leadership in youth programming does not require having all the answers. Trinity models that show up consistently, listening well, and equipping middle school girls with tools are how real change takes root. ABOUT THE GUEST: Trinity Smith is a high school senior, scholar, and advocate who is passionate about helping young girls understand their health and wellness. Growing up with a chronic illness made school really challenging at times and taught me how important it is to advocate for yourself—experiences that inspired me to start Roots In Her Health, Inc. Trinity is really interested in women's health and equity, and she hopes to become a pediatrician one day so she can help kids and families navigate health challenges. Her family has always been her biggest support, and they've shaped so much of who she is today. When Trinity isn't leading wellness sessions at the YMCA, she focuses on the things that help her feel grounded and whole—painting, cooking, traveling, or just trying something new that challenges me. She enjoys being creative in all kinds of ways and paying attention to what makes her feel balanced and alive. Those moments are what really recharge Trinity and keep her inspired. Roots In Her Health ...