May Highlights: Graduates, Growth & Gratitude

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In This Newsletter:

• Stay Connected With BSLS

• A Note from our Founder:

• What We’ve Been Up To:

• Upcoming Events:

• Don’t Forget:

About | Donate | Get Involved

A Note from our Founder:

May moves us — in more ways than one. From watching our graduates take bold steps into their next chapter, to deepening our impact around mental health, and of raising our voices for those still finding theirs, this month we stand behind and up for Mental Health Awareness Month and Better Speech and Language Month.

At BSLS, we don’t just mentor; we support, advocate, and build spaces where future global changemakers feel seen and heard. From our financial literacy series with Bank of America to our upcoming Career Readiness webinar, Mental Health series, Nurturing Confident Communicators workshop what we’re growing isn’t just programming; it’s legacy that reminds us why our work matters.

Thank you for standing with us and being part of what’s next.

Keep blooming and know we’re rooting for you,

Aneisha Hughes
Founder & CEO, Big Sister Little Sister Mentoring Program

What We’ve Been Up To:

From coast to coast, BSLS members, alumni, and volunteers have been showing up with purpose.

This spring, we raised over $6,100 in just four days through our national fundraiser—thanks to 133 generous supporters and our top 4 chapter fundraising leaders were members from Clark Atlanta University, University of Florida, University of South Florida, and Southern University. While we celebrate this win, it’s important to note: BSLS retains 50% of the proceeds, and we’re still actively fundraising to support our National Leadership Conference & Gala in Orlando, FL this September.

At FSU, members initiated their annual environmental beach cleanup, protecting both wildlife and preserving our coastlines. In Texas, our 11th Annual Community Fair brought joy and connection to local families with free face painting, community resources, food and kid-friendly fun not to mention Mayor John Whitmire and Chief Police Officer, our local firefighters and amazing community partners. Thanks to Free Wheels Houston, children also received bike, helmet, and lock donations to promote wellness and mobility. Beauty’s Community Garden who contributed free gardening classes, fruit trees and vegetable plants for families. Houston SPCA who donated 70 camp critter spots and educated our community not only on pet adoptions, but animal care.

We also launched Part I of our Better Money Habits webinar, with Bank of America delivering real-world financial tips to empower our youth and supporters alike.

And this? This is just a glimpse of the movement we are making nationally!

Upcoming Events:

In April for Financial Literacy Month, BSLS hosted Part 1 of our Financial Literacy Series in partnership with Bank of America, led by the phenomenal Telebah Woods, SVP of National Strategic Relationships. We tackled debt, savings, negotiating, credit, and building generational wealth; empowering attendees with tools and resources alongside a certificate of completion.

Next Up:
Part 2 – "Better Money Management: Budgeting for the Future"
Coming May 14th at 5:30PM ET | RSVP Free Today

The Professional Purple Playbook: How to Show Up, Speak Up, and Follow Through
Join us for an empowering career readiness session designed to help you elevate your professional presence, communicate with confidence, and make lasting impressions in any setting. The Professional Purple Playbook will guide attendees through:

• Corporate Hygiene 101: Mastering your look, digital footprint, and office etiquette

• Crafting Your Elevator Pitch: Telling your story with clarity and impact

• Confidence in Conversations: From interviews to networking, learn how to close strong and follow up with intention

Led by Alexis Brown, VP of Marketing and Operations at Wasserman, along with a special guest, this session is ideal for students, recent grads, and emerging professionals ready to level up in addition to anyone who need a refresher. RSVP Free Now

Don’t Forget:

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