Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Cleveland staff and board posing outdoors in front of a branded backdrop, smiling and wearing matching event T-shirts

ABOUT US

WHAT WE DO HERE IN OUR COMMUNITY

BIG BROTHERS BIG SISTERS OF GREATER CLEVELAND

We foster mentoring relationships that help youth navigate life's challenges, build relationships, develop self-confidence, and generally become happier, stronger individuals.

OUR PROGRAMS

A Big and Little sitting indoors, one in a maroon shirt and one in a white sweater, with a plant in the background

COMMUNITY BIG MENTORING


Matched adult volunteers (Bigs) and youths (Littles) meet every month and do fun activities in the community together.

SERVICE 01
A Big and Little in aprons stand beside a large pot of yellow stew in a kitchen

BIG FUTURES


Career mentorship exploration to help youth envision life after high school.

SERVICE 03
School-based Big volunteer and Little smiling in front of a whiteboard, holding books in a classroom
A Big and Little holding fishing rods by a pond, one smiling in a brown jacket and one in a gray tracksuit.

BIG FOR A DAY


Adult volunteers (Bigs) engage one-time to do a fun BBBS hosted activity with a youth (Little) on our waitlist.

SERVICE 02
Black rocket icon with circular motion arcs around it.

MISSION

To create and support one-to-one mentoring relationships that ignite the power and promise of youth.

Black-and-white target icon with sparkles and a small speech bubble

VISION

That all youth achieve their full potential.

Three people standing between two open hands in black silhouette.

CULTURE

Child well-being and safety is our paramount goal

and prevailing culture.

Child well-being and safety is our paramount goal and prevailing culture.

Black semicircle rainbow arch logo on a white background

OUR VALUES

We believe when every young person should have access to a positive mentor. This transforms their lives for the better - empowering them with a stronger sense of belonging and the opportunity to achieve their full potential.


Black car key icon on white background

ACCESSIBILITY

Provide access to positive mentorship for every young person who needs us.

Two black hands forming a heart shape on a white background

BELONGING

Create a community that fosters connection.

Black hand holding a glowing key with light rays above

OPPORTUNITY

Empower young people to learn, lead and grow.

JESSICA PAYNE, PRESIDENT & CEO

Jessica Payne, President & CEO of BBBS of Greater Cleveland in a white cardigan and green top against a gray background

Jessica's career in nonprofit leadership began after graduating from Case Western Reserve University in 2008 with a BA in English. She initially coordinated leadership development and grants at BVU before moving to Illinois to manage staff, programs, and volunteers for Big Brothers Big Sisters (BBBS) at the University of Illinois and a developmental disability organization. Returning to Cleveland in 2012, she spent six years at Junior Achievement of Greater Cleveland, advancing to Development & Operations Director. In that role, she oversaw operations, grant writing, budget forecasting, corporate giving, and board stewardship for a $1.1M organization serving 50,000 students annually.


Jessica stepped into the role in 2019 of President & CEO at Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Cleveland to lead an organizational turnaround following severe budget shortfalls and staff turnover. A former Little Sister herself who remains close with her Big Sister of over 30 years, she has spent eight years driving significant growth, expanding community impact, and navigating pandemic-era recruitment challenges. Alongside her executive role, she serves as Treasurer of the BBBS of Ohio State Association, is a Cleveland Bridge Builders Class of 2023 graduate, and leads local educational initiatives as Chairperson of the Euclid Public Schools Alumni Association and Grants Committee Chair of the Euclid Schools Foundation.


Contact Jessica



Watch Jessica's interview on WKYC


STAFF

Da’Jah Crawford, Enrollment & Match Support Specialist | Contact Da’Jah


Mary Mercer, Match Support Specialist | Contact Mary


Cherlyn Mitchell, Volunteer Enrollment Coordinator | Contact Cher


Emily Rybarczyk, Compliance Coordinator | Contact Emily

Clarissa Miguel, Program Director | Contact Clarissa


Morgan Smith, Development Manager | Contact Morgan‍         ‍


Naomi Torres, Volunteer Engagement Coordinator | Contact Naomi   ‍



Alyse Worthy, Family Engagement Specialist | Contact Alyse

BOARD OF DIRECTORS


EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE


Conor McLaughlin, Chair
 Partner, Thompson Hine
 
 Ed Frindt, Past Chair
 CEO, IGM Resins (Retired)
 
 Pat Gannon
 Information Security Senior Manager, KeyBank
 
 Adam Pajakowski
 Partner, Crowe LLP


BOARD MEMBERS


Leila Austin
Associate Director, Talent Team, Ernst & Young


Liz Croll
Principal Value Consultant, SAS Institute Inc.


DeMaka Davis
Project Manager, Cleveland Clinic


Heather Day
General Manager, Agency Sales & Distribution, Progressive


Jason DiMarco
President & Founder, Northern Star AI


Jason Farro
CEO, Lighthouse Insurance Group


Chuck Cooke

Managing Director, ExpressLink


David Keller
President & CEO, Keller National


Nitra Rucker
Director, Diversity, Equity & Inclusion, US Olympic & Paralympic Committee


Barry Sanders
Managing Partner, McChrystal Group


Harlan Sands
Professor, Cleveland State University College of Law


Trent Schulz
Client Advisor, Northern Trust

Ryan Zapolski
Development Director, Smile Train


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