Press Release: Big Brothers Big Sisters Launches “Game Changers Twin Cities” Uniting Local Changemakers and Community Leaders to Amplify Youth Potential Through Mentorship
August 5, 2024
[Minneapolis, MN] August 5, 2024 – Today, one in three kids in America is growing up without a sustained adult mentor in their lives. In the Twin Cities, over 600 young people are currently waiting to be matched with a mentor through Big Brothers Big Sisters Twin Cities (BBBS Twin Cities). In response to this urgent need, BBBS Twin Cities proudly announces the launch of the “Game Changers Twin Cities” initiative, uniting the collective power of influential leaders and changemakers to tackle key issues impacting youth today—from mental health to equity—by creating awareness, access, and opportunity through mentorship.
The inaugural group of Game Changers Twin Cities includes:
- Kiya Edwards: Big Sister, KARE11 News Reporter and Host of The Show with Kiya
- Harrison Smith: Safety with Minnesota Vikings
- DJ Taylor: Defender, Minnesota United FC
- Dayne St. Clair: Goalkeeper, Minnesota United FC
Through Big Brothers Big Sisters, Game Changers Twin Cities will provide a platform for diverse leaders with influential voices to share their experiences and expertise on the power of youth mentorship and further impact young people and their communities.
“Mentorship has the power to change lives, and we’re pumped that Big Sis Kiya, DJ, Dayne and Harrison have stepped up to the challenge of changing the game for youth in our community,” said Pat Sukhum, CEO of BBBS Twin Cities. “By sharing their stories, making connections, and creating unforgettable experiences for youth, our Game Changers are helping us bridge the mentorship gap and ensure that every young person has the opportunities they need to see and achieve their full potential.”
In alignment with the national Big Brothers Big Sisters of America Game Changers initiative, Game Changers Twin Cities will lend their voices and support to shift perceptions of mentorship and encourage more volunteers to get involved. Game Changers Twin Cities also represents an invitation for partners, BBBS alumni, and supporters to help spark countless mentoring moments that can make a big difference. Together, we can change the game for our youth! Visit bigstwincities.org/gamechangers to learn more about Game Changers Twin Cities.
For those interested in learning more about the Game Changers Twin Cities initiative or how to get involved, please contact Micaela Olson-Macgregor, Senior Director of Major & Planned Giving, at molson@bigstwincities.org or 651-789-2431.
About Big Brothers Big Sisters Twin Cities:
Big Brothers Big Sisters Twin Cities is the largest, oldest and award-winning youth mentoring organization in the greater Twin Cities serving Hennepin, Ramsey, Anoka and parts of Dakota and Washington counties. The mission of Big Brothers Big Sisters Twin Cities is to create and support mentoring relationships that ignite the power and promise of youth. Big Brothers Big Sisters Twin Cities matches over 2,000 youth and their families with caring adults who volunteer through a variety of one-on-one and group mentoring programs every year. Together with our Twin Cities community, we want every youth to have a mentor, be affirmed in who they are, and explore who they want to be! To get involved or learn more, visit: bigstwincities.org.
Media Contact:
Samreen Saadi
Director of Marketing & Communications
Big Brothers Big Sisters Twin Cities
ssaadi@bigstwincities.org
651-789-2412
