Diane and Shantel first met back in 2002 and over the last 16 years have become family. Shantel’s mother passed away when she was just 7 years old and her father has been incarcerated for much of her life. From the beginning, it was evident that Diane and Shantel had something special and their relationship continues to prosper even after all of these years. Diane recently said, “There is no end in sight! We are truly a family now. I have learned the importance of being there for someone on a consistent basis. Being a mentor, you have to make space to have fun, teach, learn, cry, laugh and most of all, have faith in who you are and what you can become.”
Diane and her husband knew within a few months of being matched that their involvement in Shantel’s life was making a difference. Over the years Diane has accompanied Shantel through some challenging times and yet, through all of the obstacles, has also witnessed Shantel’s maturity and self-confidence. “Listening and encouragement are highly important and so are the challenges that promote growth and confidence. To see my Little grow into a young woman has been incredible.”
When asked what she has learned during her 16 years of involvement with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Colorado, Diane said, “The importance of mentoring at a young age! Being a role model for someone that otherwise may not have one, is very impactful. Nurturing a young child into adolescence and adulthood is extremely important while providing encouragement, guidance and coaching towards their future goals and dreams. This experience continues to humble me as an adult. My Little has heightened my sense of contributing and helping another person. This has truly been a great experience. Support and love have prevailed for all of these years.”
In addition to her role as a mentor to Shantel, Diane enthusiastically and energetically served on the agency’s board of directors for 8 years and as the board chair for 2 years. Diane also served as the interim CEO for several months in 2012.