Big Brothers Big Sisters of America (BBBSA) welcomes two powerhouse advocates to its Game Changers initiative. Academy Award nominee Cynthia Erivo and acclaimed filmmaker Ava DuVernay join the roster. The announcement celebrates the organization’s 120th anniversary milestone.
The iconic mentorship organization serves more than 5,000 communities across all 50 states. BBBSA creates one-to-one mentoring relationships that transform young lives. This latest addition brings star power and genuine community commitment to the cause.
Cynthia Erivo and Ava DuVernay Become Youth Mentorship Champions
Erivo expressed her passion for supporting young people in a statement. “Every young person deserves a champion that can see the good in them,” she said. The Tony-winning actress emphasized that recognizing potential unlocks endless possibilities.
DuVernay brings her renowned storytelling expertise and community focus to the role. Both celebrities represent excellence in their fields while maintaining strong ties to their communities. Their involvement signals a new era for youth mentorship advocacy.
Chief Impact Officer Ginneh Baugh highlighted what makes these additions special. “You see both their stardom and their substance, you see their journey and their commitment to community,” Baugh told EBONY. The pair will champion a fresh perspective on what mentoring can achieve.
Big Brothers Big Sisters Addresses America’s Youth Mental Health Crisis
More than 10 million young people live in what researchers call “opportunity deserts.” These youth lack access to supportive adults, networks, and crucial resources. The barriers disproportionately affect rural communities and communities of color.
BBBSA recognizes how these obstacles fuel the ongoing youth mental health crisis. Limited access to mentorship also restricts upward mobility for countless young Americans. The organization aims to break down these systemic barriers through expanded programming.
Research consistently shows that mentorship creates measurable positive outcomes. Big Brothers Big Sisters’ evidence-based approach supports educational success and boosts confidence. Youth participants also avoid risky behaviors and develop higher aspirations for their futures.
Game Changers Initiative Amplifies the Power of Mentorship
The Game Changers platform leverages influential voices to expand mentorship’s reach. Participants share personal experiences and build meaningful connections with communities. The initiative demonstrates how mentorship transforms individual lives and strengthens entire neighborhoods.
Erivo and DuVernay join other prominent figures championing this cause. Their celebrity status attracts attention to the urgent need for youth support. However, their authentic commitment to service makes the real difference.
“They are coming in as champions to really change the game on what folks think mentoring should be,” Baugh explained. The addition of these Game Changers elevates the conversation around youth development. New mentees can expect enhanced opportunities and deeper community bonds.
Organization’s Roots in Juvenile Justice Reform Continue Today
BBBSA was founded with a clear social justice mission over a century ago. “We were really founded out of the juvenile justice system,” Baugh told EBONY. The organization offered youth alternatives to entering the criminal justice system.
This origin story reflects society’s commitment to supporting struggling young people. Early advocates stepped forward to provide guidance instead of punishment. That same spirit of intervention continues driving BBBSA’s work today.
“This is another one of those moments that people are stepping forward,” Baugh said. Community members say yes to supporting youth and building stronger neighborhoods. The organization’s longevity proves the enduring power of this approach.
120 Years of Adaptation and Impact in Youth Mentorship
BBBSA’s impressive longevity stems from its ability to evolve. “You don’t get to be that old as an organization without adapting,” Baugh noted. Mentorship remains deeply embedded in the organization’s DNA.
The organization has maintained relevance across three different centuries. BBBSA continuously updates its methods while preserving core mentorship principles. This balance between tradition and innovation ensures lasting impact.
Throughout its history, the organization has consistently improved relationships between youth and adults. Mentoring pairs develop bonds that extend far beyond program requirements. These connections often last lifetimes and create generational change.
The BIG Benefit Launches Ambitious New Vision for the Future
BBBSA will host The BIG Benefit on November 19th to mark this milestone anniversary. The gala event kicks off “One Big Vision,” a comprehensive five-point plan. The initiative aims to reach 10 million more children with life-changing mentorship.
Distinguished honorees at the benefit include several industry leaders. Bozoma Saint John, Hall of Fame marketer and entrepreneur, receives recognition. Andreas C. Dracopoulos, Co-President of the Stavros Niarchos Foundation, also joins the honoree list.
Additional honorees include NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell and iHeartMedia Chairman Bob Pittman. Harvey Schwartz, CEO of Carlyle, rounds out the impressive roster. These leaders represent the broad coalition supporting youth mentorship expansion.
One Big Vision Plans to Transform Millions of Young Lives
The new programmatic initiative sets bold goals for the organization’s future. One Big Vision outlines specific strategies to dramatically expand BBBSA’s reach. The plan focuses on connecting millions more children with caring mentors.
This ambitious expansion addresses the growing demand for youth support services. Communities nationwide report increasing needs for structured mentorship programs. BBBSA’s evidence-based model provides a proven framework for meeting these needs.
The five-point plan leverages partnerships, technology, and community engagement. Together, these elements create a scalable approach to mentorship. Success means dramatically reducing the number of youth living in opportunity deserts.
Celebrity Champions Bring Visibility to Critical Youth Development Needs
High-profile advocates like Erivo and DuVernay attract crucial public attention. Their platforms reach millions of potential mentors and supporters. Celebrity involvement also validates mentorship as a priority worthy of national focus.
Beyond publicity, these Game Changers model meaningful community engagement. They demonstrate that success includes lifting others along the way. Their participation inspires others to invest time and resources in youth development.
The combination of star power and authentic commitment creates lasting impact. Young people see role models who genuinely care about their futures. This visibility helps normalize mentorship as an essential community responsibility.
