From the President and CEO
Dear friends,
This time last year, I wrote an OpEd that was published in the Boston Herald. In it I put forth the idea that 2017 was the year of the woman; and, I wrote with conviction and hope: "Let's make 2018 the year for all women." To do this, we needed to elevate a diverse array of voices, put the impact and importance of representation at the forefront, and foster a community of women supporting women.
Throughout the year, the women and girls of Big Sister Boston felt empowered to speak up, speak out, and be heard. In February, our
Diversity Board
did a week-long takeover of Big Sister's social media platforms and posted about everything from the Black Panther movie and the world of Wakanda to inspirational quotes from women of color. In March,
Big and Little Sisters and the staff who support their relationships
rocked the runway in our Project Role Model fashion show
. June brought with it the first-ever
all woman slate of chefs
who made our Celebrity Chef dinner at Benedetto
a delight with their culinary skills and lively panel discussion. In the second half of the year, two of our staff members who are also mentees in the New Girls Network
were encouraged by their mentors to
apply for promotions in management positions
within our organization. Both women are now leading in those positions. And in October, we
hired former Little Sister Elizabeth,
who is now a junior in college majoring in Communications, as our marketing intern. Rounding out the year in November, ten women from among our s
taff, Diversity Board, New Girls Network, Little Sister Board, and Young Professional Board
stood on stage in front of more than 400 people and asked for donations in support of our work.
So, was 2018 the year for all women? It sure seemed like it at Big Sister. We hope that we started a trend that will continue to ripple out into our community in 2019.
Wishing you a time for rest, reflection, and much joy.
With gratitude,
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Brightening the Holidays for Little Sisters and Their Families
Each year we help bring some extra joy to our Little Sisters and their families during the holidays. Our community generously donates new winter coats, toys, and gift cards to families who need a little extra support during the season of giving. Our teen Little Sisters and their Big Sisters get in on the holiday spirit, too, by spending a day wrapping all the gifts!
This year's gift and coat deliveries, made by our staff, brought smiles, hugs, and tears of joy. Little Sister Tyshay, 17, who has been matched since 2015 said: "You've made me and my family's Christmas season the best we have had!" Tarica, mother of Little Sister Phyls who has been matched since 2013, sent us a note expressing her gratitude:
Thank you for providing for my family this year during this holiday. It is deeply appreciated. And I would like to thank you for providing my daughter Phyls with her wonderful Big Sister Ivonne. She has helped my daughter try new things and has helped her grow as a person... Thank you for the support.
Big thanks to all who participated in this year's winter coat drive and holiday giving program! Together, we helped make the season bright for more than 350 Little Sisters and families. Thank you!
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Grant Award:
Bank of America is Invested in Girls
This month we were proud to receive a $15,000 grant from the Bank of America Charitable Foundation. Bank of America is committed to giving in communities like ours in order to advance local economies and create positive change. This critical funding will allow us to make at least six new Big and Little Sister relationships in our Greater Boston service area and provide professional support to ensure the longevity and impact of those relationships.
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Spreading Love and Joy at Lovejoy Wharf
On December 5, more than 150 local Bostonians and real estate brokers joined Lovejoy Wharf and Boston magazine for a "Holiday Stroll." Amid the evening's festivities, which included tours of the new Lovejoy Wharf property and culinary delights from local restaurants, guests had the opportunity to give in support our mentoring and enrichment programs for Greater Boston's girls. Big thanks to TCC, Related Beal, and Boston Magazine for inviting Big Sister to be their charitable partner for the event and helping to raise $2,800 to spread some love and joy among the Big Sister Boston community!
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Mark Your (2019!) Calendar
Upcoming Big Sister Boston events you don't want to miss.
New Girls Network
January 30, 2019
5:30 PM
PricewaterhouseCoopers, Boston
The New Girls Network Class of 2019 will kick-off at PricewaterhouseCoopers and is sponsored by the Women's Foundation of Boston. Current and former Big Sisters are invited to attend for a chance to be matched with a seasoned woman professional in a mentoring relationship that will foster your personal and professional development throughout the year. If you would like to attend the kick-off event for the class of 2019, please email Kasey Olson at
kolson@bigsister.org.
Project Role Model Fashion Show
March 27, 2019
6:00 PM
Fairmont Copley Plaza, Boston
Notable Bostonians join Big and Little Sisters on the runway for an event that will inspire more than your wardrobe! Join us for a fun, fresh, and fashion-forward fundraiser in support of Big Sister Boston's mentoring and enrichment programs for girls. Stay tuned for event details and featured models to be announced.
Tickets on sale in January. For sponsorship information, please contact Ann Eggleston at aeggleston@bigsister.org.
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Need space?
Big Sister has a large, fully furnished
conference room
that can be rented for hourly or daily rates. Please contact our Senior Administrative Specialist, Deborah Pless, at 617.236.8060 for more information.
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