Big Brothers Big Sisters of Miami’s Post

Today's Spotlight: Meet Asim Pleas, VP of Programs at Big Brothers Big Sisters of Miami! What do you love most about Miami? "Of course I love the weather and beaches the most, being a Midwest guy, I'll take the heat and ocean breeze all day." How do you like to spend your weekends? "We're a sports family, so most weekends are spent working out and at a sporting event for our kids, track, basketball, and football." Can you share something about yourself that would surprise most people? "I used to compete in hip hop and breakdance competitions when I was young." What's the best piece of advice you've ever received? "Even a dog has feelings, treat everything with respect. —my dad, Edward Pleas." What do you enjoy most about working for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Miami? "I enjoy working, figuring things out and winning for our children the most. I also enjoy working directly with Jerry. Our journey with athletics, being from the Midwest, fatherhood, and community work, makes what we do that much more special."

Twenty years ago, Myra Camino, an alumni BBBS Miami staff member, was matched with her Little Sister, Samantha. Over the years, their bond has only grown stronger. Samantha has since become a mother, naming her daughter after Myra, and has built her career in the insurance industry. Happy Match Anniversary! #BBBSMiami

This past weekend, our BBBS Miami youth had a fantastic time at Terron's back-to-school event at Target! With up to 50 youth, along with their guardians, Bigs, and BBBS Miami staff in attendance, the day was a BIG success. Each child received a backpack filled with school supplies, enjoyed a delicious lunch, and had the chance to hear inspiring words from Terron and his teammates. Thank you to everyone who made this event special and memorable for our incredible youth! #BBBSMiami #BBBSA #Target #BeBig #TerronArmstead #MiamiDolphins Gale Nelson Big Brothers Big Sisters of America

We're thrilled to partner with Target to provide back-to-school shopping events for the young people in our programs! Helping our Littles prepare for a successful school year and reach their full potential is what it's all about. #BBBSMiami #BackToSchool #Target #BeBig #TeamTarget Big Brothers Big Sisters of America Gale Nelson Jerry Calvert Rebekah Lanae Lengel Asim Pleas

We are incredibly grateful for our partnership with the Ocean Reef Community Foundation and are excited to extend the Big Brothers Big Sisters of Miami mentoring program to the City of Homestead. A BIG thank you for your continued support! Gale Nelson Asim Pleas Rebekah Lanae Lengel Joshua Prever Ben Gerber Laura Fernandez Juileen H. Lauren Merrill Sharane Knibbs-Rhone CBHCMS Jerry Calvert Wendy Cournoyer, MSHRM, SHRM-CP Zerry Ihekwaba, PhD, PE #BBBSMiami #CityofHomestead

Today's Spotlight: Meet Rebekah Lanae Lengel, Chief Operating Officer at Big Brothers Big Sisters of Miami! What do you love most about Miami? "As a Miami native, I’ve seen so many changes in this city over the years, both good and not so great, but Miami is singular in its access to opportunity. If you have great ideas and a willingness to work hard, you can make things happen here." How do you like to spend your weekends? "Full of laughter with the people I love." Can you share something about yourself that would surprise most people? "In 2006, I was a tour manager for a dance theater company for a month-long tour throughout Ecuador and Peru. In addition to performing, the tour was also a cultural exchange which allowed us to collaborate with local artists, participate in ceremonies at Incan temples in Peru and warrior trainings in hot springs in Ecuador." What's the best piece of advice you've ever received? "It’s rarely about you. It’s easy to internalize things or be hypersensitive to feedback, however, once you learn to step back from your own feelings, you are able understand that things are not as personal as they might feel, which allows you to move on and overcome challenging or uncomfortable situations more quickly." What do you enjoy most about working for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Miami? "I love having the opportunity to work with an organization that impacts this community so deeply, providing resources to young people that help them lead productive lives. I am so grateful to work alongside an incredibly passionate team of amazing people." #BBBSMiami

Introducing BBBS Miami Board Member, Baldwyn English! What do you love most about Miami? "Miami is different from any other part of this great state. The Caribbean flavor is vibrant, the weather is superb, and it’s a very diverse city of many cultures. Anything you want, you can find in Miami." How do you like to spend your weekends? "I generally attend church services, engage in volunteer activities, and spend time with my family. I really need to find more time to make it to the beach, though." Can you share something about yourself that would surprise most people? "A celebrity once brandished a gun toward me. It was in jest, and we laughed about it." What's the best piece of advice you've ever received? "It’s not all about the chase. A life of service to others is the greatest reward." What's been the most rewarding part of serving on the Big Brothers Big Sisters of Miami board? "I’m new, but participating in the scholarship giveaway event was very moving. That investment into the future of these young people is immeasurable." #BBBSMiami Florida Power & Light

We’re excited to announce the appointment of four dynamic leaders to key positions within the organization, strengthening our commitment to empowering youth through mentorship across Miami-Dade and the Florida Keys:   Christopher Williams, CPA, CFE, Chief Financial Officer Derek Wallace, Director of Development Kendra Yarbor, PhD, Director of Institutional Giving Kyle Post-Etienne, Events Manager   Welcome to the Big Brothers Big Sisters of Miami team! We’re thrilled to have you with us and look forward to your leadership and collaboration in advancing our mission. #BBBSMiami Gale Nelson

Congratulations to Jerry Calvert, Senior Program Director at Big Brothers Big Sisters of Miami, for being named one of Miami's 40 Under 40 Leaders of Today and Tomorrow for 2024 by Legacy Miami Magazine! These exceptional leaders are driven not only by success but by their commitment to impact and inspire their community. #BBBSMiami #mentorship #Miami Gale Nelson