Eagle Times Staff
BRATTLEBORO, Vt. — Big Brothers Big Sisters of Vermont (BBBSVT) has been providing youth with mentors for almost 50 years in Vermont and BBBS mentoring is nationally recognized as the premier youth empowerment mentoring organization for 120 years.
“The need for mentors in our communities has never been greater and continues to be exacerbated by the pandemic, ongoing mental health crisis and growing income gap,” said Stacy Kramer, CEO, BBBSVT. “All youth have potential; the capacity of a caring and supportive adult to inspire that potential is profound.”
BBBSVT is introducing two new team members to support the mission of BBBSVT, which is to create and support mentoring relationships that ignite the power and promise of youth.
BBBSVT welcomes new board member, Joe Pugliese, Business Development Manager for Morgan Stanley in Colchester, Vermont; Pugliese also serves as the COO for the Northern States (ME, VT & NH) Diversity & Inclusion Council and Women in Wealth Chapter; and gives back to his community by coordinating “The Trotting of the Turkeys” every November on behalf of Feeding Champlain Valley (formerly Feeding Chittenden) to help raise awareness and funding for their Holidays without Hunger Campaign.
BBBSVT welcomes new development director, Karen Henry. Henry was a high school teacher and coach for 26 years. She has experience being on selectboards and chairs and has been at the cornerstone of major fundraising campaigns and events over the last 20 years. She lives in Brattleboro with her husband and two kids. She was also born and raised in Vermont and attended the University of Vermont where she received her MAT — while also playing on the softball team.
“I am excited to be a part of BBBS! Knowing my work will have a direct impact on the communities of Vermont is both motivating and rewarding. I look forward to being a part of this incredible organization,” said Henry.
“We are excited to see our board of directors grow and continue the work we have been doing with BBBS of New Hampshire to expand our evidenced-based mentoring,” explained Susan Schmitt, president of the VT Board of Directors, “I am certain that Joe and Karen will add energy and expertise to the organization,” Schmitt said.
To learn more about BBBS mentoring, visit bbbsvt.org
