Prof. Spencer Joins Rep. Ayanna Pressley at Big Sister Roundtable Event
Professor Renée Spencer of BU School of Social Work (BUSSW) participated in a recent roundtable discussion to celebrate new funding secured by Massachusetts Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley for the Big Sister Association (BSA) of Greater Boston. The discussion focused on how the funding will provide much needed support for Big Sister’s one-on-one mentorship and enrichment programs.
As a youth mentorship expert with longstanding ties to the Big Sister Association, Prof. Spencer spoke about the importance of investing in BSA’s programs which she says are now more essential than ever as girls deal with social disconnect caused by the pandemic.
Spencer says the recent funding is vital to the organization and allows it to continue to offer girls support, connection, encouragement and companionship, “all of which are sorely needed.”
Spencer and Rep. Pressley were joined at the roundtable by Annissa Essaibi George, president and CEO of BSA Boston; Charmain Jackman, founder of InnoPsych; Sarita Thomas, principal of the William Monroe Trotter K-6 School; the 2022 Big Sister of the Year, Holly Durso; and BSA Boston administrative leaders Mai Roberts and Ylva Duke.
Renée Spencer, PhD, is a professor and chair of the Human Behavior, Research and Policy Department at BUSSW. She is a member of the research advisory council for the Big Brothers Big Sisters of America and was recognized as a Big Sister Boston honoree in 2021.
Watch the roundtable recording here.