Behind the Scenes: Big Brothers Big Sisters’ Artis Stevens Shares How This Target Team-Up is Driving Big Change

Welcome, Artis! Tell us about your personal journey and what led you to lead Big Brothers Big Sisters.

I've spent the last 25 years of my career in youth empowerment. I see it as my ministry. My dad and granddad were preachers, and I always thought I'd follow in their footsteps. But my dad once told me, "Everyone has their own ministry in this world. You have to find yours." That advice guided me through life. Every step of my journey, whether being the first in my family to go to college or making career transitions, mentorship played a critical role. Three and a half years ago, I became the CEO of Big Brothers Big Sisters of America, and I'm proud to be the first Black CEO in the organization's 120-year history. But it's not about being the first - it's about breaking barriers so I won't be the last.

How does the partnership with Target align with BBBS's mission and goals?

We always start with partners, especially corporate partners like Target, who do so much in the community. Together, we use resources and scale to help transform lives at both a grassroots and larger level. The foundation of great partnerships is authenticity. We believe in the same things, so our values are already aligned.

What have Target and BBBS's back-to-school shopping programs meant to you and to the mentors and kids?

In these incredible back-to-school rallies we're seeing young people teamed up with their Bigs and with Target team members. That's the beauty of the relationship - it gives Target the chance to give back to communities and helps kids experience interacting with professionals while getting ready for the school year. We also get to tell the stories of how we're creating change in communities through our networks. These moments ensure every child has access to resources and opportunities that can change lives.

With so many challenges facing communities today, what role does mentorship play in creating change?

What we know is when mentors are at the table students are more likely to graduate, and they're more likely to avoid risky behaviors and substance abuse. They're more likely to be self-confident and have self-esteem. And if we do this right, then we change systems for the better.

How can the community get involved to support BBBS?

Right now, we have 30,000 young people on a waiting list. There are millions of young people not even on our waiting list, but just don't have access to a positive, sustained mentor in their lives. To help address that, we need more volunteers - more positive adults who want to be a part of young people's lives. We know the benefit isn't just for the young people, it's also for the volunteers.