Five Questions With: Katje Afonseca

In February Katje Afonseca was promoted from director of development to executive director of Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Ocean State. / COURTESY LORI VINER
In February Katje Afonseca was promoted from director of development to executive director of Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Ocean State. / COURTESY LORI VINER

In February Katje Afonseca was promoted from director of development to executive director of Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Ocean State. She is the organization’s youngest-ever executive director in its 50-year history. A former marketing intern with BBBSOS, Afonseca is a member of the Big Brothers Big Sisters of America National Leadership Council’s Fund Development Committee. The North Providence resident is a 2003 Johnson & Wales University graduate.

PBN: What are your philanthropic goals as the newly appointed executive director of Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Ocean State?
AFONSECA:
Prior to becoming executive director, I served as the organization’s director of development and was responsible for fundraising. Having come from this role, I have a unique perspective on our philanthropic goals. I believe every employee, at every level, must be engaged in the philanthropic aspects of the organization. Our philanthropic goals include strengthening our endowment fund, diversifying our revenue streams and becoming the charity of choice when donors consider contributing to a local nonprofit.

PBN: What do you think are the greatest hurdles faced by BBBSOS to these philanthropic efforts?
AFONSECA:
As with most nonprofits in Rhode Island, a key hurdle in fundraising is that the market is saturated with nonprofits seeking funding. Additionally, many companies are turning away from special-event sponsorships, which currently bring in one-third of our fundraising dollars.

PBN: How do you plan to tackle these challenges?
AFONSECA:
Our greatest strength is our board of directors. We are fortunate to have a group of people who are dedicated to our mission and work hard to support the work we do for children in the state. We are able to tap into our board’s talent and networks to support the organization’s fundraising goals. Our Development Committee is consistently evaluating our fundraising goals and operations, which includes finding ways to engage those companies who would prefer not to sponsor a special event.

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PBN: Why is it important for BBBSOS to incorporate area businesses in its philanthropic goals?
AFONSECA:
Our mission is to supply the youth of Rhode Island with mentors who will motivate and empower them to make positive decisions, improve academic results, avoid risky behaviors and grow in a way that will positively impact our community. In order to accomplish our mission, we must build strong relationships with local businesses, government and education. The vast majority of our philanthropic support comes from local businesses. We have also learned that a local relationship can turn into something much larger through our partnership with Alex and Ani, which has become a national-level relationship with Big Brothers Big Sisters of America, impacting thousands of children across the country.

PBN: How can businesses play a larger role mentoring youth who are enrolled in BBBSOS programs?
AFONSECA:
In 2015, through a grant from the Amgen Foundation, we developed a new program model known as Beyond School Walls. Through this program, local students are transported to Amgen for on-site mentoring with Amgen employees. The pilot year was a tremendous success, serving 20 children and receiving incredible feedback from Amgen employees. Our vision is to expand the BSW model with local businesses, and we need partnerships in order to do this. The model is ideal for the mentor who can volunteer and make an impact during the workday, for the child who can gain access to a local workplace and professional who can inspire them, and for the business who is providing a perk to its employees while bringing the community in.

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