Posts - Page 7 of 42 - Big Brothers Big Sisters of America

The Un-carrier and the nation’s largest youth mentoring organization are collaborating to bridge the schoolwork gap by bringing critical connectivity to underserved students nationwide

Today, T-Mobile (NASDAQ: TMUS) and Big Brothers Big Sisters of America (BBBSA) announced a new partnership that makes access to T-Mobile’s Project 10Million, the Un-carrier’s $10.7 billion initiative focused on providing students free internet connectivity, even easier.

Through the collaboration, the more than one hundred thousand students who are in Big Brothers Big Sisters’ expansive network of 230 agencies across 5,000 communities will be able to learn about Project 10Million, and eligible households will now be able to more easily register for the program’s free internet and a mobile hotspot that provides 100GB of data per year for five years. Providing this access to students and their families comes at a critical moment in time: Pew Research Center currently reports that 59% of U.S. parents with lower incomes say their children face digital schoolwork obstacles and often work on public Wi-Fi because they do not have reliable internet at home.

“T-Mobile and Big Brothers Big Sisters of America are teaming up to extend Project 10Million’s reach by meeting students and families where they are, through an organization and program they know and trust, ultimately giving them easier access to the tools they need to focus on their education rather than searching for reliable Wi-Fi,” said Janice V. Kapner, chief communications officer for T-Mobile. “Connectivity is no longer a ‘nice-to-have’ for students to learn and grow — it’s a necessity. And now, they will get a mobile hotspot and enough data to equal 5,000 hours of internet research or 320 hours of online learning into the hands of students in time for the upcoming school year.”

“Young people have faced the realities of inequitable access to internet for far too long. Our community of mentors and volunteers have been committed to providing the support, resources and time needed to keep all kids on a path to academic success,” said Deborah Barge, chief development officer, BBBSA. “We know there is power in partnership and community, that is why we are so pleased to partner with T-Mobile to provide the critical access to the connectivity necessary to empower young people and their potential.”

Starting June 21, parents and guardians of eligible K through 12 grade students will find the tools to enroll in Project 10Million at www.t-mobilecom/bbbs or in-person through their Big Brothers Big Sisters match support specialist. School administrators and educators can learn more about Project 10Million and apply for their district at www.t-mobile.com/p10m.

The expanded reach and capacity of T-Mobile’s network plays a crucial role in the Un-carrier’s ability to make reliable connectivity truly accessible to students across the U.S. This includes those in urban centers, as well as underserved areas like rural America, where 14.5 million people do not have access to high-speed broadband internet according to the FCC, which underscores the need for accessible internet options like mobile hotspots.

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About T-Mobile

T-Mobile U.S. Inc. (NASDAQ: TMUS) is America’s supercharged Un-carrier, delivering an advanced 4G LTE and transformative nationwide 5G network that will offer reliable connectivity for all. T-Mobile’s customers benefit from its unmatched combination of value and quality, unwavering obsession with offering them the best possible service experience and undisputable drive for disruption that creates competition and innovation in wireless and beyond. Based in Bellevue, Wash., T-Mobile provides services through its subsidiaries and operates its flagship brands, T-Mobile and Metro by T-Mobile. For more information please visit: https://www.t-mobile.com.

Big Brothers Big Sisters of America (BBBSA), the preeminent one-to-one youth mentoring organization in the United States, has announced two senior leaders on its executive team, naming Julie Novak as Chief Youth Protection Officer and Tawanna Myers as Chief People & Culture Officer.

For 18 years, Novak has successfully led youth protection, child safety and trauma-informed strategies with Big Brothers Big Sisters professionals, Bigs, Littles, and their families. Her leadership in providing training and consultation on child protection and risk management has reached more than 5,000 communities across all 50 states. As Chief Youth Protection Officer, Novak will lead the long-term planning and advancement of effective child protection strategies with an emphasis on promoting local program quality and new nationwide initiatives focused on youth well-being, in fulfillment of the National Office’s responsibility to support Big Brothers Big Sisters agencies.

As Big Brothers Big Sisters’ leading expert and spokesperson on child safety & youth protection, Novak has also served in an advisory capacity to international, national, statewide and local organizations, including Johns Hopkins Moore Center for the Prevention of Child Sexual Abuse, the CDC, the U.S. Olympic Committee, and then-Vice President Biden’s Gun Violence Task Force. She is a Board Member of the U.S. Center for SafeSport since its inception in January 2016. She was appointed to the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children’s Board of Directors Program Advisory Council in 2019. In 2018 she led the National Coalition to Prevent Child Sexual Abuse & Exploitation as President.

In addition to Novak’s promotion, BBBSA announced Tawanna Myers as Chief People & Culture Officer. Myers joined the organization in January to develop and lead human resources strategy, Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (JEDI) and culture initiatives across the Big Brothers Big Sisters of America employee life cycle, including talent acquisition, onboarding, employee engagement, employee relations, talent development, executive coaching, as well as change management and organizational culture. She brings over 18 years of expertise across HR, DEI, and change management, most recently as VP, Talent Management, DEI for Boys & Girls Clubs of America’s national office.

She earned a Bachelor of Science degree in political science from Norfolk State University and received certifications from Cornell University for Diversity & Inclusion, the former American Institute for Advancing Diversity’s Diversity Leadership Academy under Dr. Roosevelt Thomas, Prosci^© as a Certified Change Practitioner, Korn Ferry^© in Leadership Architect Global Competency Framework, and the Human Capital Institute© as a Talent Acquisition Strategist. Myers is also a proud member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.

“Both Julie and Tawanna bring a level of expertise and dedication to our mission that we are honored to call our own. Their leadership will continue to take us even further with our impact in communities and with the young people we serve,” said Artis Stevens, president and CEO, BBBSA. “I am excited to collaborate with both leaders on how we best engage and support our organization and build on the resources and support for our entire network and counterparts in the youth development sector.”

Today we announced our aim to transform mentorship in communities across the country ignited by an unprecedented gift of $122.6 million – read full release below. You can join us in our mission to ensure every young person has access to a powerful mentoring experience by becoming a Big, making a personal gift, or joining our movement!

The extraordinary gift demonstrates the importance of investing in mentorship to build and strengthen communities and society as a whole.

Big Brothers Big Sisters of America (BBBSA), the preeminent leader in one-to-one youth mentoring in the United States, announced today its aim to transform mentorship in communities across the country with an unprecedented gift of $122.6 million. The gift, from philanthropist MacKenzie Scott, awarded to BBBSA and 38 local agencies, supports the organization in furthering its mission to ensure every young person has access to powerful mentoring experiences that empower them for success in school, life and career.

Today, nearly 11 million kids live in poverty and more than 13 million young people experience emotional, behavioral, or developmental conditions like depression. And during the height of the pandemic, 20 percent of youth served by Big Brothers Big Sisters lost contact with an important adult in their lives.

Scott’s gift will support in expanding the organization’s ability to match more young people with caring, adult mentors –allowing for more staff, resources, and training– and assist BBBSA in closing the gap on the estimated one in three youth who lack a positive, sustained mentor in their lives.

“For over 100 years, Big Brothers Big Sisters has delivered on our powerful mission – to inspire youth equity and empower kids to reach their full potential with a caring mentor by their side,” said Artis Stevens, president and CEO, BBBSA. “We are incredibly grateful and humbled by MacKenzie’s generosity and acknowledgement of the incredible work of our passionate professionals and volunteers who are unwavering in their commitment to create meaningful outcomes for young people today and for generations to come.”

This unprecedented investment is the largest donation from a single individual in the organization’s history and serves as a catalyst to create more innovative mentoring solutions for all kids from all backgrounds. In supporting BBBSA’s vision to expand its mentoring model, the organization aims to create greater access to mentoring experiences by building stronger alliances with other non-profits, educational and civic organizations, delivering mentoring strategies that account for the uniqueness and differences of kids today, and attracting families and volunteers in turnkey ways that meet them where they are in life.

“Mentoring is an integral part of the solution in preparing youth for life and career, building positive relationships and essential skills for life changing outcomes including post-secondary readiness, social emotional learning, and a stronger sense of belonging and inclusion,” said Stevens. “We know that no one person, organization or gift can do this work alone, but one person—no matter their background—can make an incredible difference through positive and inspired action. MacKenzie’s investment and belief in Big Brothers Big Sisters shows this on a large-scale and we are confident that her gift will compel more people to help grow the village of mentors, volunteers, and donors needed to positively impact young people’s lives today and well into the future.”

To learn more about Big Brothers Big Sisters, visit www.bbbs.org.

New program trains and mentors youth athletic coaches and video game enthusiasts to reach youth

with life saving mental health support

Today, Harry’s announced the winner of its Open Minds Initiative: a search for the next great idea to change the state of mental health in the U.S. Through Harry’s partnership and the donation of $5M the winner will bring their idea to life over the next three years. After months of reviewing game-changing ideas and applications, Harry’s has selected Team: Changing Minds as the winner of the Open Minds Initiative.

In partnership with Futures Without Violence, National Council for Mental Wellbeing, Big Brothers Big Sisters of America and founding investor Harry’s, Team: Changing Minds will launch a groundbreaking national network of mental health responders dedicated to helping teens and young men recognize signs of early mental health challenges and connect them to resources for support. The program will leverage the wide appeal of video games and youth sports to train over 200,000 youth and adult mental health responders who are active in these and other popular youth activities, with the goal of reaching 1 million people in its first 3 years.

“We are thrilled to come together with our partners Big Brothers Big Sisters of America and the National Council for Mental Wellbeing to launch Team: Changing Minds later this year,” said Brian O’Connor of Futures Without Violence. “With deep gratitude to Harry’s, we’ll be able to enlist thousands of youth coaches, mentors, and other adults and peer influencers to bring life-saving mental health support to boys, particularly young men of color, now at a time when it’s needed most.”

While half of all chronic mental health challenges begin by age 14, it takes over ten years on average until most people access help, with Black, Indigenous and other young men of color least likely to access support. By increasing the number of young men who connect to support earlier in their life trajectories, Team: Changing Minds offers promise to decrease suicides in the U.S. among men, who currently make up 79% of deaths from suicide.”

“Of all demographic groups, young men are the least likely to get mental health support. The consequences are devastating and we, at Harry’s, understand that there is so much more work to be done in the space,” said Harry’s co-founder and co-CEO Jeff Raider, “We are incredibly grateful to partner with Team: Changing Minds to change the way we view mental health as a society and provide the resources young men need to seek help so that we can make an impact.”

Harry’s Open Minds Initiative builds on the company’s longstanding commitment to promoting better mental health care for men. Since the men’s care brand launched in 2013, Harry’s has set aside 1% of sales to its social mission. In 2019, Harry’s shifted its social mission focus to providing men with access to better mental healthcare, working with incredible organizations that have made a big impact in the mental health space, particularly for young men, LGBTQ folks, Veterans and Black communities. To date, the brand has donated more than $8M and helped over 900,000 men get the care they need.

About Harry’s

We founded Harry’s because buying shaving supplies was a frustrating experience, and the products themselves were overpriced and over-designed. We saw an opportunity to create a brand that encourages guys to rethink their routines and since taking on shaving, have begun to address the same challenge across other categories in men’s care, including body and hair.

At Harry’s, we aim to always put our customers first, which means being readily available however and wherever they want to shop – whether that’s Harrys.com or one of our retail partners – and giving to organizations that promote better mental health care for men. We set aside 1% of our sales to donate to charitable organizations that share our ambition to bring quality mental health care to men everywhere. Our goal is to provide 1.5 million men with mental health care access by 2024.

We built Harry’s as a brand for guys who want to carve out their own path. At the heart of our mission is a belief in creating things people like more. For more information on Harry’s, please visit https://www.harrys.com/en/us.

About Team: Changing Minds

Team: Changing Minds is a collaboration between Futures Without Violence, Big Brothers Big Sisters of America, and National Council for Mental Wellbeing. These national organizations have come together because big challenges aren’t solved alone.

With a founding investment from Harry’s, Inc., Team: Changing Minds will launch later this year (in 2022), and will be the first of its kind national network of mental health responders embedded in the activities kids love – and specializing in reaching young people, male-identified youth, and especially young men and boys of color.

The program is designed to help young people recognize the signs of mental health challenges and connect to supports earlier in their lives, before those challenges potentially become crises in adulthood. Watch the Team: Changings Minds video here.

Learn more about the Founding Partners: FuturesWithoutViolence.org, BBBS.org, TheNationalCouncil.org

Media Contacts

Shenny Barboza

harrys@derris.com

714-276-4168

Harry’s

Big Brothers Big Sisters of America (BBBSA), the country’s preeminent leader in one-to-one youth mentoring, has appointed Ad Council Chief Equity Officer Elise James-DeCruise, and National Corn Growers Association Chief Executive Officer Jon Doggett to its Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (JEDI) Council.

James-DeCruise is an award-winning Learning & Development professional and Diversity, Equity & Inclusion practitioner with over 20 years of global experience in the marketing, strategy, design and delivery of programs and experiences for clients, partners and industry professionals within the workforce, workplace and marketplace and community. As Chief Equity Officer of the Ad Council, America’s leader in using the power of communications to drive social change, James-DeCruise oversees the organization’s ongoing commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion – ultimately informing every aspect of the Ad Council’s mission, workplace culture and public-facing communications.

Doggett brings a wealth of public policy experience to the Council. Prior to becoming CEO of the National Corn Growers Association in 2018, Doggett served as the organization’s executive vice president. Prior to that, he served as vice president of public policy, where he managed the organization’s Washington, DC office and led its public policy efforts from 2002 to 2014.

“I am pleased to welcome Elise and Jon to Big Brothers Big Sisters’ JEDI Council. Their collective experience in public policy and diversity, equity and inclusion are welcome additions to the council,” said Interim JEDI Council Co-Chair Jana Brown. “I look forward to working alongside them to create more equitable outcomes for the Big Brothers Big Sisters workforce and young people.”

Founded in 2021, BBBSA’s JEDI Council supports the organization’s long-standing commitment to empower all young people. The group, made up of business and nonprofit leaders and experts, brings their expertise and compassion to BBBSA to cultivate strategies, curate concepts, and advise on JEDI issues affecting youth, staff, volunteers, and communities across the country. The formation of this cohort is part of BBBSA’s responsibility to create a nondiscriminatory and anti-racist approach to dismantle any inequities within its policies, systems, programs, and services, so all young people can experience a strong mentoring relationship in their lives.

“With youth empowerment at the center of all we do, BBBSA is committed to tailoring our approach to meet the diverse and evolving needs of the young people we serve. The JEDI Council helps us make sure that we live our values of upholding justice, equity, diversity and inclusion,” said Big Brothers Big Sisters of America President and CEO Artis Stevens. “I am grateful to Elise and Jon for sharing their invaluable expertise with us and look forward to working with them as new members of the JEDI Council.”

“I am thrilled to bring my expertise to Big Brothers Big Sisters of America as a new member of the JEDI Council,” said James-DeCruise. “The organization’s commitment to providing a fulfilling and equitable experience for Bigs and Littles is commendable. I look forward to working with the JEDI Council to help Big Brothers Big Sisters examine and enhance its policies and practices to best support the communities they serve.”

“I am excited to join Big Brothers Big Sisters of America’s JEDI Council,” said Doggett. “Big Brothers Big Sisters has an outstanding reputation and I look forward to sharing my public policy experience to help the organization be the most diverse, mission-driven, youth empowerment organization in the country.”

To learn more about Big Brothers Big Sisters of America’s JEDI Council visit: https://www.bbbs.org/justice-equity-diversity-inclusion/.

To learn more about Big Brothers Big Sisters of America’s JEDI Council visit: https://www.bbbs.org/justice-equity-diversity-inclusion/.

Big Brothers Big Sisters of America (BBBSA), the preeminent one-to-one youth mentoring organization in the United States, is teaming up with the NFL’s Inspire Change initiative to launch “The Big Draft” campaign to increase mentorship opportunities across the country. While the NFL begins drafting its next generation of superstar players, BBBSA is committed to recruiting mentors, especially men and men of color, to help mentor and support today’s youth.

Currently there are over 30,000 youth across the country waiting for mentors, called ‘Bigs,’ with most being young boys of color. Studies show that children who have role models are more likely to do better in school, have better connections with family and friends and are less likely to be involved in risky behaviors.

As one of the longest-standing partners of the NFL Inspire Change, BBBSA has worked with the initiative since 2019 to share stories of mentorship and the positive impact it has on empowering young people and helping communities connect across racial and economic divides. New this year, Pepsi Stronger Together has joined BBBSA as a national corporate partner and sponsor for The Big Draft campaign, to continue raising awareness of the importance of mentorship, The Big Draft kicked off after Super Bowl LVI and emulates the always anticipated NFL Draft. Hosted online, The Big Draft aims to recruit Bigs in communities across the country to soon be matched with Littles in their nearby area, to embark on the great adventure of mentorship, creating new and lasting bonds.

NFL stars including Tyler Higbee, Lavonte David, and Zack Moss have also teamed up with BBBSA to help draft Bigs for today’s youth, by sharing their personal experiences and how mentorship has impacted their own lives, helping them get to where they are today.

“I’ve experienced first-hand how crucial mentorship is for our youth, especially for young males, and we’re thrilled to continue our partnership with NFL Inspire Change, advancing equity, impact, and growth across the organization, making a lasting impact on the lives of young people,” said Artis Stevens, president and CEO, Big Brothers Big Sisters of America. “Our Bigs have a positive impact on their Littles, helping them to overcome obstacles in life and conquer many struggles as they prepare for adulthood. With the help of NFL Inspire Change and our new partner, Pepsi, we will connect and engage new mentorship experiences that will last a lifetime.”

The Big Draft campaign will run through the last week of April when the NFL Draft begins. To learn more about The Big Draft, visit www.bigdraft22.com. To learn more about Big Brothers Big Sisters mentorship and volunteer opportunities, visit www.bigbrothersbigsisters.org.

10 national organizations, including four new grantees: Son of a Saint, All Star Code and Big Brothers Big Sisters of America in the education innovation space, as well as the Equal Justice Initiative, focused on social justice reform.
NIKE, Inc. is also investing an additional $2.75 million to support 44 local organizations in seven U.S. cities where NIKE, Inc. employees live and work, including New York City; Los Angeles; Chicago; Boston; Portland, Ore.; St. Louis and Memphis.
In total, NIKE, Inc. is announcing $7.75 million in BCC investments across national and local grantees this fiscal year, which brings Nike’s total during the last 20 months to $16 million.

“NIKE, Inc.’s purpose is to move the world forward, breaking barriers and building community to change the game for all,” says Karol Collymore, Senior Director of Inclusive Community for Social & Community Impact. “Our Black Community Commitment embodies this belief and drives how we are showing up to advance racial equality for Black people.”

During the past 20 months, NIKE, Inc.’s Black Community Commitment has invested a total of $6 million to support 82 unique community-based organizations across 12 cities, and another $10 million to support 10 national organizations geared toward innovative local solutions across the three BCC pillars of economic empowerment, social justice and education innovation. That $16 million combined investment represents 92 unique organizations working to secure a better, stronger future by meeting communities where they work and play at the local level and by building the large-movement frameworks on the national level that set the stage for lasting change. Today, NIKE, Inc. is announcing $7.75 million in BCC investments across national and city-specific grantees in New York City, Los Angeles, Chicago, Boston, Portland, St. Louis and Memphis for this fiscal year.

Danny Rojas, Executive Director of All Star Code, one of this year’s new national grantees that sits at the intersection of economic impact and education innovation, sums up the impact of being part of the Black Community Commitment this way: “Through our grant from Nike, the single-largest investment we’ve received to date, we’re able to expand and grow our network to 100,000 Black and Brown boys for whom these opportunities may have been out of reach. There’s an urgency to changing the face of tech, and we need to be part of it, because having the faces, ideas and voices of Black and Brown leaders in the design rooms, and someday the boardrooms, is the biggest transformation that we imagine.”

Learn more about NIKE, Inc.’s Black Community Commitment grantees here.

Pepsi Stronger Together, PepsiCo’s series of grassroots initiatives bringing tailored programming support to communities across the country, announces a $1M commitment to Big Brothers Big Sisters of America (BBBSA), the preeminent one-to-one youth mentoring organization in the country, supporting its mission to provide greater equity and access to mentorship experiences. With this shared commitment, Pepsi Stronger Together and BBBSA aim to transform communities by providing critical, supportive relationships young people need to thrive today.

Currently, there are over 30,000 youth across the country waiting for mentors, called ‘Bigs’, with most being young boys of color. Studies show that children who have role models are more likely to do better in school, have better connections with family and friends and are less likely to be involved in delinquent behaviors. To create sustainable, long-term solutions, the partnership will focus on developing BBBS core programming and local activation in key markets, attracting more volunteers, especially men of color, and expanding Big Brothers Big Sisters’ reach in serving more young people.

“As someone who benefitted from the Big Brothers Big Sisters program as a child, I know first-hand how mentorship programs can change lives. I’m honored to be able to continue my commitment to the organization not just personally but professionally as well. Uplifting communities is the core of Pepsi Stronger Together, and I’m proud we’ll be able to make an impact on the incredible work of Big Brothers Big Sisters for young people nationwide,” said Floyd Ferjuste, Vice President of Retail Sales, South Division, PepsiCo Beverages North America, who will also be joining the Big Brothers Big Sisters of America board of directors.

The national partnership kicks off with tailored activations in Miami, FL, Nashville, TN, Tampa, FL, and Los Angeles, CA, supporting various programs in local communities including Bigs in Blue, BBBS first responder engagement program, and Big Futures, a workplace mentoring program reaching young people between 18-25 years old. The donation from Pepsi Stronger Together, which will be made even larger in partnership with Shaq’s Fun House on February 11^th where a portion of ticket sales will be contributed to these programs, will also help in supporting Big Brothers Big Sisters’ largest recruitment engagement, called The Big Draft. The Big Draft is a three-month initiative focused on recruiting men, especially men of color, to sign up and get involved with Big Brothers Big Sisters as mentors and volunteers.

For over 100 years BBBSA’s has been dedicated to advancing equity, impact, and growth across the organization, making a lasting impact on the lives of young people. Today the organization creates and supports one-to-one mentoring relationships helping build self-confidence and emotional well-being, and empowering young people on a path to graduate with a plan for their futures and a mentor whose impact can last a lifetime.

“Now more than ever, Big Brothers Big Sisters agencies across the country are finding innovative ways to serve young people and strengthen communities,” said Artis Stevens, president and CEO, BBBSA. “With the support of partners like Pepsi Stronger Together, who are committed and dedicated to the communities they serve, we can drive more meaningful impact at a time when young people need us most.”

To learn more about this partnership and ways to get involved, visit www.bbbs.org.

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About Pepsi Stronger Together

Pepsi Stronger Together is a national initiative to empower and engage communities around the country by providing tailored programming and resources that bring people together. It was conceived with the idea that now, more than ever, we must foster a sense of connection and belonging, starting by investing locally. Launched in May of 2020 in response to the COVID-19 pandemic – engaging its network of partners in the South to shine a spotlight on essential front-line workers in a variety of industries – Pepsi Stronger Together was expanded in October of 2020 by partnering with NBA teams and charitable organizations to foster, among other things, community and police relations.

Guiding PepsiCo is our vision to Be the Global Leader in Convenient Foods and Beverages by Winning with Purpose. Under this vision, Pepsi Stronger Together is continually evolving the program to respond to the cultural moment and meet the needs of communities across the United States. Stay up to date at pepsistrongertogether.com, where visitors can engage in conversation and learn about the latest community initiatives and how to give back. Follow the conversation on social media at @pepsistrongertogether.

Big Brothers Big Sisters of America (BBBSA), the preeminent one-to-one youth mentoring organization in the United States, has announced Dvon Williams as Chief Communications Officer (CCO). Williams will lead external and internal communications, thought leadership and influencer relations. She will spearhead developing and executing an integrated communications strategy that will successfully reinforce BBBSA’s brand strategy and mission to make a lasting impact on the lives of young people through mentorship.

An accomplished communications professional, Williams brings expertise in public relations, media, strategic brand positioning, thought leadership and executive visibility. Williams, who is Black and Latina, also brings a personal passion for serving youth, especially reaching communities of color, efforts she’s been committed to throughout her career in both the nonprofit and agency sectors. Her diverse personal and professional experience will be a significant asset in transforming BBBSA’s broader public profile, engaging influential leaders, talent, media and aligning the organization’s message and position within the Big Brothers Big Sisters’ network and external audiences.

“I am fortunate enough to have experienced the powerful impact mentorship can have on one’s life. My mentors continue to provide support, advice, and leadership that guide me today,” said Dvon Williams, chief communications officer, BBBSA. “It is because of this personal experience that I am excited to join BBBSA and amplify the work being done across the country to bring life-changing mentoring opportunities to all young people.”

Prior to joining BBBSA, Williams spent over a decade of her career building brand awareness and affinity for some of the top national non-profit brands in the country. She previously served as Senior Director, PR and Celebrity Relations at National 4-H Council where she established a dedicated PR and influencer relations team managing media and talent relations as well as reputation management and positioning. Her leadership advanced the brand’s visibility into mainstream media and expanded its network of spokespeople to include diverse and representative voices for the long-standing organization.

Williams also held positions at Boys & Girls Clubs of America where she led the development and execution of BGCA’s Back-to-School campaign resulting in significant media visibility and increased cause marketing efforts that continue today. Her experience with these organizations as well as with Edelman PR have won industry recognition from MarCom Awards, Public Relations Society of America and Fast Company.

“I’m excited to welcome Dvon to the BBBSA family as we move into our next chapter of growth and impact. She brings a wealth of communications experience, strategic storytelling ability, and personal passion to help elevate our powerful story of youth mentorship,” said Artis Stevens, president and CEO, BBBSA. “Under Dvon’s leadership, we will expand our efforts to promote and advocate the impact of Big Brothers Big Sisters and mentorship nationwide.”

Williams will remain based in the Washington D.C. area with her husband and two children. She is an alumna of George Mason University and member of ColorComm, a business community for women of color in the communications industry. Williams also volunteers her time as a mentor providing marketing and communications expertise to Black, Indigenous, and people of color (BIPOC) women-owned, small businesses in her community.

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.