As we celebrate Women's History Month, we acknowledge and honor the remarkable contributions of women within our YMCA association. In this special series, we aim to highlight the stories, experiences, and achievements of some extraordinary women within our YMCA family.
Meet Nina Radakovich, a retired judge turned lifeguard at the Carl E. Sanders Family YMCA at Buckhead. Nina reflects on her years of service, including her tenure as a judge in the City Court of Atlanta, highlighting important moments that shaped her life and career and the influential women who inspired her along the way.
Q. What inspired you to become involved with the YMCA, and how has your journey been so far?
A. My husband Tom Pocock grew up using YMCAs, and we joined in 2000 when the Buckhead YMCA was relocated from Roswell Road and opened. We very quickly realized that the Y had everything we needed for fitness. While taking a spin class nine years ago, a fellow member strongly encouraged me to try swimming. My first day in the pool was a revelation — I loved it. After a year of swimming laps, I wanted a new challenge. I asked the lifeguards about the qualifications for becoming a lifeguard and decided to go for it. After the training, I decided I should work some shifts. I found that working as a lifeguard motivated me to keep swimming, and in turn, I could motivate others to swim. I later got certified as a swim instructor.
Q. Can you share a pivotal moment in your life or career that has shaped who you are today?
A pivotal moment was when Mayor Maynard Jackson appointed me to the position of Judge in the City Court of Atlanta, where I served for 15 years.
Q. Who are some influential women in your life, and how have they impacted you?
A. Isabel Gates Webster (deceased), former First Assistant City Attorney in the Atlanta Law Department and Judge of the City Court of Atlanta, provided nurturing supervision in the Law Department. Mary Lu Mitchell (deceased), former Chair, Fulton County Library System Board of Trustees and former Active Member of Atlanta-Fulton Public Library Foundation, recruited me to the Library Foundation Board and served as my mentor on all things library. Retired Chief Fulton Superior Court Judge and current Buckhead Y Member Gail Tusan Washington provided me with advice on how to be a judge and with nonprofit board experience and 5th Grade Mock Trial/Jail Tour Program, and currently is President of the Pave Foundation. I serve on the Pave board as well. It operates a Summer STEAM Camp for Black girls.
All three were excellent role models who displayed civility, professionalism and compassion at all times, no matter what the circumstances. Gail is still serving in this role.
Q. Can you share a project or initiative you've been involved in that you're particularly proud of?
A. I am very proud to have served as Chair of the Atlanta-Fulton Public Library Foundation, and to be currently serving as Vice Chair of the Fulton County Library System Board of Trustees as the appointee of Fulton County Commissioner Dana Barrett. The Library System, like the YMCA, is a group of branches which are safe places where everyone is welcome.
Q. How do you balance your professional and personal life, and what advice would you give to other women striving for a similar balance?
Work on maintaining your health as a lifelong project. Visit the Y and the library frequently! Keep up with your friends and extended family.
Q. How can we continue to support and uplift women within our YMCA community, both now and in the years to come?
A. Encourage women to view the Y as a safe haven to set and pursue their health goals.
Q. Can you share a song or a quote that inspires you?
A. “Follow the one who seeks the truth; run from the one who has found it.” - Vaclav Havel, from Mary Lu Mitchell
Q. Can you tell us an interesting fact about you?
A. I have three grandsons under the age of five.