Boston Lawyer Leaves Corporate World to Lead Roxbury YMCA

Winston Bodrick, a 35-year-old lawyer, has transitioned from private equity and real estate to become the new Executive Director of the Roxbury YMCA.

Published on Feb. 13, 2026

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Winston Bodrick, a 35-year-old lawyer who previously worked in private equity and real estate development, has made a career pivot to become the new Executive Director of the Roxbury YMCA in Boston. Bodrick, who was raised in Atlanta and attended Morehouse College, felt he could "do more" and saw the YMCA role as the "perfect and ideal opportunity" to truly serve the community in multiple capacities, including managing the daycare, senior activities, and popular gym facilities.

Why it matters

The Roxbury YMCA is a vibrant cornerstone of the neighborhood, with over 2,000 members. Bodrick's transition from the corporate world to leading this community organization highlights the growing trend of young professionals seeking more purpose-driven work that can positively impact underserved communities.

The details

After earning a master's degree at Dartmouth and a law degree from Boston College, Bodrick worked in corporate settings but felt something was missing. He now oversees multiple aspects of the Roxbury YMCA, including a daycare, activities for seniors, and a popular gym. Bodrick places a strong emphasis on building bridges with young people, believing that "if we can catch youth early enough, we can create the future leaders that we want to see."

  • Bodrick was raised in Atlanta and attended Morehouse College.
  • He earned a master's degree at Dartmouth College in New Hampshire.
  • Bodrick then attended Boston College Law School.
  • He is now the 35-year-old Executive Director of the Roxbury YMCA.

The players

Winston Bodrick

A 35-year-old lawyer who previously worked in private equity and real estate development before becoming the Executive Director of the Roxbury YMCA.

Roxbury YMCA

A community organization in Boston with over 2,000 members, offering a daycare, activities for seniors, and a popular gym.

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What they’re saying

“I felt like I could do more. The opportunity to lead the Y 'was the perfect and ideal opportunity to be able to truly serve in multiple capacities.”

— Winston Bodrick, Executive Director, Roxbury YMCA (boston25news.com)

“These are some of the pivotal shaping experiences that you can pour into a child that can direct a path. I believe that if we can catch youth early enough, we can create the future leaders that we want to see.”

— Winston Bodrick, Executive Director, Roxbury YMCA (boston25news.com)

The takeaway

Bodrick's transition from the corporate world to leading the Roxbury YMCA highlights the growing trend of young professionals seeking more purpose-driven work that can positively impact underserved communities. His emphasis on engaging with youth and building a culture of resilience and hope at the YMCA reflects a desire to create lasting change in the neighborhood.