By Riley Spencer
Paige Hughes Binfield grew up in Ticonderoga, New York, as the oldest of four children in a
single-parent household. Her journey with the YMCA began when she and her siblings received
scholarships to attend an afterschool program and summer camp, giving them a safe, supportive
space to grow while their mother worked. Those early experiences shaped her path and
introduced her to Youth and Government, where she developed a passion for leadership and
service. The YMCA became more than a program — it became a community that believed in her
potential. With the support of generous YMCA scholarships covering three-quarters of her
tuition, Paige became the first in her family to earn a Master of Arts degree from Springfield
College, the YMCA’s affiliated college. Today, Paige is a testament to the power of opportunity
and belonging, and she continues to champion creating safe, meaningful experiences where
others can feel supported, inspired, and empowered to succeed.
