Downtown Insider: Belina Saxinger
Category Downtown Community
Creating Space for Community: Belina Saxinger's Mission at the Lohse Family YMCA
A Tucson native, Belina has spent more than 14 years with the YMCA, building a career rooted in service, leadership, and personal growth. She began her journey as a Membership Attendant and steadily worked her way through a variety of roles, gaining valuable experience and a deep understanding of the organization's mission of youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility. Now serving as Executive Director, Belina leads with a people-centered approach shaped by years of hands-on experience across YMCA operations. Next time you're at the Lohse Family YMCA, be sure to say hello to Belina and her friendly team!
Why did you choose to work in downtown Tucson, and what keeps you here?
Downtown seemed like a good opportunity for me to start fresh. I needed a change of scenery from my previous positions, and an amazing opportunity was available at Lohse Family YMCA. One of the things I love most about downtown is its eclectic culture, which you can't find anywhere else in town.
What does downtown Tucson offer people that they may not find elsewhere in the city?
Downtown is a melting pot of so many different types of people and businesses. There is so much history and culture that surrounds us, and so many people have the opportunity to experience and share it. What makes downtown unique is how it brings together longtime residents, local entrepreneurs, artists, students, and visitors into a dynamic community.
How would you describe downtown Tucson to someone visiting for the first time?
Downtown is a mecca for all kinds of things you can find throughout Tucson. There is so much rich art, history, places to eat and a really cool gym with really cool staff on the corner of Church & Alameda! :)
Was there a moment when you realized downtown Tucson was really changing or evolving? What was it?
When I first started working downtown many years ago, I remember there being only one major festival: Tucson Meet Yourself. But throughout the years, many new events and festivals have been created, adding more exciting energy to downtown. Dusk Music Festival, Folk Festival, etc. There have been so many people I have met and had the opportunity to introduce not only to the YMCA but also to Tucson culture and the amazing things we have to offer.
What other downtown businesses, restaurants, bars, shops, or organizations do you love supporting?
There are so many amazing businesses and community partners that are down here. Eleven Cafe is one of my go-to coffee shops; they have the best Mocha! At the Y, we also love Zeke's Pizza not only because of the delicious menu they offer, but also because it's in close walking distance and the staff is phenomenal! There are so many more businesses that we love, but these are just a few that make a difference to us. We love all of our downtown neighbors and partners.
When you think about downtown Tucson five years from now, what do you hope to see?
In 5 years, I hope downtown will be even more vibrant and full of life than it is today. I'd love to see more reasons for people from across Tucson to visit, spend time, and experience everything downtown has to offer. At the same time, I hope its unique character and sense of place are preserved. It's exciting to imagine more people enjoying downtown while it continues to feel like the authentic Tucson that so many of us locals know and love.
What does your ideal downtown Tucson day or night look like? Where are you going, eating, drinking, walking, or spending time?
During the weekdays, I love to start off with an iced coffee from Eleven and maybe some breakfast from Raptor Canyon if I'm feeling fancy. During lunch, I love to take a walk to the Main County Library (right across the street from me) to peruse its seed library for my home garden. Depending on the weather, I also like to stop by Baggins for a carrot cake.
What’s happening at the Lohse YMCA Downtown and what can people do to support this location?
There's always something going on at the Lohse YMCA! We are proud to be a welcoming space where people of all ages and backgrounds can stay active, work toward their goals, and connect with others in the community. Through our Financial Assistance program, we help make memberships and programs accessible to individuals and families who might not otherwise be able to participate. The support of our community is what makes all of this possible. No matter how you donate, volunteer, join a program, or simply help spread the word, every bit of support helps us continue creating a safe, welcoming place where everyone feels connected downtown.