In The News

We are proud to introduce Chris Letsos as our new agency CEO at Big Brothers Big Sisters of Tampa Bay. Chris was selected given his strong nonprofit leadership experience. Chris served as the President & CEO of Boys & Girls Clubs of Tampa Bay, where he worked for 14 years in progressive leadership roles. Most recently, Chris served as the Florida Department of Children & Families Family Wellbeing Director. Chris believes in the power of mentorship and is excited about the opportunity to lead our Agency in support of our essential mission. Welcome, Chris!

The Tampa Bay Times interviewed Chris. Read the article here.

Thank you, Macy’s, for the VIP shopping experience for more than 120 of our Littles this holiday season! Our kids were treated to this private shopping session at multiple Macy’s locations throughout Hillsborough, Pasco, and Pinellas counties at Brandon Town Center, Countryside Mall,  Tyrone Square Mall, Westshore Mall, and Wiregrass Mall.

After our Matches enjoyed breakfast (also provided by Macy’s), our Littles opened their curated gift bags, each one featuring a $50 Macy’s gift card inside! Then everyone got to shopping for the perfect presents, mailing their letters to Santa, and wrapping everything up with a bow!

We are honored to partner with Macy’s as part of their Mission Every One community empowerment initiative. You can still help spread the cheer: Until Christmas Eve, Dec. 24, 2022, Macy’s shoppers have the option of donating online at macys.com, or rounding up in-store purchases.  “Mission Every One helps Macy’s direct our social impact work to the causes and communities that help shape a brighter future for all, but most importantly for young people,” said Bobby Amirshahi, senior vice president of Macy’s, Inc. Corporate Communications and head of Macy’s community and social impact work.

Read more about the Macy’s partnership with our National office, Big Brothers Big Sisters of America.

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.

Our National office recently announced the creation of the BBBSA Youth Equity and Empowerment Scholarship with support from the Deloitte Foundation. The scholarship program will provide young people with financial support for college and credentialing programs through the awarding of 60 scholarships that will total $350,000 nationally.

Littles with Big Brothers Big Sisters that are current high school seniors year will be eligible to receive scholarships through the program. The scholarships are for students with career interests in accounting, finance, economics, engineering, computer engineering, computer science, information systems, technology, data science, data analytics and math. Scholarships will be available to youth living or planning to attend school in 13 markets, including right here in Tampa, FL: Chicago, IL, Hartford, CT, Kansas City, MO, Milwaukee, WI, Minneapolis, MN, Nashville, TN, New York, NY, Omaha, NE, Parsippany, NJ, Philadelphia, PA, Pittsburgh, PA, Seattle, WA

“We are thrilled to be able to support an organization that continues to change lives through mentorship,” said Erin Scanlon, president, Deloitte Foundation. “Big Brothers Big Sisters of America uplifts communities and helps to empower youth so that they can aspire to fulfilling lives and careers.”

“We know when young people gain exposure and access to educational and career opportunities, it widens their view to the possibilities and potential ahead of them in life and career,” said Artis Stevens, president and CEO, BBBSA. “With the support of organizations like the Deloitte Foundation, we continue to empower the next generation on a path to graduate with a plan for their futures.”

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About The Deloitte Foundation

The Deloitte Foundation, founded in 1928, is a not-for-profit organization that supports education in the U.S. through a variety of initiatives that help develop the next generation of diverse business leaders, and their influencers, and promote excellence in teaching, research and curriculum innovation. The Foundation sponsors an array of national programs relevant to a variety of professional services, benefiting high school students, undergraduates, graduate students and educators. Learn more about the Deloitte Foundation.

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Tampa Bay Honored with 2021 Big Brothers Big Sisters of America Quality Award

The agency is recognized for outstanding team leadership in providing 1-to-1 mentoring programming for local youth

Tampa, FL June 21, 2022 – Big Brothers Big Sisters of Tampa Bay has been recognized as a 2022 Big Brothers Big Sisters of America (BBBSA) Quality Award Winner. Every year, BBBS agencies are recognized by BBBSA Nationwide Leadership Council, made up of local Big Brothers Big Sisters agency leaders and board members, for excellence in the organization’s signature 1-to-1 youth mentoring program. Out of approximately 230 Big Brothers Big Sisters agencies across the country, BBBS of Tampa Bay is one of 53 organizations to receive this top honor.

“Thanks to everyone who contributed to this great achievement, which is all about our focus on quality at our agency at every turn,” said Stephen Koch, president and CEO of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Tampa Bay. “This is really impressive, and I hope everyone recognizes this accomplishment!”

For over 100 years, Big Brothers Big Sisters has been dedicated to advancing equity, impact, and growth across the organization, making a lasting impact on the lives of young people. Today, the organization creates and supports one-to-one mentoring relationships helping build self-confidence and emotional well-being, and empowering young people on a path to graduate with a plan for their futures and a mentor whose impact can last a lifetime.

“Big Brothers Big Sisters agencies across the country are finding innovative ways to serve young people and strengthen communities,” said BBBSA President and CEO Artis Stevens. “We congratulate these agencies for leading the way in transforming mentorship for our communities, and most importantly, our young people.”

The Quality Award Winners will be formally recognized at the 2022 Big Brothers Big Sisters “Bigger Together” National Conference, held June 19 through June 22 in Indianapolis.

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Tampa Bay is beyond saddened to share with you that Donna Gans, a former employee of ours for over 16 years, passed away on March 14, 2022.

Donna shared her passion for serving kids in many ways over the years, and in her last role was our Senior Enrollment & Matching Specialist for Pasco County. She was also a Big Sister to Zoie for three school years at Seven Springs Elementary, where they liked to work on puzzles, play games, read, and talk about recipes. At the end of their second year together, Zoie wrote a card to her Big Sister, “Dear Mrs. Donna, Thank you for all you’ve done for me. I always think of you. I think you are a very good big sister. I think that you are loving, caring, kind to me. I think that you are a very nice person.”

Over her many years with BBBSTB, Donna created countless meaningful mentoring relationships and was a pillar of support for her Pasco colleagues. She was always such a strong advocate for the impact of our program and willing to jump in to help her coworkers across the agency. Donna made many friends along the way and will always be a part of our BBBS family.

Donna was also a veteran, and she will receive military service and burial in her hometown of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

Our hearts go out to Donna’s family. Her loved ones have invited the community to view her obituary here.