Today we’d like to introduce you to Jennifer Spitler
Hi Jennifer, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
I’ve always believed in the power of connection. Growing up, I was fortunate to have people in my life who believed in me and showed me what was possible, and that’s shaped my entire journey. For nearly 25 years, I’ve poured my heart into Big Brothers Big Sisters because I know firsthand the impact a caring adult can have on a young person’s life.
At Big Brothers Big Sisters of Southeast Michigan, we work with youth who face higher risk factors—whether it’s living in poverty, being in a single-parent household, or just lacking opportunities that others might take for granted. Our goal is simple but life-changing: to help young people stay on a positive path, graduate high school, and step into careers and futures they might not have dreamed of otherwise.
One of the most rewarding parts of my role is seeing the transformations that happen when we match a young person with a mentor. I’ve heard countless stories of kids who, because of their Big (adult mentor), found the confidence to try out for a sports team, join student council, or even pursue a career they never thought possible. These relationships don’t just change the lives of the Littles (child mentee)—they change the lives of the Bigs too.
What keeps me up at night, though, is knowing that over 200 kids in our area are still waiting for a Big Brother or Big Sister. That’s why I’m calling on anyone who has ever thought about giving back to step up. Being a mentor isn’t about being perfect; it’s about showing up. You don’t need all the answers—you just need to be there.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
One of the hardest parts of my work at Big Brothers Big Sisters of Southeast Michigan is knowing how many kids are waiting for a mentor. Right now, over 200 young people are on our waitlist, and it breaks my heart. I know what having a Big Brother or Big Sister can do for a child—it’s not just about spending time together; it’s about having someone in your corner who believes in you and helps you see your potential. Every time I hear a story of a Little gaining confidence or achieving something they didn’t think was possible, it motivates me to keep pushing for more volunteers to step up.
I’ve also encountered the challenge of shifting people’s perspectives about mentoring. So many adults think they don’t have the time, or they feel like they need to have their lives perfectly figured out before they can be a mentor. But that’s not true. What kids need isn’t perfection—they need someone who shows up and cares. I’ve seen mentors who were nervous at first discover how much fun and fulfillment they get from simply spending time with their Littles. Seeing those relationships grow reminds me why I do what I do.
Another ongoing challenge is finding the resources to sustain and grow our programs. The cost of training and supporting mentors, as well as providing meaningful experiences for the kids, is significant. We want to serve more young people, but we also have to make sure every match gets the attention and guidance they need. Balancing that is no easy task, but it’s a responsibility I take seriously because these kids deserve our best.
Finally, one of the biggest challenges we face is helping to break the cycles of poverty and limited opportunity. Our work is about more than just helping a child graduate high school or choose a career—it’s about creating a ripple effect. When a young person succeeds, they don’t just change their own life; they inspire their family, their community, and future generations. That’s why I’ve dedicated nearly 25 years of my life to this mission. It’s not easy work, but every single success story reminds me that it’s worth it.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
President and CEO, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Southeast Michigan
Alright so before we go can you talk to us a bit about how people can work with you, collaborate with you or support you?
Our mission at Big Brothers Big Sisters of Southeast Michigan is deeply personal to me: igniting the potential of young people. Over the years, I’ve come to realize that this mission is far too big to achieve alone—it’s through collaboration with individuals, community groups, and corporate partners that we create meaningful change.
Here in Washtenaw County and Southeast Michigan, I’ve seen firsthand the incredible impact of these partnerships. One memorable example was watching our Littles visit a local construction site in Detroit for a day of hands-on STEM activities. It was amazing to see our children’s curiosity ignite as they explored blueprints, experimented with tools, and learned how math and science come to life in real-world settings. For many of them, it was the first time they saw careers in construction, engineering, and design as something they could aspire to.
Partnerships like this inspire me because they don’t just provide a fun day—they plant seeds of possibility. These experiences give young people confidence and a sense of belonging. They help our Littles dream bigger and believe in themselves.
Another incredible collaboration happened when one of our corporate partners brought mentors and mentees together for a career exploration day. The volunteers shared stories about their own journeys and taught practical skills like resume writing and interview prep, all while showing our Littles what’s possible when you pursue your passions.
For me, these partnerships are more than just collaborations—they are lifelines for our youth. They prove what’s possible when a community comes together with a shared commitment to lift up the next generation. Every shared effort, every creative event, every moment of connection helps move us closer to ensuring that every child has the support they need to thrive. I’m so proud to be a part of this mission, and I’m endlessly grateful for the people and organizations who join us in creating brighter futures.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://bbbssoutheastmi.org/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bbbssoutheastmi/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bbbssoutheastmi
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennifer-spitler-5210547/
- Twitter: https://x.com/bbbssoutheastmi/status/1849436777288769734?prefetchTimestamp=1737485914741&mx=2
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RpKWjPKgEO4
- Other: https://bloomfieldtwp.org/vod/2024-shows/about-you/about-you-jennifer-spitler-of-big-brothers-big-sisters/
