Big Brothers Big Sisters of America (BBBSA), the largest youth mentoring organisation in the US, has made two key appointments to its Justice, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (JEDI) Council to support its longstanding commitment to empower all young people. The two new members are the Ad Council’s Chief Equity Officer Elise James-DeCruise and the National Corn Growers Association’s CEO Jon Doggett.
James-DeCruise is an award-winning learning and development professional and Diversity, Equity & Inclusion practitioner. She has over 20 years of global experience in the marketing, strategy, design and delivery of programmes and experiences for clients, partners and industry professionals within the workforce, marketplace and community. As Chief Equity Officer of the Ad Council, a leading non-profit that uses the power of communications to drive social change, James-DeCruise oversees the organisation’s ongoing commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion; ultimately informing every aspect of the Ad Council’s mission, workplace culture and public-facing communications, as reported.
“I am thrilled to bring my expertise to Big Brothers Big Sisters of America as a new member of the JEDI Council,” said James-DeCruise. “The organisation’s commitment to providing a fulfilling and equitable experience for Bigs and Littles is commendable. I look forward to working with the JEDI Council to help Big Brothers Big Sisters examine and enhance its policies and practices to best support the communities they serve.”
EMPOWERING THE NATION’S YOUTH
Doggett brings a wealth of knowledge and public policy experience to the JEDI Council. Prior to becoming CEO of the National Corn Growers Association in 2018, Doggett served as the organisation’s executive vice president from 2014-2018. Prior to that he served as vice president of public policy for over 12 years; where he managed the organisation’s Washington, DC office and led its public policy efforts.
“I am beyond excited to join Big Brothers Big Sisters of America’s JEDI Council,” added Doggett. “The non-profit has an outstanding reputation; and I look forward to sharing my public policy experience to help the organisation be the most diverse, mission-driven, youth empowerment organisation in the country.”
CREATING EQUITABLE OUTCOMES
Founded in 2021, BBBSA’s JEDI Council supports the organisation’s long-standing commitment to empower all youth. The group, made up of business and non-profit leaders and experts, brings their expertise and compassion to BBBSA to cultivate strategies, curate concepts, and advise on JEDI issues; affecting young people, staff, volunteers, and communities across the country. The formation of this cohort is part of BBBSA’s responsibility to create a non-discriminatory and anti-racist approach to dismantle any inequities within its policies, systems, programmes and services; so all young people can experience a strong mentoring relationship in their lives.
“I am pleased to welcome Elise and Jon to Big Brothers Big Sisters’ JEDI Council. Their collective experience in public policy and diversity, equity and inclusion are welcome additions to the council,” commented Interim JEDI Council Co-Chair Jana Brown. “I look forward to working alongside them to create more equitable outcomes for the Big Brothers Big Sisters workforce, community and young people.”
“I am grateful to Elise and Jon for sharing their invaluable expertise with us and look forward to working with them as new members of the JEDI Council,” added BBBSA’s America President and CEO Artis Stevens. “With youth empowerment at the centre of all we do, BBBSA is committed to tailoring our approach to meet the diverse and evolving needs of the young people we serve. The JEDI Council helps us make sure that we continue to pursue our values of upholding justice, equity, diversity and inclusion.”
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