Kenya Meon
bbbsatl.org
(Black PR Wire) ATLANTA — This December, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Metro Atlanta (BBBSMA) teamed up with TAG-Ed, WrightNow Solutions, and HYPE to launch our first Big Futures Summit for Teens and Families at Slalom in Midtown, Atlanta. This empowering event was designed to center youth voice and provide a safe platform for healthy communication. 167 diverse attendees from all walks of life (including kids, caregivers, and community partners) were able to engage in panel discussions with various subject matter experts, participate in future focussed workshops, and network with community professionals in order to prepare for a choice-filled future.
The panel discussion was a great opportunity for participants to gain insight into the experiences and perspectives of individuals from various backgrounds with a wealth of knowledge ranging from military service and entrepreneurship to mental health advocacy and public service. We highlight those remarkable panelists who emphasized the diverse ways in which success can be achieved as follows:
- Military Combat Vet: James Askew
- Entrepreneurs: Christopher and Jabez Jenkins
- LCSW: Rhea Hill
- Ga State Rep: Park Cannon
- CERM Rep: Charlene Smart
- State Farm Rep: Trolena Smith
- Firewoman: Cherish Richardson
- Student, Philanthropist, Advocate: Taylor Richardson
Those in attendance were also equipped with essential resources to succeed in multiple areas with the chance to participate in three dynamic workshops —
- Navigating Scholarships/College Applications led by Rhea Hill.
- Choosing a Career Path led by CERM Representative Charlene Smart.
- Creating an Elevator Pitch with Matt Gonsalves.
The Big Future's Summit provided us with the perfect opportunity to inspire our high school Littles to think BIG and set ambitious goals for themselves all with no compromise to some fun — $100 and $50 gift cards along with autographed books were also given away! It was the perfect way to close out our 2023 calendar of events while creating a space for them to explore endless possibilities and feel empowered to chase their dreams!
BBBSMA extends a huge THANK YOU to:
Our dedicated and incredibly hardworking Big Futures Team for their crucial role in coordinating and ensuring the success of the event.
Our partners, WNS, TAG-ed, and HYPE, who focused on mental health and hosted additional panels and workshops.
Keynote speaker, Shanti Das, for adding an inspiring touch to the event, sharing valuable insights on mental health and well-being.
As well as Microsoft, J.E Dunn, Cerm, Cisco, Statefarm, and BVC Advisors whose generous contributions to the Big Future’s Summit positively impacted young individuals in Metro Atlanta.
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Metro Atlanta’s one-to-one mentoring programs work with volunteers, parents, and families to help create relationships that defend, inspire, and empower the potential that lives within every kid.