Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Central Blue Ridge Celebrates National Mentoring Month
Marc Paulo Guzman, Board Chair and Molly Jackson, Executive Director
New board leadership and a powerful match story spotlight the impact of mentorship.
CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA – Each January, Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Central Blue Ridge (BBBSCBR) celebrates National Mentoring Month, recognizing the life changing impact of mentorship and the power of consistent, caring relationships. This year, the organization is honoring the impact of mentoring across the greater Charlottesville area while welcoming new leadership and uplifting a long-standing Match that reflects what is possible when young people are supported.
Marc Paulo Guzman with Big B sign
As part of this year’s National Mentoring Month celebration, BBBSCBR proudly welcomes Marc Paulo Guzman, Professional Development Manager at McKinsey & Company, as its new Chair of the Board of Directors. Guzman brings a deep commitment to service, leadership and equity, and a personal belief in the power of mentorship to shape stronger futures for young people.
“At its core, mentorship is about showing up consistently and intentionally,” Guzman said. “Big Brothers Big Sisters gave me the opportunity to witness how small moments can create lasting impact. I am honored to serve as Board Chair and help expand access to mentorship for more young people in our community.”
The organization is also spotlighting the Match between Big (mentor) Marc Paulo Guzman and his Little (mentee), Jayson. They were matched when Jayson was just six years old and today, he is a junior in high school. Their relationship shows how consistent support, shared time, and genuine connection can make a lasting difference in a young person’s life.
Little Brother Jayson
"My Big Brother, Marc Paulo, has helped me grow so much as a person, and I wouldn't be the same without him. He's done so much for me throughout our Match and has been there for so many of my important milestones."
Throughout January, BBBSCBR will celebrate and recognize Bigs for their leadership volunteerism sharing Match stories across social media. The organization will highlight relationships at every stage, uplifting real moments that show the impact of mentorship on Bigs, Littles, and the community.
“We know that mentorship changes lives for young people and for the adults who step up to serve,” said Molly Jackson, Executive Director of BBBSCBR. “Right now, we need more caring adults willing to show up and be consistent. It truly takes little to be Big and the need has never been greater.”
Community members interested in becoming a Big can learn more by visiting www.blueridgebigs.org.
About Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Central Blue Ridge
Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Central Blue Ridge (BBBSCBR) was founded in 1980 and has served over 1,500 children in Central Virginia. The mission of BBBSCBR is to create and support one-to-one mentoring relationships that ignite the power and promise of youth. Our mentoring program helps build bridges and break down barriers by pairing one adult volunteer (Big) with one child (Little) and supporting each Big/Little Match at every stage.
For more information, visit www.blueridgebigs.org. For media inquiries, please contact Molly Jackson at mjackson@blueridgebigs.org or 434-244-0882.
###
