Chicago, IL, October 11, 2023 – The live event on October 11 recognized Big Brothers Big Sisters as one of the select few campaigns that use creative ideas to further authentic purposes and acknowledge the organizations and individuals behind them.
To learn even more about what PRWeek has to say about us, please visit https://www.prweek.com.
October 3, 2023 – According to Fast Company, Big Brothers Big Sisters of America advocated for the importance of mentorship and community bonds through partnerships with the NFL and CNBC; Code for America unlocked $30 billion in benefits to ensure access to basic rights such as food and healthcare; and Prosperity Now is breaking down economic systems that continue to harm communities of color.
While nonprofits face a plethora of challenges in accomplishing their missions, Big Brothers, Big Sisters of America was chosen as one of three organizations model that our role in effecting change is not just achievable but crucial.
To learn even more about what Fast Company has to say about us, please visit https://www.fastcompany.com.
Big Brothers Big Sisters of America unites alumni, supporters, celebrities and partners nationwide to close the mentorship gap; Singer Songwriter Aloe Blacc releases campaign anthem “Never Let You Down”
TAMPA, FL, September 14, 2023 – Big Brothers Big Sisters of America (BBBSA), the preeminent one-to-one youth mentoring organization in the United States, has launched a bold new brand campaign “It Takes Little to Be Big,” to challenge the myths and shift perceptions of mentoring and why now, more than ever, mentorship is critical to the success of kids today.
Today, one in three kids in America are growing up without a sustained, positive adult mentor in their lives and over 30,000 kids are on BBBS’ wait list for a mentor. The gap between mentorship and youth who need it most continues to widen due to perceived barriers of the time and expertise needed to become a mentor. Understanding the critical need, BBBSA is set to engage and galvanize one million volunteers (“Bigs”), alumni, supporters, influencers and strategic partners to highlight the mentorship moments that inspire potential and bridge the gap between people and possibility.
Developed in partnership with Dentsu Creative, and renown director and photographer, Joshua Kissi, a new PSA, advertising, and digital content were created and feature real Bigs and Littles from the Los Angeles area. The campaign—running on TV, OLV, social and digital channels— brings authenticity to the forefront with BBBS matches and puts a spotlight on redefining the little moments of mentorship that can make a big impact on the lives of young people. Leveraging media, partners, and prominent voices, BBBSA will embed its mission and call for support into prominent pop culture events, experiences and across social media, music, sports, entertainment, and fashion platforms.
“BBBSA came to us with a very clear goal of attracting one million Bigs, alumni and supporters. There are any number of hurdles we need to overcome to convince potential Bigs and supporters to join the mission, but the number one barrier was time,” said Kurt Fries, EVP, Executive Creative Director, Dentsu Creative. “That’s where we decided to focus. By simply contextualizing how little time it takes– time we are already spending going to a movie, grabbing a cup of coffee or a slice– to make a big impact not only on the lives of these kids but on the lives of the Bigs, too.”
In addition to the campaign PSA and creative, singer, songwriter, philanthropist and BBBS supporter Aloe Blacc released an original song and campaign anthem “Never Let You Down,” inspired by the stories of matches across the country. The song is available for download on all streaming platforms, with a portion of proceeds supporting BBBSA.
“At its core, mentorship is about human connection, made up of formative moments that inspire curiosity, aspiration, and unlock potential in the next generation,” said Blacc. “I’ve experienced the power of mentorship firsthand and it has shaped who I am. Every small act of encouragement, hope, and support has the potential to change lives, like it has changed mine. Through this campaign and ‘Never Let You Down’, we are demonstrating how mentorship is an essential part of life and how simple yet profound it can be.”
A cornerstone of the campaign is “A Million Little Moments”, a digital storytelling initiative on BeBigNow.org and BBBSA’s social media platforms, that invites the nation to share their pivotal mentorship moments and experiences, no matter how small, using the campaign hashtag #BeBIG for each story. This tapestry of stories will serve as a testament to the significant impact and universality of mentorship moments.
“We believe in the power of mentorship—we’ve seen its lifelong impact for the millions of kids we’ve served, and on the lives of Bigs who serve as mentors,” said Artis Stevens, president and CEO, BBBSA. “Today, Big Brothers Big Sisters is transforming what mentorship looks like in our country and calling on people in communities everywhere to join us in this movement and be part of something big. Through this campaign, our partners, alumni, and supporters will create access and opportunity for more kids through mentorship as we strive to close the mentorship gap and create lasting impact in countless lives.”
BBBSA has also partnered with industry leaders to amplify the campaign and encourage the support of volunteers as well as donors. Clear Channel Outdoor has launched a series of “It Takes Little to Be Big” billboards in key U.S. markets including Chicago, Atlanta, Los Angeles, Dallas, and New York City. To extend the reach of the campaign across additional media channels, iHeartMedia, Comcast NBCUniversal, TikTok, Bounce/Scripps Network, Mediavine, and Fandom have provided pro bono support to further PSA and campaign content distribution. In addition, thanks to strong partnerships with Macy’s, Express, and Merrell, the campaign will be amplified through their owned properties and partnership activations.
For more information, visit BeBigNow.org.
TAMPA, FL – July 17, 2023 – Big Brothers Big Sisters of America (BBBSA), the leading one-to-one youth mentoring organization in the United States, announces the appointment of Alison Avera as its Chief Agency Growth Officer. In this role, Avera will spearhead the creation and implementation of comprehensive short- and long-term planning strategies to support BBBSA’s network of 230 agencies nationwide.
Avera’s appointment comes as a testament to her commitment to fostering growth and development in young individuals within the nonprofit sector. Previously, as the Director of Adult Development for the Girl Scouts of Eastern Pennsylvania, she excelled in recruiting and serving a significant number of adult volunteers and girl members. Avera’s career began with Teach for America, where she spearheaded transformative changes in under-resourced public schools by designing and implementing hands-on, project-based learning experiences for middle and high school students. Her work with both the Girl Scouts and Teach for America showcases her dedication to empowering youth and providing them with valuable opportunities for personal growth.
Avera also brings a wealth of experience and expertise from the education sector. Notably, as the Chief Strategy and Operations Officer at Teach Plus and Chief Operating Officer for the Center for Whole-Child Education (originally called Turnaround for Children), she has consistently driven change in education policy and practice. Her leadership has empowered teachers, addressed equity issues, and significantly improved student success. Avera played a pivotal role in the NYC Department of Education, serving as Chief of Staff, where she led special projects for the Chancellor and Chief Schools Officer as part of New York City’s transformative Children First reforms.
“I am delighted to welcome Alison to the Big Brothers Big Sisters family as Chief Agency Growth Officer,” said Artis Stevens, President and CEO of BBBSA. “Alison has proven her ability to foster growth and development in youth programming throughout her diverse background in the non-profit and education sectors. She brings a proven track record of operationalizing youth-based planning strategies with a deep passion for empowering young people that will benefit our BBBS agencies nationwide.”
As Chief Agency Growth Officer, Avera will lead key priorities within the organization’s strategic plan, focused on reimagining growth and enhancing efficiency across all agencies and implementing innovative solutions to maximize our impact. Leveraging her strategic mindset and operational expertise, she will also be responsible for creating and implementing comprehensive short- and long-term planning strategies that align with our commitment to supporting our agencies, including bolstering the volunteer experience to address the demand of youth waitlists in the near term.
“I am humbled by the opportunity to join the talented BBBSA team, and I am excited to collaborate with agency leaders across the country in this important work,” said Avera.
Avera holds an MBA in General Management from Harvard Business School, and a bachelor’s degree from Tulane University. She will be based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
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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.bbbs.org.
Honorees Recognized at 2023 Bigger Together Celebration in Anaheim, California
TAMPA, Fla., June 30, 2023 — Big Brothers Big Sisters of America (BBBSA), the preeminent one-to-one youth mentoring organization in the United States, announced the Bigs and Littles of the Year at the 2023 Bigger Together celebration, part of the organization’s four-day national conference in Anaheim. Two volunteer mentors (“Bigs”) and two youth (“Littles”) were selected to represent the over 400,000 Bigs, Littles, and families participating annually.
“It’s a privilege to celebrate the transformative connections and personal growth we witness between our Bigs and Littles as they build life-long relationships. We are thrilled to honor Jose Carlos and Juan Carlos, and Angela and Jenna as our Bigs and Littles of the Year,” said Artis Stevens, President and CEO, BBBSA. “These matches exemplify the profound impact of mentorship and connection, illustrating the extraordinary bonds formed daily through Big Brothers Big Sisters.”
Big Brothers Big Sisters of America celebrates two incredible matches each year, nominated by their local agencies, to serve as the national representatives of Big Brothers Big Sisters. These matches demonstrate the influence that a mentoring relationship has on empowering Littles to pursue their goals in a ‘big’ way while creating a long-lasting impact on both the young person and the Big.
Big Jose Carlos and Little Juan Carlos, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Arizona
“His family makes me feel welcome. They have taken me on their family vacations. I even went to my Big Brother’s wedding. I see my Big Brother as family.”
Jose Carlos and Juan Carlos first matched in May 2014. Sharing similarly challenging upbringings, their relatability of lived experiences fostered a genuine understanding and natural bond, which still holds strong after ten years.
Throughout Jose Carlos and Juan Carlos’s tenure as a match, the two have supported each other and grown exponentially. From teaching Juan Carlos how to drive, to giving much-needed time and attention, and modeling the importance of education, Jose Carlos has been instrumental in Juan Carlos’s growth – all while pursuing his own collegiate education and working two jobs.
Juan Carlos witnessed how bright his future could be with Jose Carlos as his role model – with Jose Carlos’s positive example setting, emotional support, and advice, Juan Carlos is now a first-generation high school graduate. To Littles entering the mentorship program, Juan Carlos says: “I would say that the program has changed my life for the better. I would recommend the program to any kid that is in need. I would also say to be yourself with your Big. Don’t try to be someone you are not. You and your Big will get closer if you be yourself.”
Big Angela and Little Jenna, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northeast Indiana
“Angi is always going to be one of my closest friends. She’s always going to be there for me.”
When Jenna and Angi were matched in 2015, Jenna was struggling with low self-esteem, difficulties in school, and turbulent family trauma. Despite the challenges Jenna faced, Angi loved her from the moment they met, and made it her mission to support Jenna in reaching her fullest potential.
The pair regularly visited bookstores to pick out books to read together and after just a few months, Jenna’s reading comprehension and vocabulary improved significantly. Jenna and Angi are continuing this academic momentum by researching college programs and creating a plan of action for the future. Angi also makes an effort to model self-confidence and inner beauty for Jenna, regularly planning photo shoots and fashion shows to show that every person, any size, is beautiful.
Jenna is thankful for her thriving relationship with Angi, and credits Angi with her transformation into a more confident individual who embraces her uniqueness. To those considering joining the program, Jenna says: “If I could say anything to other kids who might want to be part of BBBS, I would tell them to go for it! To Bigs, I would say, just talk to your Little!”
Since launching the partnership in 2021, Express has raised over $1.6 Million to help fuel the Big Brothers Big Sisters of America Big Futures Program, building career pathways to economic empowerment for young people across the nation.
TAMPA, FL – February 7, 2023 – Big Brothers Big Sisters of America (BBBSA), the nation’s preeminent one-to-one youth mentoring organization, is pleased to announce the extension of its partnership with the Express Dream Big Project. The extension of this partnership will allow the Big Futures program to expand its impact on young people through mentorship to reach over 5,000 communities in all 50 states.
Since 2021, Express has raised over $1.6 million to support the Big Futures Program by encouraging customers to donate with their purchase in-store or online, driving crowdfunding efforts at Express.com/DreamBigProject, and through corporate donations. The funds raised will impact over 25,000 youth (“Littles”) across 125+ local BBBSA agencies.
In addition to fundraising efforts, Express also introduced a Dream Big, Dress Accordingly styling series with TV personality and style mentor Tan France last September. This series, which will continue into 2023, documents BBBS Littles’ experiences with Tan as they prepare for life after high school and college with special styling and mentorship moments that highlight the brand’s purpose of creating confidence and inspiring self-expression. Express also gifted more than 600 gift cards to BBBSA youth and invited them to shop for special outfitting needs.
“Through our partnership with Big Brothers Big Sisters of America, we have had unique and powerful opportunities to fulfill our brand purpose to create confidence and inspire self-expression by helping people find their style,” said Sara Tervo, Express’ Chief Marketing Officer. “With the support of our customers and associates, we surpassed our fundraising goal and are proud to extend our relationship into 2023 and help the incredible Big Futures program achieve national scale.”
“Mentorship is not just about providing support in the present, it’s about investing in the future and empowering young people to realize their full potential,” said Artis Stevens, President and CEO, BBBSA. “We are thrilled to continue our partnership with Express into 2023 and reach more young people with life-changing mentorship opportunities as they navigate their futures after high school.”
The partnership also supported the Big Futures program through a variety of awareness and youth engagement initiatives including:
For more information about Express and The Dream Big Project, please visit www.express.com/DreamBigProject. Join the conversation on social by tagging @express and @bbbsamerica.
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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.
About Express, Inc.
Grounded in versatility and powered by a styling community, Express is a modern, multichannel apparel and accessories brand whose purpose is to Create Confidence & Inspire Self-Expression. Launched in 1980 with the idea that style, quality and value should all be found in one place, Express has been a part of some of the most important and culture-defining fashion trends. The Express Edit design philosophy ensures that the brand is always ‘of the now’ so people can get dressed for every day and any occasion knowing that Express can help them look the way they want to look and feel the way they want to feel.
The Company operates over 550 retail and outlet stores in the United States and Puerto Rico, the express.com online store and the Express mobile app. Express, Inc. is comprised of the brands Express and UpWest, and is traded on the NYSE under the symbol EXPR. For more information, please visit www.express.com.
CONTACTS:
BBBSA Communications
Dvon Williams –communications@bbbsa.org
EXPRESS
Amanda Monteleone – amonteleone@express.com
The inaugural fundraising and awareness campaign of the new multi-year partnership connects the power of mentorship to more youth across the nation
TAMPA, FL – January 10, 2023– In celebration of National Mentoring Month, Big Brothers Big Sisters of America (BBBSA), the nation’s preeminent one-to-one youth mentoring organization, is thrilled to announce fundraising results from Macy’s holiday campaign. Under its social purpose platform Mission Every One, committed to creating brighter futures with bold representation for all, Macy’s customers raised $4.8 million to help fuel life-changing mentoring experiences. The campaign marked the launch of a multi-year partnership between BBBSA and Macy’s.
Throughout the months of November and December 2022, Macy’s customers donated online at macys.com and by rounding up in-store purchases. The funds raised will expand the reach of BBBSA’s mentoring model, connecting more young people with the transformative mentors and mentorship experiences they need to reach their full potential. Fundraising efforts engaged all 230+ Big Brothers Big Sisters agencies, reaching 5,000 communities in all 50 states.
Last year, Macy’s, Inc. introduced its social purpose platform – a purpose-driven strategy called Mission Every One – developed to build on the company’s heritage of corporate citizenship and to achieve positive societal change. Mission Every One aims to create a brighter future with bold representation for all. Through this work, the company will strengthen communities by empowering the curiosity and confidence of young people on their journey to become the leaders of tomorrow. By 2025, Macy’s, Inc. will give more than $125 million to nonprofit organizations whose work is aligned with Mission Every One.
“Through Mission Every One, Macy’s is committed to creating a brighter future for all, and to breaking down barriers to equity and representation barriers. Our new holiday fundraising and awareness campaign with BBBSA, along with their mission to empower young people through mentorship, has resonated so profoundly with our customers and colleagues,” said Bobby Amirshahi, senior vice president of Macy’s, Inc. Corporate Communications and head of Macy’s community and social impact work. “We are eager to see the fruits of this holiday season’s campaign in action, and for this relationship to grow, continuing to inspire our communities.”
“Together with Macy’s, we have raised critical funds and awareness for the important mentoring relationships that ignite the power and promise of young people,” said Artis Stevens, president and CEO, BBBSA. “We look forward to continuing this partnership in 2023 and beyond, creating further opportunities for youth, mentors, families and their communities across the country to experience the impact of mentorship.”
In addition to the round up and giving campaign, to raise funds for BBBSA, Macy’s also launched a Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade® metaverse and NFT project experience, inviting the web3 community to make a difference in the lives of others. The initiative saw NFT collectors minting virtual gallery passes to receive an OnCyber NFT gallery space. Fans who minted the virtual gallery pass helped raise funds for BBBSA with 100 percent of the $50 purchase price benefitting the organization.
Macy’s also raised awareness for BBBSA’s mission through a series of customer, colleague and community engagement initiatives during the holiday season:
For more information about Macy’s Mission Every One, please visit macys.com/purpose. Join the conversation on social by tagging @macys and @bbbsamerica.
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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.
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 and smaller store format, Market by Macy’s. 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 purpose—to create a brighter future with bold representation—that empowers more voice, choice and ownership for our colleagues, customers and communities.
CONTACTS:
BBBSA Communications
Dvon Williams
Macy’s External Communications
Christine Nealon / Ryan Gannon
Annual award presented by two-time Pulitzer Prize winner and New York Times columnist Nicholas Kristof
Prize recruiting volunteers through January 31, 2023
TAMPA, FL (November 28, 2022) – Big Brothers Big Sisters of America, the largest and most experienced youth mentoring organization in the United States, for the second year in a row has been selected as an honoree of the 2022 Holiday Impact Prize, presented by two-time Pulitzer Prize winner and New York Times columnist Nicholas Kristof, and supported by Focusing Philanthropy. Big Brothers Big Sisters was selected as one of two volunteer organizations highlighted for people looking to make a difference in communities across the country.
Big Brothers Big Sisters depends on volunteers to empower a young person’s potential, and volunteers signing up to become a mentor through the 2022 Holiday Impact Prize will bolster the organization’s mission to create and support one-to-one mentoring relationships that ignite the power and promise of young people.
“Big Brothers Big Sisters of America is honored to be a recipient of the Holiday Impact Prize for the second year in a row. This recognition highlights the importance of mentorship, one of the most powerful gifts you can provide to a young person,” said Artis Stevens, President and CEO of Big Brothers Big Sisters of America. “Becoming a mentor with Big Brothers Big Sisters not only empowers a young person to reach their full potential – it is a life-changing experience for our mentors as well, many of whom say they get as much out of the experience as they put in.”
Since 2009, Kristof has written an annual “holiday gift guide” column to highlight little-known organizations working to make the world a better place. He began writing the gift guide to bridge a philanthropic gap: readers who wanted to help but didn’t know how, and heroic individuals and organizations who desperately needed resources but were off donors’ radar.
“One-on-one mentorship is a game changer for both mentors and mentees. When you volunteer, you are investing in a young person’s future, and you may also find new purpose and joy in your own life. Amid everything keeping us apart, I am inspired this holiday season to be highlighting the work of Big Brothers Big Sisters to build connections and opportunity,” said Nicholas Kristof, two-time Pulitzer Prize winner and New York Times columnist.
The Holiday Impact Prize and Kristof’s column featuring the prize’s honorees has helped raise the profiles of organizations that work on the very issues he covers in his journalism—health, education, climate, human rights, and women’s rights, both domestically and abroad. Since 2019, the Holiday Impact Prize and the special edition C-19 Impact Initiative have together raised over $27 million and recruited over 3,000 volunteers for the featured organizations.
Focusing Philanthropy—a 501(c)3 nonprofit that finds and funds high-impact, scalable programs here and around the world—is providing the platform for this initiative by processing readers’ contributions, monitoring and reporting on results, and replenishing credit card transaction costs of donations made on KristofImpact.org so that 100 cents on the dollar will support the winning organizations.
More information about Nicholas Kristof’s Holiday Impact Prize and Focusing Philanthropy can be found at KristofImpact.org.
TAMPA, FL (November 18, 2022) – The Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention (OJJDP) has awarded Big Brothers Big Sisters of America two grants totaling $13.5 million to continue the national nonprofit’s evidence-based one-to-one mentoring program.
The first grant is the Mentoring Opportunities for Youth Initiative; the second is the OJJDP Mentoring for Youth Affected by Opioids and Other Substance Misuse initiative. The investment in these two critical programs will mean that youth (called “Littles”) in communities across the country will be matched with caring adult mentors (called “Bigs”), by more than 90 Big Brothers Big Sisters agencies across the country.
When comparing Big Brothers Big Sisters Risk and Protective Inventory (RPI) data to national data, parents who have children enrolled in a Big Brothers Big Sisters mentoring program report that 24% have one or more family members who has a problem with alcoholism or drug use, compared to 10% of children nationally. Funding is especially critical today, as mentoring is needed now more than ever with youth facing challenges stemming from the pandemic.
“We hear from parents and caregivers daily about how our mentoring program has been key to their young person reaching their full potential, yet 16 million youth in America are growing up without a positive, sustained mentor,” said Big Brothers Big Sisters of America President and CEO Artis Stevens. “The increased support from OJJDP will give Big Brothers Big Sisters the opportunity to bring the power of mentorship to more communities across the country.”
TAMPA, FL (November 9, 2022) – Big Brothers Big Sisters of America (BBBSA), the preeminent leader in one-to-one youth mentoring in the United States, has announced the election of four new Board members, including Betsy Burdick, Founder and President of Momentors, Inc., Tim Ellis, Executive Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer of the National Football League (NFL), Nicole Peterson, Vice President, Global Planning & Analysis of UPS, and Kathy Shields, Founder and Chairperson of the Jack and Kathy Family Foundation. Together, these individuals bring unmatched levels of expertise and unique leadership skills that will help increase equity, impact, and growth across BBBSA to make a lasting impact on both young people and mentors throughout the organization.
“We look forward to working with this strong, dedicated group of executives who bring such diverse backgrounds and experience, all with the same goal of supporting Big Brothers Big Sisters of America’s mission and values,” said Michael Carrel, BBBSA National Board Chair. “These individuals join our entire Board in our commitment to empowering young people through mentorship and leading by example to empower the next generation to thrive.”
The newest members of Big Brothers Big Sisters of America’s Board include:
Betsy Burdick: After practicing law at Reid & Reige, Cigna, Atkin, Gump, Strauss, Hauer & Feld, and Mercer, Betsy shifted her focus to philanthropic causes where she could utilize her legal expertise to advocate for underserved individuals. Most recently, she has founded a nonprofit organization that provides microloans and personal coaching to small business owners who don’t have access to traditional financing and mentorship. Betsy has always been a voice for those who need strong and persuasive representation.
Tim Ellis: Ranked Number 1 on Ad Age’s “Marketer of the Year” list in 2021, Tim’s role as Executive Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer of the NFL is responsible for all aspects of the NFL’s marketing organization and directly oversees research, content development, consumer engagement promotions and more. Tim is enthusiastic about making the NFL into a sports league that is making major strides to be more human and compassionate, with its finger on the pulse of societal issues.
Nicole Peterson: Joining the Board with more than 30 years of industry knowledge, Nicole has experience leading global functions, executing financial strategy and overseeing transactions on a worldwide basis. Currently, Nicole is the Vice President of Financial Planning & Analysis at UPS, where she provides strategic direction through financial planning, information management, reporting and more. With an extensive history in supporting organizations focused on improving the futures of young people, Nicole has served on the Girls, Inc. Atlanta Metro Board of Directors and was heavily involved with the Young Women’s Leadership Academy in Fort Worth, Texas.
Kathy Shields: Kathy brings a wealth of knowledge and nonprofit experience to the BBBSA National Board. Prior to her and her husband starting the Jack and Kathy Family Foundation in 2020, dedicated to improving the lives of underserved youth in Massachusetts and Florida, Kathy sat on the board of Crossroads, a nonprofit summer camp for at-risk youth. With a passion for volunteering and helping those who need more support, Kathy has also been a member of the Charity Guild of Brockton along with being an Associate at the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston. Kathy currently serves as the Chair of the board of her own foundation.
“I can’t say enough about our newest group of dedicated members to our Board of Directors,” said Big Brothers Big Sisters of America President and CEO Artis Stevens. “Everyone on our Board believes in the transformative power of mentorship and I’m looking forward to ushering in new perspectives and compassion as we work together to advance equity and mentorship access.”
These appointments will join current BBBSA Board members, including executives from Fortune 500 companies such as PepsiCo Beverages North America, iHeartRadio, and Centene Corporation.
To learn more about Big Brothers Big Sisters of America’s Board of Directors, please visit: https://www.bbbs.org/leadership/
Aloe Blacc
Singer, Songwriter, Philantropist
Raised on salsa, merengue, and cumbia, Blacc fell in love with hip-hop as a kid and started writing rap songs when he was nine. With his lyrics drawing influence from socially conscious artists like KRS-One, he put out his first hip-hop mixtape at age 17. Later developing a fierce admiration for such soul musicians as Donny Hathaway and Marvin Gaye, he also discovered an affinity for folk-rock singer/songwriters during his college years. “One of the most important factors in my transition from hip-hop to being a singer was listening to people like Joni Mitchell, James Taylor, Kris Kristofferson, and Cat Stevens,” Blacc says. “Their songs are full of emotion that’s expressed in strong lyrics, and that had a big impact on me.”
After inking a deal with indie label Stones Throw, Blacc released his solo debut Shine Through in 2006 and sophomore album Good Things in 2010. Boosted by the breakout success of “I Need a Dollar” (which was selected as the theme song to HBO’s How To Make it In America), Good Things reached gold status in countries around the world and paved the way for his signing to XIX Recordings/Interscope Records in 2012. Made in collaboration with groundbreaking producers like Pharrell Williams, Lift Your Spirit dropped on New Year’s Day in 2014, debuted at #4 on the Billboard 200 albums chart, and earned a Grammy Award nomination for Best R&B Album.
Looking back on his musical path so far, Blacc notes that landing a deal with XIX Recordings/Interscope prompted a major moment of reckoning, and led him to re-examine his artistic intentions. “When I signed a major-label contract, I recognized the power of having a larger audience, and I promised myself that I’d use my voice for social change,” he says. And in creating his upcoming album, Blacc has kept focused on making music meant to inspire a positive shift in mindset. “When things happening in the world seem so terrible and dark, it’s so easy to get stuck in all the negative,” he says. “But I try to do whatever I can to help people out of that. I want my music to be the light.”
“GRIFF”
Comedian, Motivational Speaker, Co-Host of Get Up! Mornings with Erica Campbell
Comedian, motivational speaker, and veteran on-air personality, “GRIFF” is the co-host of Get Up! Mornings with Erica Campbell! This author and father of five has forged his career at the intersection of faith, philanthropy and humor. With an infectious energy and unmistakable voice, “GRIFF” contributes laughter, sincerity and real world approach to living inspiration out loud
Nate Burleson
Co-Host, CBS Mornings and The NFL Today
Nate Burleson is an Emmy Award-winning studio analyst and sports personality. He is currently the co-host of CBS Mornings. He is also on CBS’s The NFL Today and NFL Slimetime on Nickelodeon. Burleson won the Emmy Award for outstanding sports personality/studio analyst for his work on The NFL Today back-to-back in 2021 and 2022. Prior to joining CBS’s News Division, Burleson served as a host on NFL Networks’ Emmy Award-winning show Good Morning Football. Burleson was selected by the Minnesota Vikings in the 2003 NFL Draft. During his career, he also played for the Seattle Seahawks and Detroit Lions.
Daymond John
CEO & Founder of FUBU
Star of ABC’s Shark Tank
CEO of The Shark Group
An entrepreneur in every sense of the word, Daymond John has come a long way from taking out a $100,000 mortgage on his mother’s house and moving his operation into the basement. John is CEO and Founder of FUBU, a much-celebrated global lifestyle brand with over $6 billion in product sales and a pioneer in the fashion industry. John is a celebrated entrepreneur having received over 35 awards throughout his career, including the Brandweek Marketer of the Year, Ernst & Young’s New York Entrepreneur of the Year, was named #2 on LinkedIn’s 2020 Top Voices list for US Influencers, and has won four Webby Awards for his event, Black Entrepreneur’s Day.
In 2023, John authored one of the “most anticipated children’s book of the year”, Little Daymond Learns to Earn. Instantly becoming a New York Times best-seller and ranking #1 on Amazon’s Top 100 Books, Little Daymond Learns to Earn teaches children the fundamentals of financial literacy and money management with a fun and engaging storyline. John is also the author of five best-selling books including his New York Times best-selling books, The Power of Broke (2016) and Rise and Grind (2018).
John’s marketing strategies and ability to build successful brands have made him a highly influential consultant and motivational speaker today. His marketing firm The Shark Group offers expertise in marketing strategy and connects brands with the world’s top celebrities for everything from endorsements to product extensions.
Finally, he is celebrating 15th season on ABC’s hit business show Shark Tank by acclaimed producer Mark Burnett. The show has gone on to win four Emmy Awards and consistently maintains millions of weekly viewers who tune in to the show every Friday night as John demonstrates his marketing prowess and entrepreneurial insights.
Wayne Brady
Emmy Award-winning Actor, Producer, TV Personality
Alumni Big
Multiple Emmy Award-winning and Grammy Award-nominated Wayne Brady has made his mark on stage and screen as an actor, producer, singer, dancer, songwriter, and television personality.
A true multi-hyphenate, Brady’s career path and personal life journey have helped him see the world in a unique way. His aspirations have always gone beyond solely starring in various entertainment projects, and under his A Wayne & Mandie Creative banner. He’s set out to create new content across different platforms that showcase innovation and inclusivity in fun and powerful ways.
A five-time Emmy winner (the first to win Daytime and Primetime awards in two consecutive years), Brady has an impressive TV resume including Whose Line Is It Anyway?, The Masked Singer, Dancing With The Stars, Black Lightning, The Good Fight, and Showtime’s American Gigolo– each spotlighting different aspects of his immense talent.
In February 2024, Brady will star in an upcoming Hulu docuseries following his blended family, alongside his ex-wife, best friend and business partner Mandie Taketa, their 20-year-old daughter Maile, and Mandie’s partner Jason. The series is produced by Wayne and Mandie’s joint production company, A Wayne and Mandie Creative, along with Fremantle.
In addition to being a force in front of the camera, Brady is heavily active behind the scenes wearing the hats of host & executive producer for Let’s Make A Deal, Game of Talents, and Comedy IQ, which he also co-created through his production company. All of this follows on the heels of the success of his award-winning daytime talk show The Wayne Brady Show.
Long an accomplished singer and performer, Brady’s musical acumen has always been a personal passion and he used that as fuel to help win the second season of The Masked Singer. Off his victory, Brady dropped a brand-new original single, entitled “Flirtin’ w/ Forever,” which quickly climbed the streaming charts, as well as an accompanying music video.
This follows the success of his debut album which was headlined by a version of Sam Cooke’s “A Change is Gonna Come” which earned him a Grammy Award nomination in the Best Traditional R&B Vocal Performance category.
Spring of 2024 Brady returns to Broadway in the all-new production of The Wiz, leading the cast as the titular character. The highly-anticipated musical features award-winning creatives and producers including Common, MC Lyte, Amber Ruffin, Hannah Beachler, Sharen Davis, among others.
Brady made his Broadway debut starring as legal showman ‘Billy Flynn’ in the long-running hit musical, Chicago. Soon after Brady starred as the ground-breaking character ‘Lola’ in Kinky Boots, Broadway’s Tony Award-winning Best Musical, with music and lyrics by Cyndi Lauper and a book by Harvey Fierstein. Brady would later headline as ‘Aaron Burr’ in the Chicago production of Lin-Manuel Miranda’s Tony Award-winning juggernaut Hamilton.
Brady again joined forces with Lin-Manuel Miranda, and the duo along with Thomas Kail and Anthony Veneziale, created Freestyle Love Supreme. The unique show combined the fusion of hip hop, improv, and comedy which won a special Tony Award for its innovation and contributions to the world of theater. The Freestyle Love Supreme team partnered with San Francisco improv company Speechless, Inc to create “freestyle+,” an educational training platform committed to making improv globally accessible.
Advocacy is core to Brady’s life. He champions the need for more resources and better understanding of mental health issues, especially in the Black community. Brady’s public announcement about his pansexuality brings awareness to an underrepresented community and he continues to support and promote LGBTQIA+ causes and organizations such as Broadway Backwards and Gay Men’s Chorus of Los Angeles. Brady is a longtime supporter of the Big Brothers Big Sisters of America, Alzheimer’s Foundation of America and SAY The Stuttering Association for the Young.
Brady currently resides in Los Angeles.
Raachad White
Running Back, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Alumni Little
Born in Kansas City, MO as the youngest of four boys, Rachaad has always been active. His mother, Rochelle, always emphasized respect for elders, honoring your word, being true to yourself, and being thankful for what you have. Rochelle enrolled all of her boys in the Big Brothers Big Sisters program, seeking additional mentorship and positive male role models for her sons. Naturally, Rachaad couldn’t wait to find his match after seeing the opportunities his older brothers had. Rachaad played multiple sports growing up but excelled most at basketball and football. At Center High School in Kansas City, he went on to become All State in football and All Conference in basketball. Surprisingly, he wasn’t recruited by any D1 schools so he committed to a Division II school, Nebraska Kearney. Once there, his teammates saw what a great player he was and suggested he transfer to a Junior College, which would then lead him towards his goal of playing for a Power 5, Division 1 school. He took their advice and transferred to Mt San Antonio College in Walnut, California. At Mt Sac, he became a top Running Back in the nation before committing to Arizona State. At Arizona State, his ascent continued, leading the team in both rushing and receiving which caught the attention of all 32 NFL teams. In April of 2022, his ultimate dream came true. He was selected as the 91st overall pick by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. In his first year in the NFL, he played alongside Tom Brady, took over the starting Running Back role, contributed to the team’s playoff berth, and lead all rookie Running Backs in receiving. Rachaad resides in the Tampa area, is a devoted father to a beautiful daughter named Nevaeh, and loyal friend to many.
Tony Coles
President, Black Information Network, iHeartMedia
BBBSA National Board Member
Tony Coles is regarded as one of the audio industry’s leading authorities. In addition to being known for his experience successfully leading and growing iconic media brands, Coles also founded and currently operates the groundbreaking Black Information Network. Recognized for his innovative approach to content creation, exceptional leadership style, and consistent results, he is one of the most respected executives in audio.
Coles currently holds dual roles at iHeartMedia, the #1 audio company in America. He serves as Division President of Metro Markets, a position that has given him P&L oversight for over 150 radio stations in 21 markets across the United States. Coles is also the Founder and President of the Black Information Network, a 24/7 All News Channel dedicated to serving the Black community. In less than three years BIN has grown to include a national streaming service, operates 34 dedicated broadcast stations, and provides content for more than 140 stations.
With over 35 years of media and marketing experience, Coles has discovered, developed, and managed an array of successful talent and leaders. He has also worked with many of the largest companies in the world to provide media and marketing solutions. His creative spirit and strong business acumen make him uniquely qualified for his current role as well as his growing commitment to board service. His expertise in strategic planning, management, marketing, and content creation, combined with his ability to build strong brand partnerships across the media sector, has delivered powerful results throughout his career.
His philanthropic work focuses on non-profit organizations dedicated to mentorship, youth development, as well as career advancement in media. Coles currently serves as national Board Vice Chair for Big Brothers Big Sisters of America, he is the Multicultural Committee Chair for the RAB, and serves as a board member for the National Association of Broadcasters Leadership Foundation.
Coles holds an MBA from Western Governors University. He also holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Communications from Marylhurst University. He currently lives outside of Chicago with his wife and two sons.
Terrance Williams
President and CEO, TruStage
Terrance Williams became the ninth president and chief executive officer (CEO) of TruStage on October 1, 2023. TruStage is a leading provider of insurance, investments, and technology solutions to financial institutions, advisors, and companies serving middle-market consumers. With more than 4,200 employees, the company has significant operations across the United States and operates international businesses in Canada and the Caribbean. The company headquarters is in Madison, Wisconsin.
As president and CEO, Williams is continuing to build on the company’s nearly century-long history of being an influential leader in the credit union system and broader financial and insurance industries. With his tenure and broad experience in insurance innovation and digital strategy, he’s moving the company’s vision forward, ensuring brighter financial futures are accessible to everyone.
Prior to joining TruStage, Williams was president, Protection Products and Services for Allstate, responsible for non-property-liability businesses that ranged from start-up ventures to mature businesses. These entities represented approximately $4 billion in revenue. In his previous role as executive vice president and general manager of Allstate Property-Liability Sales and Distribution, Williams was responsible for driving innovation in the company’s distribution channels, including 10,000 domestic agencies and more than 30,000 licensed sales professionals, direct-to-consumer call centers and web sales in the United States and Canada. These channels accounted for over $30 billion of written premium for the enterprise.
Before joining Allstate in 2020, Williams spent more than 20 years at Nationwide, where he most recently served as president of their Emerging Business Group, including a team of 1,300+ employees. There, he led innovation and digital strategy, served as the enterprise’s chief marketing officer, and established the company’s $100M venture capital fund. Williams has been recognized by many, including Forbes as one of “The World’s Most Influential CMOs” in 2017 and 2018 and Savoy Magazine as one of the most influential black corporate directors in 2021.
Beyond the office, Williams is a firm believer in philanthropic efforts toward the betterment of communities. He is an active participant and has served on many non-profit boards in multiple markets including Big Brothers/Big Sisters, the Urban League, and others. He is also actively involved in numerous mentor programs, including work as a mentor to undergraduates at the University of South Carolina.
Williams earned his bachelor’s in risk management and insurance from the University of South Carolina. He is an advisory board member for the university’s Risk and Uncertainty Management Center at the Darla Moore School of Business, which helps students and organizations improve decision-making. Williams is also on the board of directors for Encompass Health, the largest owner and operator of rehabilitation hospitals in the United States.
Solomon Thomas
Defensive Lineman, New York Jets
Solomon Thomas is a Defensive Lineman for the New York Jets and their 2022 Walter Payton Man of The Year nominee which is one of the league’s most prestigious honors. Solomon landed in New York after four seasons with the 49ers who drafted him as the #3 overall player in the 2017 NFL draft and spent the ‘21 season with the Las Vegas Raiders.
During his second season with the Niners, Solomon and his family experienced an unimaginable and tragic loss. On January 23, 2018, his big sister Ella died by suicide. This traumatic and personal loss impacted his next few years in the NFL. In 2021, Solomon with the help of his parents, Co-Founded The Defensive Line (TDL), a nonprofit organization focused on training, educating, and equipping leaders of young people of color, to be the mental health community that empowers a lifesaving connection. TDL’s vision is “A world where no young person of color dies by suicide.”
Off the field, Solomon has not only committed financially to the causes he believes in, but he also actively contributes his time, energy, and mind to the growth and success of his organization. His public speaking always centers around sharing Ella’s story and his own mental health journey to bring the hopefulness he carries and the belief he has that everyone has extraordinary value and deserves to live healthy lives. His message is positive and uplifting, and he shares it in public as much as he does privately with those around him. He doesn’t push, but he offers insight and experience, sharing a kind of wisdom that people crave and thrive on.
The work with The Defensive Line has included a partnership with The Super Football Conference in New Jersey to speak with high school students about mental health, the 988 campaign with Dak Prescott and the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, and an educational panel for all Paramount Global in October. Thomas has also worked with a myriad of nonprofit organizations to raise awareness, secure funds for mental health/suicide prevention research, and advocate for local and national politicians to improve mental health/suicide prevention legislation and policies. He has consistently demonstrated a generous and quiet giving mentality, donating to many organizations over the years, including The Golden Heart Foundation, Boys and Girls Club of Tracy Kipp Minnesota, Champion Charities Foundation, American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, Hui Aloha Kiholo, Mississippi Rapid Response Coalition, 22 And You Foundation, My Brother’s Keeper, Blue Dragon, and many others. When a member of the 49ers staff lost everything in the Paradise Fires, Solomon supported them financially.
Solomon expects to come into his own with the New York Jets and every game will be played in memory of his sister Ella.
Sway Calloway
Sway in the Morning with Heather B & Tracy G
An icon of hip-hop culture and a pivotal part of MTV, Sway Calloway has been a staple within music news for two decades. Already a vanguard radio personality, record producer and hip-hop artist, Sway joined the MTV News team in 2000 and has been front and center for some of music’s biggest moments.
Sway first caught the public’s eye when he and his partner King Tech (Tech) staged break dancing and rap performances in and around their hometown of Oakland, California. The duo won a local contest with landmark radio station KMEL-FM. The world-famous Wake Up Show is one of the longest hip-hop shows that has been in syndication all over the world. Hip Hop had the opportunity to launch their own mix show recognizing Sway’s instincts for great sound and promising talent. Interscope enlisted him and Tech to produce an album called This or That, featuring artists such as Eminem, KRS-One and RZA from the Wu-Tang Clan.
Sway has been a key correspondent for MTV’s Choose or Lose and Power Of ’12 campaigns for the channel. Since his involvement, he has interviewed various political leaders like Bill Clinton, Republican National Committee Chair Ed Gillespie, Hillary Clinton, Ron Paul, John McCain and Mitt Romney. He’s also sat down with President Barack Obama six times.
Sway’s other MTV News endeavors have included TRL, the All Eyes series which featured top artists like Kanye West and 50 Cent, MTV News Now: Jay-Z vs. Nas: Beats, Battles & Beef, MTV News Presents: After the Storm, RapFix Live, The Hottest MCs list and TRL-AM.
In addition, Sway is an integral part of MTV News’ annual live events that include red carpet coverage of the MTV Video Music Awards, MTV European Awards, and Grammys pre-show. Sway serves as an MTV Executive Producer and brings new programming ideas to the station. He’s also contributing talent to other ViacomCBS channels, MTV2, and VH1 networks.
His work continues throughout the nation and community where he has been a part of various panels and discussions hosting and moderating on important issues like Hate Crimes, Racism and Education.
Sway is the host of SiriusXM’s Shade 45 daily morning show, SWAY IN THE MORNING With HEATHER B and TRACY G from 8am to 12pm EST. He is also the Chief Navigator for his site, SwaysUniverse.com, that features celebrity interviews, music, entertainment and health news. Lastly, he is a recent inductee into the Radio Hall of Fame Class of 2020. @realsway
Makola M. Abdullah, Ph.D.
President of Virginia State University,
BBBSA National Board Member
“Serving as President of Virginia State University has been the highlight of my academic career. I have witnessed firsthand the transformative power of education. I work with amazing faculty and staff members who show an unwavering commitment to excellence in education. I extend my gratitude to the VSU Board of Visitors for their vote of confidence and for giving me the opportunity to continue the GREATER work at Virginia State University.”
Dr. Makola M. Abdullah began his VSU career in February 2016 with an unwavering dedication and commitment to excellence. As a new president, he outlined the core beliefs that became the foundation of his work for VSU: beliefs in God, family, the transformative nature of education, and in Virginia State University. With that foundation in mind, President Abdullah and his new administration began planning the 2020-2025 Strategic Plan: Preeminence with Purpose to chart the University’s path to continued growth and excellence. His plan set forth the next chapter for VSU, which focused on six areas: Student Opportunity and Access, Academic Excellence, The Holistic Experience for Students, Enhancing the Land Grant Mission of the University, Advancing the VSU Brand, and Financial/Operational Effectiveness.
Under President Abdullah’s leadership and guidance, VSU experienced the single largest year-to-year enrollment increase in over a decade and the highest retention rate in more than twenty years. The University also increased the 4-year graduation rate to the highest recorded rate in the University’s history. Virginia State University also placed in ESSENCE magazine’s top 20 “Best Colleges for African Americans” and U.S. News and World Report’s “Top 30 in the Best Overall HBCUs for 2022”. The University ranked in the top 30% in the “Performers on Social Mobility” list, the Top 10 in Student Retention Programs at HBCUs, and the top 15% of Bang-for-your-Buck institutions in the Southeast Region of the United States. The University has also extended its academic offerings with newly added undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral degrees. In addition, the University offers fully online programs/degrees and a free tuition program for students from area high schools.
Under Dr. Abdullah’s guidance, Virginia State University’s year-end financial reserves have tripled. The University also received a $30 million gift—the largest single donor gift in the University’s history—aiding the university in growing the investments from approximately $40 million to $80 million. In addition, under Dr. Abdullah, VSU has more new infrastructure happening concurrently than at any point in its 140-year history. This includes a new 30,000-square-foot admissions building, a research and cooperative extension facility, improvements to Rogers Stadium, and a new $120 million Alfred W. Harris Academic Commons—the largest building ever constructed on the VSU campus. In 2021, VSU also renamed four buildings to honor Black women who have made significant contributions to the University.
Under the leadership of President Abdullah, in 2018, Virginia State University successfully completed its reaffirmation of accreditation with the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC). The University was reaffirmed for ten years with no recommendations. The President has led the launch of several significant initiatives since taking office. These include the establishment of the John Mercer Langston Institute for African American Political Leadership to assess, develop and empower African American leaders; the establishment of The Center for Policing Leadership and Social Justice to address the critical divide between law enforcement and communities of color; and the establishment of the Office of Diversity, Inclusion and Belonging on campus to promote good relations toward and support those who may be subject to discrimination.
Boards and Committees
During his tenure at VSU, President Abdullah has become a national leader—fighting on behalf of the transformative work of Virginia State University and all HBCUs. He has served on a plethora of boards and committees, including the following:
Education and Background
Before he was appointed President of Virginia State University, Dr. Abdullah served as Provost and Senior Vice President at Bethune-Cookman University in Daytona Beach, FL (2013-2016), Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs at Florida Memorial University in Miami Gardens, FL (2011-2013), and Dean and Director of 1890 Land Grant Programs at Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University in Tallahassee, FL (2008-2011).
Dr. Abdullah is a Chicago native. He earned his undergraduate degree in civil engineering from Howard University and his doctorate and master’s degrees in civil engineering from Northwestern University. He is a member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Incorporated.
Honors and Awards
President Abdullah was named the HBCU Male President of the Year in 2017 and was selected as the 2021 Recipient of the Howard University Alumni Award for Distinguished Postgraduate Achievement. He is also the youngest African American to receive a Ph.D. in engineering.
Family
President Abdullah is married to Ahkinyala Cobb-Abdullah, Ph.D. Dr. Cobb-Abdullah is the Dean of the School of Arts and Sciences and the Director of the Center for STEM Diversity at Virginia Union University in Richmond, Virginia. Dr. Cobb-Abdullah earned a Bachelor of Science in Biology from Tuskegee University. She is a two-time alumna of Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University, where she earned a Master of Molecular Biology and a Doctor of Philosophy in Environmental Biomolecular Sciences.
Dr. Abdullah and Dr. Cobb-Abdullah are the proud parents of a son, Mikaili, and a daughter, Sefiyetu. Mikaili is a graduate of Morehouse College and a current Ph.D. student at the Morehouse School of Medicine. Sefiyetu is a two-time graduate of Virginia State University with a Master of Science in Computer Science.
Kelvin Beachum
Offensive Tackle, Arizona Cardinals
Kelvin Beachum is a Texas native in his 12th NFL season, currently with the Arizona Cardinals. He is an SMU graduate (’10, ’12) an Executive Board member, and a member of the Players Inc. Advisory Committee, the Players Coalition, and the Donors Choose Advisory Board. He is a professional speaker, advisor, board member, and active technology investor. Along with his NFL and business commitments, Beachum is passionate about ending hunger, providing clean water access, advocating for education equity, and encouraging minority youth to pursue STEAM disciplines while addressing the digital divide. Beachum resides in Arizona with his wife, Jessica, and their three children.
Running Back, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Born in Kansas City, MO as the youngest of four boys, Rachaad has always been active. His mother, Rochelle, always emphasized respect for elders, honoring your word, being true to yourself, and being thankful for what you have. Rochelle enrolled all of her boys in the Big Brothers Big Sisters program, seeking additional mentorship and positive male role models for her sons. Naturally, Rachaad couldn’t wait to find his match after seeing the opportunities his older brothers had. Rachaad played multiple sports growing up but excelled most at basketball and football. At Center High School in Kansas City, he went on to become All State in football and All Conference in basketball. Surprisingly, he wasn’t recruited by any D1 schools so he committed to a Division II school, Nebraska Kearney. Once there, his teammates saw what a great player he was and suggested he transfer to a Junior College, which would then lead him towards his goal of playing for a Power 5, Division 1 school. He took their advice and transferred to Mt San Antonio College in Walnut, California. At Mt Sac, he became a top Running Back in the nation before committing to Arizona State. At Arizona State, his ascent continued, leading the team in both rushing and receiving which caught the attention of all 32 NFL teams. In April of 2022, his ultimate dream came true. He was selected as the 91st overall pick by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. In his first year in the NFL, he played alongside Tom Brady, took over the starting Running Back role, contributed to the team’s playoff berth, and lead all rookie Running Backs in receiving. Rachaad resides in the Tampa area, is a devoted father to a beautiful daughter named Nevaeh, and loyal friend to many.
Kelvin L. Buncum
Executive Vice President
Neighborhood Markets, Walmart U.S.
Kelvin L. Buncum is executive vice president of Neighborhood Markets for Walmart U.S. His responsibilities include overseeing all aspects of Neighborhood Market operations. Kelvin and his team are focused on creating a great experience that includes increased convenience for busy customers and high-quality fresh items that delight the entire family.
Prior to assuming his current role, Kelvin held several leadership positions at Walmart, including regional vice president of the Atlanta/North Georgia region, regional vice president of the North Central region, vice president of innovations and global business processes, vice president of operations strategy and integration and regional general manager for the Mid- South region.
Before joining Walmart, Kelvin held leadership positions with several companies and across multiple industries. Immediately prior to Walmart, he was President/CEO of International Medical Solutions, a start-up he launched with two partners. Kelvin’s professional experiences also include senior leadership roles at Pepsi Bottling Group, US Radio, and Joyner Communications.
In addition, Kelvin has worked for Digital Equipment Corporation, AT&T Bell Laboratories and Northern Telecom. With these companies, he held leadership roles in the areas of product development, marketing, sales management and applications planning.
Kelvin has been actively involved over the years in trade and community organizations. He has served as chairman of the Georgia Beverage Association and held board positions with the Safe America Foundation, APEX Museum, Georgia Food Industry Association, Warrick Dunn Family Foundation, Sigma Pi Phi Fraternity Foundation, Hughes-Spalding Children’s Hospital, Feeding America, Criminal Justice SVN and Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northwest Arkansas.
Kelvin graduated with a B.S. degree in Electrical Engineering and received an Honorary Doctorate from North Carolina A & T State University. He also earned an MBA from Harvard Business School.
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