TAMPA, Fla., Oct. 14, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Big Brothers Big
Sisters of America (BBBSA), the largest and most experienced youth
mentoring organization in the United
States, announced its inaugural Justice, Equity, Diversity,
and Inclusion (JEDI) Council, to support the organization's
long-standing commitment to empower all young people. The group,
made up of business and nonprofit leaders and experts, will bring
their expertise and compassion to BBBSA to cultivate strategies,
curate concepts, and advise on JEDI issues affecting youth, staff,
volunteers, and communities across the country.
Big Brothers Big Sisters of America Announces New Justice, Equity,
Diversity and Inclusion (JEDI) Council
Ensuring the opportunity for all voices and perspectives to be
heard and honored is an integral part of Big Brothers Big Sisters'
values and mission. The formation of this cohort is part of BBBSA's
responsibility to create a nondiscriminatory and anti-racist
approach to dismantle any inequities within its policies, systems,
programs, and services, so all young people can experience a strong
mentoring relationship in their lives.
The JEDI Council is comprised of selected experts and leaders
in, and allies of, diverse communities, including BIPOC (Black,
Indigenous, People of Color), LGBTQ, higher education, including
Historical Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), Greek letter
organizations, and representatives from government, healthcare, and
mental health institutions. Cheslie Kryst, Miss USA 2019 and BBBSA
board member, will serve as co-chair alongside Jana Brown, EVP, Chief Human Resources Officer,
Centurion Health.
"I'm honored to serve as co-chair of such a dynamic group of
individuals with shared values and commitment to creating access,
equity and opportunity for all," said Cheslie Kryst. "I look forward to the
opportunity to come together for important conversations about
what's happening in the world today, how it's impacting young
people, and the role we play in devising solutions that empower all
youth to stay on the path to a successful future."
BBBSA will work with this council on recommendations to enhance
policies and practices to create more equitable outcomes for the
Big Brothers Big Sisters workforce and young people, as well as
assist with the creation of surveys, training and curriculum
materials and tools for volunteers, mentors, and staff.
In addition, members will participate in BBBSA's webinar series,
Race, Relationships, and Resources, a series of
conversations providing diverse perspectives on issues related to
young people and innovative solutions to empower their futures.
The members of Big Brothers Big Sisters of America JEDI Council
include:
- Cheslie Kryst, co-chair, tv
host, Extra Correspondent, and BBBSA Board member
- Jana Brown, co-chair, EVP, Chief
Human Resource Officer, Centurion Health
- Sadiq Ali, MENTOR, Maryland DC
Executive Director
- Sonia Aranza, CEO, Global
Diversity & Inclusion Strategist, Aranza Cross Cultural
Strategies
- Zyahna Bryant, Student, activist, community organizer
- Christine Cariño,
Founder, Managing Partner, Conscious Thrive Consulting
- Dr. Nia Imani Fields,
Maryland 4-H Program Leader and
Assistant Director of Extension
- Edwin M. Green, Jr., Ed.D., MSW,
Executive Director of The 413 Center, Inc.
- Jared Karol, Author, upcoming
book entitled A White Guy Confronting Racism an Invitation to
Reflect and Act
- Roberto Rivera, CEO, Alliance
for the 7th Generation
- JT Saunders, Chief Diversity Officer, Korn Ferry
"We are an organization born out of the justice system, to
create equity for youth, bringing together diverse communities, so
that all kids can feel included for the promise of opportunity and
a better life," said Artis Stevens,
President and CEO, of Big Brothers Big Sisters of America. "But
it's not enough to say we are committed to JEDI. We must work
intentionally and diligently to bring about change in our
organization and our communities. Having the insight and expertise
of our JEDI Council allows us to continue to evolve to meet kids
and communities where they are. I'm grateful for this group of
leaders and their commitment to ensuring Big Brothers Big Sisters
is the most diverse, mission-driven, youth empowerment
organization."
To learn more about Big Brothers of America's JEDI Council visit
https://www.bbbs.org/justice-equity-diversity-inclusion/.
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.
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SOURCE Big Brothers Big Sisters of America