Empower Potential podcast

In this episode of the Empower Potential podcast, we sit down with Liam, a Big Brother and passionate BBBSBA ambassador. Liam’s story is one of incredible dedication—from navigating a nine-month period of zero contact with his Little Brother, Alan, to helping him now navigate the complexities of young adulthood.

Liam discusses the vital role of our program, including the Big Futures program which focuses on teaching life and professional skills to young adults. He also shares his "why" for volunteering and how the BBBSBA community helped him stay the course during the most difficult moments of his match.

🔗 Links & Resources:

Become a Big: volunteer.bayareabigs.org

Support the Next Generation: bbbsba.org/donate

About BBBSBA: Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Bay Area creates and supports one-to-one mentoring relationships that ignite the power and promise of youth.

#BBBSBA #EmpowerPotentialPod #BigFutures #mentorshipmatters #nonprofitpodcast

In this episode of the Empower Potential podcast, we sit down with Eugene, a Big Brother to Alvin and a featured story in our 2024 Impact Report. Eugene’s journey is a powerful testament to the longevity of BBBS, his story was so moving that it even sparked a reconnection with his own childhood Big Brother after years of silence.

Eugene discusses the "brotherly rapport" he has built with Alvin, the importance of being a Black male role model, and how his identity as a gay Black man helps expand Alvin's worldview. From competitive races to personal "Big Brother" advice on skincare, Eugene shows us that mentorship is found in the big moments and the small ones alike.

🔗 Links & Resources:

Become a Big: volunteer.bayareabigs.org

Support the Next Generation: bbbsba.org/donate

About BBBSBA: Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Bay Area creates and supports one-to-one mentoring relationships that ignite the power and promise of youth.

#BBBSBA #EmpowerPotentialPod #MentorshipCycle #Representation #LGBTQ #SuccessStory #nonprofitpodcast

In this episode of the Empower Potential podcast, we are joined by Tim, an incredible young leader who has been a Little in our program for eight years. Matched with his Big Brother, Jeremy, Tim navigated the social and academic hurdles of high school to eventually land at his dream school, USC.

Now studying political science and preparing for a career in law, Tim shares how Jeremy’s support helped him build social competence, push through the anxiety of college applications, and redefine his future. Tim’s story represents the heart of our mission: igniting the power and promise of youth.

🔗 Links & Resources:

• Enroll a Child or Become a Big: bayareabigs.org
• Support the Next Generation: bbbsba.org/donate

About BBBSBA: Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Bay Area creates and supports one-to-one mentoring relationships that ignite the power and promise of youth.

#BBBSBA #EmpowerPotentialPod #USC #FutureLeaders #nonprofitpodcast

In this episode of the Empower Potential podcast, we sit down with James Vossoughi, a long-time Big Brother to Zacary. Their 12-year match is a testament to the power of consistency, evolving from playground visits to helping Zacary navigate adulthood, bank accounts, and his first job.

James, a leader in affordable housing finance at JP Morgan Chase, discusses why Bay Area professionals have a duty to get involved and why we urgently need more male mentors to serve the boys currently on our waitlist.

🔗 Links & Resources:

• Become a Big: volunteer.bayareabigs.org
• Support our Mission: bbbsba.org/donate

About BBBSBA: Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Bay Area creates and supports one-to-one mentoring relationships that ignite the power and promise of youth.

#BBBSBA #EmpowerPotential #NonprofitPodcast #MaleMentorship

Mentorship isn't just about a one-to-one relationship; it’s about the ripple effect that relationship has on an entire community.

In this episode of the Empower Potential podcast, we sit down with Mary Jacob-Oviatt, Manager of Program Services - Quality at BBBSBA. Mary is a Bay Area native, a first-generation Filipina-American professional, and a first-time mom. She shares her journey of over 10 years with the agency and explains why the ripple effects of mentorship are the core of everything we do.

🔗 Links & Resources:

Become a Big in the Bay Area: bbbsba.org/mentor/

Donate to support more Matches: bbbsba.org/donate/

About BBBSBA: Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Bay Area creates and supports one-to-one mentoring relationships that ignite the power and promise of youth.

#BBBSBA #Mentorship #NonprofitPodcast #HumanConnection #BayAreaCommunity #EmpowerPotential

What does the "Future of Work" actually look like for the next generation of leaders?

In this episode of the Empower Potential podcast, we’re talking to Katie Fortunato, Co-Founder and EVP at Hire Innovations and President of The Onward & Upward Charitable Foundation. Katie is an expert in talent acquisition and a champion for women in leadership, with a background that spans from The Wall Street Journal to Hire Innovations.

Join us as we dive into Katie’s journey, the steps that led to her current role, and her advice for young people in today’s job market.

🔗 Links & Resources:

Become a Bay Area mentor: bbbsba.org/mentor.

Talent Market Index (as referenced in the episode): https://talivity.com/talent-market-index/january-2026

Follow Katie Fortunato, Hire Innovations, and Recruitics on LinkedIn: Katie Fortunato: https://www.linkedin.com/in/katieclarkfortunato/

Hire Innovations: https://www.linkedin.com/company/hireinnovations/posts/?feedView=all

About BBBSBA: Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Bay Area creates and supports one-to-one mentoring relationships that ignite the power and promise of youth.

#BBBSBA #Jobstream #FutureOfWork

What happens when you combine the power of a mentor with the practical tools of financial literacy? You get a young person ready to take on the world.

Welcome to the season premiere of the Empower Potential podcast by Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Bay Area!

In this episode: We are joined by Liz Reidel, National Director of the SIFMA Foundation. Liz oversees the Stock Market Game, a program that has taught millions of students the fundamentals of investing. But her advice goes far beyond the numbers. She shares her personal pivot from elementary education to finance and reveals why "networking" is just another word for "community."

🔗 Links & Resources:

Learn more about becoming a Mentor: https://www.bbbsba.org/mentor

Check out The Stock Market Game channel: @TheStockMarketGameProgram

About BBBSBA: Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Bay Area creates and supports one-to-one mentoring relationships that ignite the power and promise of youth.

#BBBSBA #SIFMA #NonprofitPodcast