Empower Potential podcast

Empower Potential podcast

by Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Bay Area
Season 1
Full Circle Mentorship: Representation & Resilience with Eugene
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
From Little Brother to USC Student: Tim's 8-Year Mentorship Journey
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
Community Impact & The Need for Male Mentors
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
The Ripple Effects of Mentorship: 10 Years at BBBSBA
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
Making Hiring Human: The Future of Work
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
From Classroom to Boardroom: Financial Literacy & The Power of Mentorship
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