After a widespread and thorough search process, the Board of Directors is confident Jane Marion will prove to be the right fit for the future of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Winnipeg.
“Jane’s extensive background in mentoring and passion for our programming position the Agency well to deliver on our mission, and the Board is excited to work alongside all the team and Jane’s leadership as we continue to provide our much-needed services,” said Board President, Mark Giesbrecht.
Jane Marion has worked within the Big Brothers Big Sisters organization for over 20 years, staring with the Winnipeg agency in 2001 as a caseworker. Jane quickly excelled in her role, later becoming the Managing Director of the United Mentoring Network and Director of Service Delivery. She would go on to work for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Canada as National Director of Program Innovation and Research, and most recently served as Interim Executive Director right here in Winnipeg.
“I am deeply honoured to have been selected as the permanent Executive Director by the Board of Directors. I truly believe in the work we do and our ability to connect youth and adults, to create solidarity, to unite across differences and make change for the better.” – Jane Marion, Executive Director.
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Winnipeg’s new Executive Director takes the lead despite the challenges of COVID-19. The agency has real concerns about the impact of long-term social isolation, making the direct link between increased mental health issues, the need for connection, and the pandemic.
“I am committed to ensuring that more youth have the relationships they need to thrive. I will continue to call on our community members to show up for youth and to listen to them. This all depends on more volunteers choosing to mentor, and more donors who understand the value of our professional staff in ensuring these relationships are supported by best practices.” – Marion.
Jane attributes much of her passion for mentoring to her own lived experiences as a neuroqueer person with a history of adversities and traumas. She has been steadily working on her education in Narrative Therapy and Community Work, runs a small art business, and is an avid ink enthusiast and painter.
