LETTER FROM OUR CEO

LETTER FROM OUR CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER

Dear Reader,

Big Brothers Big Sisters of New York City (BBBS of NYC) was founded on the belief that relationships have the power to ignite potential and play an integral role for youth in realizing their biggest possible futures. While the organization has evolved over time, adapting and innovating to meeting the changing needs of youth across the 5 boroughs, we remain firmly rooted in our conviction that connecting the current generation to the next is integral in creating a New York City where every young person can achieve their full potential.

As a lifelong New Yorker, it never ceases to amaze me how common it is for people from diverse backgrounds to come into contact with one another but also how our proximity to one another does not translate into genuine connectedness. This lack of meaningful, real engagement allows divides to deepen and inequitable systems to perpetuate the same cycles that privilege few and squander the potential of many. We have long built a narrative that if you “can make it here, you can make it anywhere” but the reality is that systems have an even greater impact on economic mobility than individual choices. We can change the current state by creating different pathways for young people in New York City.

Policies and practices led us to this place and significant changes to these systems, policies, and practices will result in our City arriving to a better, more equitable place. In my more than 20 years in the youth and workforce development space, I can confidently assert that what is missing from current systems is the scaling of human connection as a core component of our pressing economic recovery and long-standing efforts to make NYC more equitable for all.

Centering youth mentoring programs makes sense. You will find this idea embedded throughout this paper and threaded throughout each policy recommendation. Young people recognize the value of connection and the vast majority of adults can point to the difference a mentor made in their life. Bridging these two ideas with the backing of city policies and the business community is an innovative approach to building our next generation of leaders. It creates a space and place for every sector to participate and every young person to tap into their talents. By realizing the vision of a Mentor for All, we will make our City stronger, more connected and more prosperous.

As we navigate the path forward, we must remember that we are building a world that our youth will inherit. Let us engage our youth, recognizing and honoring their limitless potential as NYC’s most valuable asset by committing for every sector, a mentor.

In partnership,

Alicia D. Guevara Chief Executive Officer