Desiree Guilliard-Young
Chief Operating Officer/CHRO
Where did you grow up?
I grew up in Berkeley, California, which is why I have such a carefree/flower-child spirit. I don't get to go home often, but it will always be my heart. I'm grateful for the opportunity to grow up in such a culturally rich and diverse community. I had friends from every ethnic background you can imagine, I read books in high-school that others were introduced to in college, and most importantly, I felt empowered to be my authentic self. The Bay nurtured and matured my creative spirit while developing me into the objective thinker and people-loving person I am today
It is Friday night - beer, wine, cocktail, or fresh-pressed juice?
It depends on my mood, but I've always been a fan of a rich Bordeaux or Tempranillo. That being said, I also love a solid Mezcal/Bourbon based craft cocktail. I spent the past ten years of my life in ATL, and the bar scene there spoiled me.
If you had one last meal, what would you eat?
This is a tough one because I love food/cooking. Anything from my top two restaurants in ATL Boccalupo and Kimball House. You can't go wrong with an exceptional pasta dish or well-prepared seafood.
Do you have a favorite movie or actor/actress?
Dirty Dancing/Road House
Patrick Swayze
You are stuck in LA traffic - what music are you playing to pass the time?
A blended playlist of City Girls, Megan Thee Stallion, Saweetie, SZA, H.E.R, Summer Walker, Jack Harlow, Ill Camille, Childish Gambin, Frank Ocean, Miss Mulatto, and BEYONCE!
What first got you into fitness?
I got into fitness at a young age through organized sports and competitive athletics. I discovered volleyball when I was 15, and I fell in love with the game immediately. I'm 6'5'' barefoot and have been a foot taller than everyone my age. Naturally, everyone tried to push me into basketball, but I hated playing and was beyond terrible. I wandered into a random open tryout at 15 and never looked back! I was blessed to have the opportunity to play club volleyball during my Junior High/High School years, D-1 volleyball at Baylor University, and for the Youth National Team for a summer. Conditioning, strength training, and dynamic movement have always been a part of my fitness journey. I continued my passion for fitness after college and applied everything I learned over the years to my self-led workouts.
What is one of your favorite fitness moments so far in life?
Having the opportunity to join the USA Youth National Team and train/compete at the Olympic training center the summer before my senior year of high school. We didn't get a chance to travel internationally, but I got to work with the Olympic training staff, the best college volleyball coaches in the country, and some of the top players of my time. I learned so much about the game and development exponentially as a player. I made some solid friendships that I've managed to maintain over the years.
What is your favorite and least favorite exercise?
Any form of a lunge. I have bad knees from all my years of jumping, so any lunge is painful. You won't see me doing them. I would rather just have a seat against a wall. Call me a wallflower lol.
What is one of your favorite inspirational quotes?
"The most beautiful people are those who have known defeat, known suffering, known struggle, known loss and have found their way out of the depths. These persons have an appreciation, a sensitivity, and an understanding of life that fills them with compassion, gentleness, and a deep loving concern. Beautiful people do not just happen." -- Elisabeth Kubler-Ross
What does the word "Sanctuary" mean to you?
Sanctuary is a safe haven, a community, and a place of growth. You can come as you are and leave the weight of the world at the door and just sweat/connect with others. All are welcomed, seen, and supported.
