Youth Enrichment Services (YES) received four bibs this year through the John Hancock Non-Profit Boston Marathon Program. We couldn’t be more excited to introduce the four runners of Team YES: Nye Day, Brittney Macomber, Andrew Papia, and Allie Tripp. All four runners have experience supporting YES or other non-profit organizations and are excited to raise valuable finds for YES. Read more about each runner below!
Nye Day
Nye was introduced to YES through her sister, Sayles, who ran and fundraised for YES during the 2018 Boston Marathon. Before YES, Nye has been involved the Suffolk County House of Corrections as a Teacher’s Assistant, and the American Red Cross as a volunteer.
“I love to find meaning in everything I do and running for YES would give me the opportunity to work for something bigger than myself, day in and day out of training runs,” says Nye on why she is running for YES. “I am running for YES to provide more opportunities for growth, learning, and empowerment within athletic environments for Boston’s youth.”
Nye plays club soccer at Boston College, where she is currently a senior, and ran cross country in high school. This will be his first marathon. Nye looks forward to volunteering with YES in the future.
Brittney Macomber
Brittany first got involved with YES when she saw a Facebook group looking for adult volunteer coaches for the spring 2021 season of YES Track & Field. She went on to coach track and field for YES in the spring and summer of 2021 and ran in the 2021 Boston Waterfront 5k for YES this past September.
“Having coached Track & Field, I’ve seen first-hand how dedicated the staff & volunteers are to fostering and encouraging an inclusive environment for the youth and how much the youth look up to and admire them, “says Brittney on choosing to run for YES. “To provide these youth with such positive role models and expose them to activities like running, which they’ll be able to engage in well beyond their ‘school years,’ is what makes YES so special.”
Brittney enjoys finding ways to be active every day, whether it be running, walking or spin classes. She has previously run the 2013 and 2019 NYC Marathons, making this Brittney’s third marathon.
Andrew Papia
Andrew first learned about YES from a friend and YES staff member, Eric Geels. Andrew has worked with Dudley Street Neighborhood Initiative (DSNI), a non-profit where his wife serves as Vice President. Andrew hopes to volunteer with YES after completing the Boston Marathon.
“I moved to Boston in 2007 and got involved serving youth in Dorchester and Roxbury through a local tutoring and mentoring program,” says Andrew on his decision to run for YES. “Over the years, we’ve been able to use the extra space in our home to host others who are serving Boston youth through programs such as City Year and YES.”
Andrew regularly runs and cycles, and he recently completed the Sharon Triathlon, which inspired him to start racing again. He also recently completed the MR8K with Team YES. Andrew is looking forward to connecting his passion of running with his passion for serving Boston youth by raising support for YES’s programs.
Allie Tripp
Allie was involved with YES beginning in the summer of 2011 when she served as the AmeriCorps VISTA for YES. She worked as the Marketing and Communications Coordinator and had the opportunity to support YES staff during many summer and winter YES programs, including Operation Snowsports, kayaking, hiking, and visiting Swann Lodge. Allie also ran the 2012 Boston Marathon for YES.
“I’m thrilled to renew my support for YES exactly ten years after I ran the Boston Marathon for the organization in 2012,” says Allie on her choice to run for YES. “Not only did YES set me on my own exciting professional journey in the nonprofit sector – I also look back on my first Boston Marathon experience as a truly life-changing moment.”
In addition to her 2012 Boston Marathon run, Allie has since completed six half marathons. She also enjoys hiking, backpacking, yoga, and strength training. Allie is most looking forward to fundraising for the youth of YES once again.