Stephanie has been a cornerstone of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Ottawa (BBBSO) since 2013, bringing unwavering dedication, compassion, and exceptional leadership to every role she has undertaken. Her journey is a testament to the incredible impact one person can have when they are deeply committed to fostering positive change. Through her years of service, Steph has not only enriched the lives of countless children, families, and mentors but also elevated the organization’s programs with her vision and tireless efforts. We are proud to share her story and the profound insights she has gained along the way.

“My journey with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Ottawa began in 2013, and it has been one of the most meaningful and fulfilling experiences of my life. I started as a Mentoring Coordinator, focusing on building and supporting mentor-mentee relationships. It was incredibly rewarding to witness the positive impact of these connections on both the children and their mentors. This role helped me develop valuable skills in coaching, problem-solving, and providing ongoing support to ensure relationships thrived, further solidifying my passion for this work.

I later transitioned into the role of Enrolment Coordinator, taking on a more hands-on role in the intake process. I connected with families, children, and prospective mentors at pivotal points in their journeys, conducting interviews, facilitating matches, and ensuring every new participant felt welcomed, valued, and set up for success. This role deepened my understanding of the unique needs of the families we serve and allowed me to strengthen my communication and organizational skills while fostering meaningful relationships.

Now, as I step into a leadership role, I am excited to support a talented team and contribute to the organization’s strategic goals. I take pride in collaborating with my team to ensure that the programs we offer are impactful, inclusive, and aligned with the needs of our community. Each step of this journey has been filled with opportunities for growth, learning, and making a tangible difference. It’s an honour to be part of an organization so deeply committed to supporting children and youth, and I am eager to continue contributing to its mission of creating brighter futures through mentorship.

One of my personal goals as Service Delivery Manager is to create an environment where my team feels supported, valued, and empowered to reach their full potential. I strive to be a mentor and leader who inspires confidence, encourages growth, and provides the tools and opportunities they need to thrive. By fostering open communication, offering constructive feedback, and celebrating achievements, I aim to build a culture of trust and collaboration.

It’s important to me that my team feels confident in their abilities and continually develops their skills, both professionally and personally. Their growth directly impacts the success of our programs and the positive outcomes for the children, families, and mentors we serve. I prioritize modelling the values and dedication that Big Brothers Big Sisters of Ottawa is known for, ensuring our high standards are not only maintained but continually elevated.

This goal is deeply personal because I believe that strong, supported teams are the foundation of meaningful change. By investing in the people I work with, I am investing in the future of our programs and the lives we touch, enabling us to extend our reach and create an even greater impact.

My greatest accomplishment at BBBSO has been fostering meaningful relationships with mentees, families, mentors, and colleagues, offering the support they need to thrive, whether their journeys are brief or long-term.

To me, mentorship means guidance through compassion and kindness.”

Stephanie’s dedication, compassion, and tireless work have made a lasting impact on BBBSO and the many lives she has touched. We are endlessly grateful for her contributions and leadership, which continue to inspire us all. As she steps into this new chapter, we are excited to see the incredible ideas and innovations she will bring to the organization’s future. Thank you, Stephanie, for your unwavering commitment to creating brighter futures—we can’t wait to see what you accomplish next!