Seventeen years ago this week, I walked through the doors of Big Brothers Big Sisters-Pikes Peak optimistic and ready to make a difference one child at a time. Today, I am even more optimistic than I was then, after witnessing the power of one-to-one mentoring and the life-changing, life-long difference it makes.
I have personally benefitted from the power of one-to-one mentoring. With the support of amazing mentors, their beliefs in my abilities lifted me to new heights and opportunities – and continue to sustain me in my current role as Executive Director.
Over the course of these seventeen years, I’ve had the good fortune of meeting and working with families, dedicated volunteers, generous donors, board members, and staff who come from diverse backgrounds, histories, and professions. No matter our differences, though, we have had a unified goal: to create a brighter future for the next generation.
I am pleased to say that we have created, and will continue to create, a brighter future. I thank each and every person with whom I have crossed paths over the previous seventeen years. Whether it was for a moment or much longer, those enriching encounters have helped me grow as a leader. I look forward to more encounters with remarkable people and difference-makers as I continue on this journey. At the end of the day, my sincere hope is that I can give back as much as I have received during my time at Big Brothers Big Sisters.