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Big Brothers Big Sisters (BBBS) hosted its annual Capitol Hill Day on February 26, 2025, in Washington, D.C., bringing together agency leaders, staff, and external stakeholders to advocate for youth mentorship and key federal policies that impact young people and families nationwide. The event served as a powerful platform to engage with legislators, elevate youth voices, and champion policies that support BBBS’ mission. 

Participants met with over 200 Congressional offices to advocate for federal programs that advance mentorship, workforce readiness, and mental health resources, focusing on: 

• The Youth Mentoring Grant (YMG): Funding administered by the Department of Justice that supports youth mentoring services.  

• The Youth Workforce Readiness Act: Legislation that would establish a competitive grant through DOL for national organizations to support local affiliates that provide workforce readiness programs for youth ages 6 to 18.  

• The RISE from Trauma Act: Legislation that would increase resources for communities and expand the trauma-informed workforce to better respond to youth and families who have experienced trauma.  

The event featured prominent speakers who brought valuable insights and perspectives on mentorship and youth development, including Mark O’Donnell, President & CEO of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Eastern Massachusetts; Libby Rodney, Chief Strategy Officer at The Harris Poll; Julia Freeland Fisher, Director of Education Research at the Clayton Christensen Institute; Deriece Harrington, Director of Government Affairs and Corporate Citizenship at PepsiCo;  and Katelyn Bunning, Principal at Cornerstone Government Affairs. Representative Mark E. Amodei of Nevada’s Second Congressional District provided the keynote address.  

BBBSA concluded the event with a special reception on Capitol Hill to celebrate the power of positive mentorship and honored Senator Todd Young of Indiana and Senator Richard “Dick” Durbin of Illinois for their support of BBBS and commitment to youth-focused policies. 

Capitol Hill Day provided valuable opportunities for building stronger relationships with lawmakers, advancing BBBSA’s advocacy efforts, and demonstrating the transformative power of mentorship. The event reinforced BBBS’ role as a national leader in youth advocacy and set the stage for continued progress in federal policy initiatives that support young people.  

Fundraising and awareness campaign ignites the power of mentorship and possibility 

TAMPA, FL & NEW YORK, NY – February 27, 2025 – Big Brothers Big Sisters (BBBS), the nation’s preeminent one-to-one youth mentoring organization, is thrilled to announce the fundraising results from Macy’s 2024 holiday campaign. As part of the brand’s social purpose platform, Mission Every One, Macy’s customers raised more than $3.7 million through a special in-store round-up and online donation campaign to benefit BBBS’ mission of empowering young people through the power of mentorship to build paths for future success. Between November 1^st and December 24^th, the campaign engaged all 230+ BBBS agencies, reaching more than 5,000 communities nationwide.   

“As we look back on our third year of partnership with BBBS, Macy’s colleagues and customers are committed to empowering and uplifting the leaders of tomorrow,” said Bobby Amirshahi, Macy’s, Inc. SVP and head of corporate communications and public affairs. “We’ve raised more than $13 million since 2022, supporting life-changing programming and creating mentorship opportunities, showcasing our values in action.” 

“In this third year of our partnership with Macy’s, we have once again been able to make once-in-a-lifetime opportunities available for Bigs and Littles throughout the country, and we are thrilled  to continue our work together to provide access to mentorship for even more young people,” said Artis Stevens, President and CEO, BBBSA. “We are grateful to Macy’s employees and customers who make this annual holiday campaign possible, allowing us to continue empowering young people to reach their full potential.” 

A Holiday to Remember  

Throughout the campaign, Macy’s customers shopped exclusive holiday product, featuring original drawings by BBBS Littles. Fifty percent of the purchase price benefitted BBBS’ efforts to create life-changing mentorship experiences for young people.    

For the second year, BBBS Bigs and Littles performed in the 98^th Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade^®. Twenty Big and Little matches – alongside Macy’s colleagues – took center stage on the Macy’s Winter Wonderland in Central Park float to spread joy and cheer to millions of viewers nationwide on Thanksgiving morning. 

Macy’s partnership with BBBS also extended into its iconic holiday displays at the brand’s Herald Square flagship and select location’s windows nationwide. Bigs and Littles were invited to decorate hundreds of paper ornaments that were displayed on “Give Love. Give Back” themed windows from November 21, 2024, through the new year. 

More than 100 Macy’s Little Breakfasts – a series of local holiday events for Bigs, Littles, and their families – took place across the country, with Macy’s providing more than $200k in gift cards to Bigs and Littles. These events aimed to create lasting and memorable moments and mentorship opportunities that spur youth empowerment. New this year, Macy’s hosted a special breakfast event in Los Angeles, CA, with Multi-Platinum Recording Artist Jordin Sparks to kick off the holiday season and spread cheer with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Orange County and the Inland Empire. 

About Big Brothers Big Sisters  
Founded in 1904, Big Brothers Big Sisters of America is the largest and most experienced youth mentoring organization in the United States. The mission of Big Brothers Big Sisters of America is to create and support one-to-one mentoring relationships that ignite the power and promise of youth. Big Brothers Big Sisters’ evidence-based approach is designed to create positive youth outcomes, including educational success, avoidance of risky behaviors, higher aspirations, greater confidence, and improved relationships. Big Brothers Big Sisters has over 230 local agencies serving more than 5,000 communities across all 50 states. For more information, visit: www.bigbrothersbigsisters.org. 

About Macy’s   

Macy’s, the largest retail brand of Macy’s, Inc. (NYSE: M), serves as the style source for generations of customers. With one of the nation’s largest e-commerce platforms powered by macys.com and mobile app, paired with a nationwide network of stores, Macy’s delivers the most convenient and seamless shopping experience, offering great values in apparel, home, beauty, accessories and more. Macy’s gives customers even more ways to shop and own their style through an off-price assortment at Macy’s Backstage and at our highly curated Macy’s small format stores. Each year, Macy’s provides millions with unforgettable experiences through Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks® and Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade® and helps our customers celebrate special moments, big and small. We’re guided by our social purpose—to create a brighter future that empowers more voice, choice and ownership for our colleagues, customers, communities and leaders of tomorrow.   

Media Contacts 

Jennifer Banks, Big Brothers Big Sisters of America, media@bbbs.org 

Macy’s External Communications, communications@macys.com 

Tampa, FL – February 20, 2025 – Big Brothers Big Sisters of America (BBBSA) and the NABA, INC. (formerly the National Association of Black Accountants) announce a partnership aimed at providing youth with greater access to vital tools, experiences and mentorship that will advance economic mobility. The collaboration will empower young people by offering mentorship, career insights, and hands-on financial education, helping them build the foundation for future success and pave the way to a more just world, unleashing endless opportunities for growth. 

Aligned with BBBSA’s workplace mentoring program, Big Futures, the partnership will strengthen the pipeline from high school to college and careers for underrepresented youth. Through joint programming, BBBSA and NABA will create unique mentoring relationships, offer access to industry leaders, and provide career exploration experiences, empowering youth to develop essential financial literacy skills and gain valuable insights into careers in accounting, business, and finance. 

“Empowering youth with mentors and career guidance in fields like accounting, finance, and business is more than an initiative—it’s a commitment to building a future workforce that reflects the inclusivity we champion,” said Guylaine Saint Juste, CEO of NABA. “Together, NABA and BBBSA are creating pathways for young people to uncover career possibilities, hone essential skills, and build transformative relationships with role models dedicated to their success.” 

This strategic alliance builds on the successful local partnership led by BBBS of Central Massachusetts and Metro West that piloted a multi-generational approach including college students from MassBay Community College who are mentored by NABA members from PriceWaterhouseCoopers and then serve as mentors to local high school students. The national partnership will initially focus on key markets including Miami, Nashville, Indianapolis, New Orleans, Chicago, Atlanta, Washington, D.C., and New York City. The joint programs will offer financial literacy training and mentoring for high school students, career exploration events, and industry-specific mentoring for young adults in community colleges. Additionally, BBBS youth, mentors, alumni, and staff will receive free NABA memberships, which will provide access to valuable networking opportunities, scholarships, and career development resources. 

“This collaboration marks an exciting step toward ensuring that youth are equipped with the knowledge and support they need to succeed, both academically and professionally,” said Artis Stevens, president and CEO, BBBSA. “Through the combined efforts of BBBSA and NABA, young people will have the tools to build a financially literate, inclusive, and successful future, bridging the opportunity gap and strengthening networks for the next generation of leaders.” 

The shared missions of both organizations to nurture the personal and professional growth of youth, while promoting community engagement and fostering inclusion, will also support efforts to attract and recruit more BIPOC mentors. BBBSA will provide members of NABA with resources, training, and networking opportunities to empower them to be effective mentors, further expanding the pool of volunteers and creating an even stronger network of mentors to support youth. 

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ABOUT BIG BROTHERS BIG SISTERS OF AMERICA  

Founded in 1904, Big Brothers Big Sisters is the largest and most experienced youth mentoring organization in the United States. Our mission is to create and support mentoring relationships that help all young people reach their potential. Big Brothers Big Sisters’ evidence-based approach is designed to foster positive outcomes from kindergarten into adulthood, enabling every young person we engage and support to dream bigger and have greater confidence, higher educational achievement, professional success, and lasting, fulfilling relationships. We have more than 230 local affiliated agencies serving over 5,000 communities across all 50 states and the District of Columbia. For more information, visit:  www.bbbs.org. 

ABOUT NABA INC. 

For over 55 years, the National Association of Black Accountants, Inc. (NABA, Inc.) has been a powerful catalyst for change, serving its 22,000+ members, partners, and communities. NABA empowers Black Business Leaders across all levels of accounting, business, finance, and entrepreneurship, championing their success and driving meaningful impact at every stage of their professional journey. Through strategic initiatives and in partnership with the NABA Foundation, NABA fuels economic growth, bridges opportunity gaps, and cultivates the next generation of visionary leaders. NABA’s unwavering commitment to education, empowerment, and excellence propels its members toward achieving their full potential, contributing to a more inclusive and equitable workforce. Learn more at  www.nabainc.org. 

First-of-its-kind study reveals mentorship as a cost-effective solution to drive socioeconomic mobility

Rooted in 30 years of data, the study provides evidence of greater enrollment in higher education, increased salaries, reduced dependency on social services, and improved behavioral outcomes for mentored youth

TAMPA, Fla. (January 27, 2025) – Today, Big Brothers Big Sisters of America (BBBSA) – the preeminent one-to-one youth mentoring organization in the United States – released a groundbreaking study on the transformative power of mentorship in shaping young people’s educational, economic, and social trajectories. Conducted by leading researchers from Harvard University and the U.S. Department of Treasury, this first-of-its-kind study reveals how Big Brothers Big Sisters can serve as a scalable solution to reduce socioeconomic disparities over time. 

This research, rooted in three decades of data, provides compelling evidence that mentorship delivers long-lasting benefits: 

• Increased Earnings: Participants experienced a 15% boost in earnings between the ages of 20 and 25, reflecting enhanced economic mobility
  • The income of mentored youth as adults was more closely aligned with the income of their mentor than their family, helping to reduce the socioeconomic gap by two-thirds 

• Higher College Attendance: Mentored youth are 20% more likely to attend college compared to non-mentored peers 

• Improved Behavior: Within 18 months, mentored youth reported lower absenteeism and fewer school suspensions 

• Healthier Social Outcomes: Mentored youth exhibit improved behaviors and stronger social bonds, leading to a reduced dependency on social services and long-term societal improvements 

 “This landmark study validates what we’ve witnessed for over a century – mentorship is a powerful catalyst for breaking cycles of poverty and creating lasting socioeconomic change. The data clearly shows that connecting young people with caring mentors doesn’t just transform individual lives; it’s one of the most cost-effective investments we can make in our country’s future,” said Artis Stevens, President and CEO of Big Brothers Big Sisters of America. “Investing in mentorship programs like Big Brothers Big Sisters contributes to a more skilled and competitive workforce and adds value to local economies. This research reinforces our commitment to expanding access to quality mentoring relationships that can help every young person reach their full potential.” 

While previous studies suggest youth must fully change their social environment to increase economic opportunity, this study is the first to identify community mentorship as a low-cost solution that offers the same results. With BBBS programming costs at approximately $2,000 to $3,000 per year per youth, the increased lifetime earnings of mentored youth and related tax revenue would allow the government to recoup costs within just seven years, making it one of the most cost-effective youth interventions. 

“Investing in mentorship is investing in our future,” said Ginneh Baugh, Chief Impact Officer of Big Brothers Big Sisters of America. “Unlike traditional education-based interventions, mentorship tackles the social and behavioral barriers that often prevent disadvantaged youth from reaching their full potential.” 

The research builds upon a landmark 1991 randomized control trial (RCT) conducted by Public/Private Ventures and Mathematica Policy Research, extending the analysis into the 2020s by linking administrative data from BBBS to U.S. tax records. This robust approach provides unprecedented insight into the lifelong impacts of mentorship on education, employment, and social identity. 

The study focuses on matched youth between the ages of 10 and 14 who applied to a BBBS community-based mentoring program in the early 1990s. Participants came from diverse backgrounds, with 60% being male and more than half identifying as racial minorities. Most participants lived in single-parent households or with guardians.  

To learn more, visit www.bbbs.org. 

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About Big Brothers Big Sisters of America 

Founded in 1904, Big Brothers Big Sisters of America is the largest and most experienced youth mentoring organization in the United States. The mission of Big Brothers Big Sisters of America is to create and support one-to-one mentoring relationships that ignite the power and promise of youth. Big Brothers Big Sisters’ evidence-based approach is designed to create positive youth outcomes, including educational success, avoidance of risky behaviors, higher aspirations, greater confidence, and improved relationships. Big Brothers Big Sisters has over 230 local agencies serving more than 5,000 communities across all 50 states. For more information, visit: www.bigbrothersbigsisters.org. 

The Challenge aims to Rally the Advertising and Media Industry to Change the Odds for the Next Generation

Tampa, FL – January 15, 2025 – Ryan Detert, CEO of Influential, the world’s largest influencer marketing company, is making a powerful impact on the future of young people across the nation. Following the incredible support of his late mentor, Clayton Roth, who served as his “Big Brother” for 30 years, Detert is giving back in a big way with a $1 million donation, in honor of Clayton, to Big Brothers Big Sisters of America. The gift marks the launch of the “Changemakers Challenge,” a bold initiative aimed at raising $5 million for the organization and connecting young people with life-changing mentorship opportunities.

The Changemakers Challenge, co-led by Detert and Michael Kassan, CEO of 3C Ventures, is calling upon industry leaders, agencies, and professionals across the media, marketing, and advertising sectors to join forces and amplify the reach of youth mentorship. The initiative kicks off on Giving Tuesday, December 3, with a goal of raising an additional $4 million, which will fund 50,000 life-changing mentor-mentee matches nationwide.

“As someone who was deeply impacted by mentorship growing up, I know firsthand how life-changing the work of Big Brothers Big Sisters can be,” said Detert. “I was lucky enough to have a mentor who helped guide me through some of my most challenging years. His belief in me gave me the confidence to chase my dreams and reach goals I never thought possible. The guidance I received shaped the person I am today, and I want to give back to make sure more young people have the same opportunity.”

Detert’s personal experience with mentorship fuels his passion for ensuring that all children have access to the support, encouragement, and guidance that can help them succeed. Through this generous donation, he hopes to ignite a ripple effect, encouraging others to step up and invest in the next generation of leaders.

“As a fellow board member and friend, Ryan is an inspiration, and his testimony moved me just like many of the youth impacted by Big Brothers Big Sisters,” said Kassan. “By teaming up with Ryan, we want to harness the power of the creative community to change the odds for young people, just as Clayton did for Ryan. I’m confident we can create an even bigger impact and strengthen the creative talent pipeline for the next generation.”

In addition to monetary donations, the Changemakers Challenge also aims to secure $100 million in in-kind media, ensuring that the stories and importance of mentorship reach broader audiences across platforms. These efforts will help increase visibility, relevance, and long-term support for Big Brothers Big Sisters, ultimately driving engagement from corporate partners, consumers, and volunteers.

The Changemakers Challenge is part of Brothers Big Sisters’ year-long celebration of the organization’s 120^th anniversary and long-standing history in changing lives by changing the odds for millions of youth. To kick off the challenge, Detert and Kassan will host a special “Changemaker Bruncheon” during Super Bowl week at NFL House, inviting companies and individuals to learn more about the mission, make their pledge, and announce commitments to becoming a Changemaker. The challenge will culminate in NYC at BBBSA’s Big Benefit event being held in September 2025, an opportunity to showcase the industry’s transformational support for youth mentorship.

“Ryan’s extraordinary gift signifies how mentorship is a powerful tool in breaking down barriers and creating pathways for success, particularly in industries like media, marketing, and advertising. By empowering young people with the guidance of caring mentors, we’re shaping the future talent pipeline and ensuring that these young individuals can become the leaders of tomorrow,” said Artis Stevens, president and CEO of Big Brothers Big Sisters of America. “We are incredibly grateful for Ryan and Michael’s leadership with the Changemaker Challenge. Their unwavering support is not only a testament to their commitment to changing the odds for young people, but also to the power of mentorship in transforming lives.”

Big Brothers Big Sisters of America is the preeminent one-to-one youth mentoring organization in the country. The organization’s mentorship model has proven to help young people build confidence, improve academic performance, and achieve their personal and professional goals.

For more information on how to participate in the Changemakers Challenge and donate, visit www.bbbsa.org.

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About Big Brothers Big Sisters of America 

Founded in 1904, Big Brothers Big Sisters of America is the largest and most experienced youth mentoring organization in the United States. The mission of Big Brothers Big Sisters of America is to create and support one-to-one mentoring relationships that ignite the power and promise of youth. Big Brothers Big Sisters’ evidence-based approach is designed to create positive youth outcomes, including educational success, avoidance of risky behaviors, higher aspirations, greater confidence, and improved relationships. Big Brothers Big Sisters has over 230 local agencies serving more than 5,000 communities across all 50 states. For more information, visit: www.bigbrothersbigsisters.org.

National Volunteer Outreach Campaign Features Big Brothers Big Sisters of America’s Newest Cohort of ‘Game Changers,’ a Powerful Collective of Women Leaders Creating Access and Opportunity for Youth through Mentorship

January 14, 2025 

New York, NY – Clear Channel Outdoor (NYSE: CCO), one of the world’s largest out of home (OOH) media providers, and Big Brothers Sisters of America (BBBSA), the preeminent one-to-one youth mentoring organization in the United States, today announced the activation of a national digital out of home (DOOH) media campaign timed with National Mentoring Month.

For the month of January, the digital billboard campaign will feature leaders from BBBSA’s newest cohort of women ‘Game Changers,’ a powerful collective of influential changemakers in sports, business, entertainment and beyond, united to create access and opportunity for youth, particularly girls and young women.

According to recent CDC data, 3 in 5 teen girls in the U.S. are grappling with significant mental health challenges. National data from the 2023 Ruling Our eXperiences (ROX) Survey also shows that girls’ confidence levels are declining throughout adolescence compared to boys.

Fueled by the shared belief, “if you can see it, you can be it”, the Game Changers are responding to the societal need for positive mentorship by lending their voices and support to shift the mentorship narrative and encourage more volunteers to get involved as mentors. Research indicates that positive mentoring relationships significantly enhance self-esteem and confidence among girls, providing critical support as they navigate the pressures of adolescence.

The ‘Game Changers’ celebrated in this nationwide DOOH social initiative include: 

• Carey Arensberg, Educator, Trauma and Resilience Specialist, Social Media Influencer, Alumni Big
• Croix Bethune, NWSL Rookie of the Year, Washington Spirit
• Eden Bridgeman, Owner and CEO EBONY & Jet
• Kardea Brown, Emmy Nominated Food Network Host & Author
• Gizelle George-Joseph, COO, Global Investment Research, Goldman Sachs
• Tammy Henault, Chief Marketing Officer, NBA 
• Jeannie Mai, Emmy Award-Winning TV Host and Producer
• Sadé Muhammad, Chief Marketing & Impact Officer, TIME, Alumni Big
• Paula Price, Corporate Board Director, Former Macy’s EVP & CFO
• Marissa Solis, Senior VP, Global Brand, NFL and Alumni Little
• Sehr Thadhani, Chief Digital Officer, NASDAQ
• Lexi Underwood, Actress, Producer, Author, Changemaker
• Sybil Wilkes, Media Maven, Former Co-Host of the Tom Joyner Morning Show
• Michelle Wong, Chief Marketing Officer
• Shelley Zalis, CEO, Female Quotient

The inaugural group of ‘Game Changers,’ launched in 2023, convened prominent Black men to address the urgent representational gap in mentorship by encouraging more Black men to get involved as mentors and supporters.

“We are proud to continue building our partnership with Big Brothers Big Sisters of America. Their mission to ignite the power and promise of youth through mentorship is admired throughout the country and has directly influenced the way Clear Channel Outdoor has approached its own mentoring programs,” said Dan Levi, EVP & CMO, Clear Channel Outdoor. “Our work with Big Brothers Big Sisters of America over the past few years has enabled us to harness the power of out-of-home to drive positive change within our communities. We have truly built a partnership that is focused on catalyzing positive change for our youth and making a greater impact together.”

“Big Brothers Big Sisters of America’s partnership with Clear Channel Outdoor demonstrates the incredible societal impact that community and corporate collaboration can build together,” said Artis Stevens, President and CEO of Big Brothers Big Sisters of America. “The Game Changers billboard series harnesses the power of representation and visibility to spark national dialogue about the life-changing role mentorship plays in shaping brighter futures for our youth. By coming together, we’re not only amplifying the voices of these remarkable leaders but also inspiring heroes in communities across the country to become mentors and make lasting change on the next generation.”

About Clear Channel Outdoor Holdings, Inc.

Clear Channel Outdoor Holdings, Inc. (NYSE: CCO) is at the forefront of driving innovation in the out-of-home advertising industry. Our dynamic advertising platform is broadening the pool of advertisers using our medium through the expansion of digital billboards and displays and the integration of data analytics and programmatic capabilities that deliver measurable campaigns that are simpler to buy. By leveraging the scale, reach and flexibility of our diverse portfolio of assets, we connect advertisers with millions of consumers every month.

Follow & Like: LinkedIn, Twitter, Instagram, Facebook

Contact: Jason D. King, SVP, Corporate Communications & Marketing, Clear Channel Outdoor

jasondking@clearchannel.com, 212.812.0064

About Big Brothers Big Sisters of America Founded in 1904, Big Brothers Big Sisters of America is the largest and most experienced youth mentoring organization in the United States. The mission of Big Brothers Big Sisters of America is to create and support one-to-one mentoring relationships that ignite the power and promise of youth. Big Brothers Big Sisters’ evidence-based approach is designed to create positive youth outcomes, including educational success, avoidance of risky behaviors, higher aspirations, greater confidence, and improved relationships. Big Brothers Big Sisters has over 230 local agencies serving more than 5,000 communities across all 50 states. For more information, visit: bbbs.org.

The partnership emphasizes how mentorship and outdoor equity can unlock curiosity, aspiration, and empowerment for young individuals

ROCKFORD, Mich. – Dec. 2, 2024 – Merrell®, the world’s leading hike and outdoor footwear brand, announced it has collaborated on an exclusive design of the brand’s modern and innovative Moab Speed 2 in partnership with Big Brothers Big Sisters of America (BBBSA). The partnership supports the crucial need for mentorship and further promotes their shared mission to build confidence, ignite passion for nature, and inspire the journey to our full potential.

The limited-edition hiker was designed and inspired by a Merrell team member who is a volunteer “Big” – or mentor – with Big Brothers Big Sisters (BBBS) – infusing the color and spirit of the organization into the shoe. The duo’s mindful design resulted in a playful green and black colorway, along with the program’s namesake across the heel.

“In our fourth year of partnership with Big Brothers Big Sisters of America, we aimed to create a truly unique product ‘Bigs’ and ‘Littles’ can wear together as they spend time outside together,” said Merrell Chief Marketing Officer Pallav Tamaskar. “Mentorship is crucial for empowering and building the confidence of young people, and our collaboration showcases its profound influence.”

Access and equity in the outdoors play a crucial role in building the foundations of a healthier and happier lifestyle. Ninety percent of “Littles” participating in the BBBS program have reported feeling healthier and happier when surrounded by nature, and 79% reported a boost in self-confidence.

“The ‘It Takes Little to Be Big’ campaign redefines what it means to be a mentor and create lasting impact by being present and taking part in each other’s lives, such as experiencing every day outdoor experiences together,” said BBBSA Chief Marketing Officer Adam Vasallo. “This collaboration reinforces the power that mentorship has to unify and inspire us to make a difference in the lives of young people.”

Launching Dec. 2, the unisex Moab Speed 2 will retail for $140 and will be available to purchase online at Merrell.com. The Moab Speed 2 is the latest innovation in hiking from Merrell – inspired by insights from athletic hikers around the world. It is designed to provide exceptional traction for outdoor multi-sport activities and has long-lasting, lightweight comfort.

In 2023, Merrell released a public service announcement in partnership with BBBSA to address the critical need for mentorship and inspire volunteer sign-ups nationwide. The biggest hurdles of potential mentors are the perceived time and expertise required – inspiring the “It Takes Little to Be Big” campaign and Merrell’s public service announcement. Merrell has also created initiatives such as the Kids Shoe Design Contests and in-kind engagements for Littles.

The goal of BBBSA and Merrell’s partnership is to join forces to harness the power of being outside and providing access to more youth. Merrell will donate $10 for each pair of shoes sold to further support Big Brothers Big Sisters.

For more information on Merrell, please visit Merrell.com. For more information on Big Brothers Big Sisters of America, visit BBBS.org or to become a volunteer today.

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ABOUT MERRELL: 

Merrell exists to share the simple power of being outside and is committed to building an inclusive and sustainable environment for future generations to enjoy. As the global leader in outdoor active footwear with the Moab hiking boot and Jungle Moc, Merrell is focused on merging performance, styling, and comfort to empower all people to confidently explore the outdoors. The brand was recently named Footwear News’ 2022 Brand of the Year for promoting a more diverse vision of the outdoors. Visit Merrell.com or follow us on social @Merrell. Merrell is a division of Wolverine World Wide, Inc. (NYSE: WWW), one of the world’s leading marketers and licensors of branded casual, active lifestyle, work, outdoor sport, athletic, children’s and uniform footwear and apparel. 

ABOUT BIG BROTHERS BIG SISTERS OF AMERICA: 

Founded in 1904, Big Brothers Big Sisters is the largest and most experienced youth mentoring organization in the United States. Our mission is to create and support mentoring relationships that help all young people reach their potential. Big Brothers Big Sisters’ evidence-based approach is designed to foster positive outcomes from kindergarten into adulthood, enabling every young person we engage and support to dream bigger and have greater confidence, higher educational achievement, professional success, and lasting, fulfilling relationships. We have more than 230 local affiliated agencies serving over 5,000 communities across all 50 states and the District of Columbia. For more information, visit: www.bbbs.org.

In a partnership with Big Brothers Big Sisters of America (BBBSA), NBCUniversal aims to foster life-changing relationships for young people. In honor of Wicked’s themes of mentorship and personal growth, BBBSA launched the Wicked Kindness Challenge on November 13, World Kindness Day, inviting “Littles” to complete a digital kindness curriculum inspired by Wicked. After completing the challenge, they were encouraged to share their experiences on social media, with exciting Wicked prizes awaiting some lucky participants.

Adding an unforgettable experience, a Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Los Angeles “Little” named Jamie attended the Wicked press junket on November 8. NBC News National Correspondent Jacob Soboroff mentored Jamie, an aspiring journalist, as her “Big For a Day,” taking her along to see what the making of the movie looked like behind the scenes. Jamie then took the spotlight, interviewing Wicked cast members Cynthia Erivo, Ariana Grande, Ethan Slater, Marissa Bode, Jonathan Bailey, and director Jon M. Chu. Jamie’s remarkable opportunity reflects NBCUniversal’s commitment to mentorship, as she learns directly from professionals in her dream field.

Soboroff has a long history with BBBS – his father is in their Hall Of Fame after serving as a Big for 50+ years, and Jacob ran the New York City Marathon on November 3 in support of the organization.

“We’re excited to partner with Universal Pictures and the cast of Wicked to create unique career exposure opportunities for our young people and amplify the power of kindness, which is central to our mission at Big Brothers Big Sisters. The story of Wicked beautifully illustrates the transformative power of compassion, friendship, and community—all values at the heart of our mission. Through our Wicked Kindness Challenge, we hope to empower young people across the country to find little ways to demonstrate kindness as a daily practice, strengthening their own lives and the lives of those around them.”

— Artis Stevens, President and CEO of Big Brothers Big Sisters of America

Read full NBCUniversal blog post.

In partnership with NBCUniversal and inspired by the Wicked film, the Wicked Kindness Challenge explores what kindness really means— starting with yourself and extending to your friends, community, and society.

In this interactive three-lesson challenge, discover how small acts of kindness can spread joy and make a difference. Each day brings fun storylines, music, and visuals to guide you through inspiring lessons and challenges. Complete all three, and you’ll have a chance to win Wicked prizes and become a Wicked Kindness Champion!