This summer, Big Sister Boston welcomed our Junior Advisory Board members into our workplace. Together they learned and grew through financial literacy workshops, career exposure opportunities at local companies, team-building and training, and developing a strategic plan to grow participation, community, and fundraising through activities. They presented their strategic plan to our Leadership Team this week and blew us away with their well-thought out work and professionalism! Get to know some of the members of the Junior Advisory Board, a paid leadership development opportunity, through the bios they wrote for themselves below.
Jasmine, President
I am a 17 year-old rising senior at Boston Latin Academy, who is very interested in biomedical engineering. I do a lot of extracurricular activities in and out of school. In school I am a student ambassador, captain of a dance team, and on the varsity basketball team. Outside of school I am on the Mayor’s Youth Council, and President of Big Sister’s Junior Advisory Board.
“I’ve learned what it takes to be a community, and how to be professional and take up space, especially as a woman in this world. I’ve learned how to be confident, work with people I’ve just met, and how to work as a team. Big Sister is very community-based—there’s always someone in the office to answer questions, offer advice, and be kind. We’re all women and girls so we have that as a common factor.”
Valeria, Vice President
I am a rising senior at the Dr. William W. Henderson Inclusion School. I hold a leadership position as Vice President on Big Sister’s Junior Advisory Board. I bring new perspectives to my leadership position and have learned ways I can best communicate with my team. I have also worked with other non-profits such as Chica Project whose mission is to empower young women and set them up for success within the career path they choose. I want to pursue a career as a child life specialist to bring some of my shared experiences to connect with youth that were or are in similar circumstances as myself.
“Through the Junior Advisory Board I’ve learned skills such as networking, professionalism, how to present myself to people within Big Sister and externally. I’ve learned administrative work that has added to what I’ve learned in previous internships. I’ve also learned how to work with the other girls to overcome differences and build a closer relationship. It’s so different from the beginning when we were all a bit more shy and just getting to know each other.”
Betty, Secretary
I am 15 years old and a rising sophomore at Boston Latin Academy. I selected Boston Latin Academy for my high school because of the diversity and rigorous courses the school has to offer. I am currently involved in volunteering at Boston Cares, a non-profit organization focused on helping the Greater Boston area, working at the Kumon Institute of Education, a learning center focused on helping students with mathematics and reading, and I am a Boston Latin Academy Student Ambassador. I’m also involved in the Boston Latin Academy Orchestra and Big Sister’s High School Mentoring Academy. I am the Secretary on the Junior Advisory Board.
“What I’ve learned is that anything is possible, you just need the courage and correct mindset to do what you want to do. My experience at Big Sister has been great because all the staff and Junior Advisory Board were kind and supportive, which made it a nice place to be.”
Tiffany, Treasurer
I’m 16 years old and am a rising junior at Boston Latin Academy. I did volunteering for the Boston Public Library over the school year and joined Big Sister’s Junior Advisory Board as a treasurer this summer. I am also in my school’s visual arts club and do swimming in my free time. I’m currently interested in interior design and medical technology.
Angel, Communications & Community Specialist
I’m a 15 year old rising sophomore at Boston Latin Academy. I’ve been going to BLA since the 7th grade and I’ve recently gravitated towards one of their dance teams. Dance has always been something that I’ve enjoyed doing and one of my captains who I didn’t know at the time actually convinced me to try out, which is where it officially started. I also have many friends there, as I enjoy socializing. I’m part of Big Sister’s Junior Advisory Board team as a Communications & Community Specialist where I handle creating events and sharing them around on Big Sister’s social media.
“My experience has been great overall. It has expanded my skills such as public speaking, team-building, and overall job experience. I feel like I have more experience now and more sense of responsibility.”
Shannon, Communications & Community Specialist
I’m 17 years old and a rising senior at Boston Latin Academy. I am a student ambassador for my school, and also participate in the Mock Trial team and fiber arts club. After high school my plan is to go to law school and eventually work in criminal law. I volunteer with Big Sister because I like working with and helping kids, but also because of their message and what they’re doing. I’ve been a part of the High School Mentoring Academy for three years before joining the Junior Advisory Board. I currently serve as one of the Board’s Communications & Community Specialist. In my free time I’ll probably be reading or doing something crafty.
“I learned more about the behind-the-scenes of running an organization and what that is like. I liked being here this summer to connect with the other Junior Advisory Board members and get their perspectives on Big Sister and find out what they’re doing in their lives.”
