Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Eastern Shore (BBBSES) encourages all girls and women to be SHEroes! With support from the Women’s Fund by the Community Foundation of the Eastern Shore, BBBSES is empowering women and girls throughout Maryland’s Eastern Shore and beyond to be Strong, Helpful, Encouraging, Reassuring, and One -of-a-kind. The organization has called upon local female community leaders and members to share their inspirational stories and encouraging thoughts as SHEroes to inspire girls and women to become community leaders, advocates, mentors, and future SHEroes.
BBBSES encourages everyone to share these words of wisdom with every special girl and woman in your life to inspire every female to become a SHEro of her own story. According to local SHEro, Sharon Morris of First Shore Federal, “There’s a young girl who stands in need of your exceptional care. Be the present that makes her presence exceptional. The strength of strangers, the sacrifice of philanthropy, and the evidence that you make a difference is the most humbling of all experiences. “
As a mentoring based nonprofit, BBBSES recognizes the importance mentoring has on future generations of Sheroes. Agency partner, Erica Joseph, President of Community Foundation of the Eastern Shore, shared her own journey to become a SHEro. Erica stated, “Strong women and mentoring have guided me through every phase of my life – to encourage me, challenge me, and inspire me to grow and help others.” Further communicating the necessity for role models and mentors, BBBSES Board President, Sally Rankin, offered an inspirational message for girls and women to, “Remember that you are blessed with unique gifts and talents. Find a respected role model to help you grow into the woman you were designed to be.” Sonya Whited, community leader, shared her inspirational message, declaring, “You have the power to achieve your goal and be what you want to be. That power includes the strength within yourself plus often the willing help and encouragement of others.“
Carrie-Ann Barrow, Founder and Executive Coach for Scaling Strategies and Author of The Queen’s Decree, outlined three important pointers for girls and women to be a Queen and SHEro of their own story. Barrow commented, “ One, know what is most important to you, do the work, and ask yourself, ‘what is important to me?’ Be really clear of your core values, narrow it down to five, remind yourself what they are at all times.” Barrow continued, “Two, don’t let obstacles get you down. Diamonds are refined over time; they don’t start as sparkling jewels. You are that diamond; you are that work in progress. So, every time life throws something at you, you have another challenge you can overcome. Think of that challenge as a jewel that you have refined, put it in your crown and wear that stuff proudly. Every obstacle and challenge is a lesson you are learning, and it will make you better in the long run. “ Barrow’s continued, the third pointer is to, “Surround yourself with people who lift you up. Surround yourself with people who bring out the best in you…. Find your tribe…Find your royal court. Look for your mentors and the people who bring you along, that shine your crown and then do the same for them.“
It is important for every girl and woman to lift up themselves and others. In the words of Dr. Samantha Scott, Founder of One Year to Empowerment, “Respect other people and understand that they may be going through different things and experiencing life in different ways…build one another up” and encourages women to, “empower yourself and others to do new things and do things that make you feel good about yourself…allowing you to step out of your comfort zone, try something new, and accept when you make a mistake”.
These SHEroes have shared their own stories and experiences to instill a sense of belief and self-worth, shaping girls into confident and honorable young women. These exceptional women amplify their impact and inspire others to join the mission of empowering the next generation. Together, BBBSES and women of Maryland’s Eastern Shore will form a powerful network of support and mentorship, fostering a sense of unity and strength among women in the community.
Join BBBSES through its SHEro journey by liking and following the campaign through the agency’s Facebook @BBBSES, Instagram @shorebigs, Twitter @ESBigs, and TikTok @esbigs. To become a SHEro mentor or to join the campaign and submit your own inspirational message for BBBSES to share, please email info@shorebiglittle.org.
