Our Leadership

Our leaders are at the forefront of the YMCA of Silicon Valley delivering on its mission. They foster an environment of inclusiveness within our organization and throughout the community through our core values of caring, honesty, respect and responsibility. Here are the men and women who are leading the Central YMCA into the future:

Barbara Cardenas Executive Director Born to a Navy family, Barbara moved from coast to coast during her formative years. As college approached, the only thing she wanted to be was a Tarheel - thankfully, the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill accepted her. Barbara moved to the Bay Area in 1981. Her work with the YMCA began as a volunteer at the San Francisco Central YMCA in 1982. Since then, Barbara has worked in a variety of positions including Executive Director of the Southwest YMCA. She has been the Executive Director of the Central YMCA since 2001. Barbara is married to an incredible human being and is blessed to have two children who make her laugh often.

Tina Bernal Associate Executive Director Tina has more than 15 y ears of working with children and youth in various capacities at the YMCA, from school-age child care teacher to associate executive director. Tina is currently the Associate Executive Director for the Central branch of the YMCA of Silicon Valley. In this role, Tina provides leadership and support to after school, child care, day camps, youth sports and teen programs. She builds collaborative relationships with school districts to create afterschool education and enrichment programs, directs major state and federal grants in health and afterschool, develops staff, and writes grants to support youth programs. Tina earned a Bachelor of Arts in Child Development and a Master of Business Administration, both from San Jose State University. She enjoys spending time with her husband and two children, loves reading and taking long walks with her puppy.