In the vibrant heart of Twin Cities, Mario Bradshaw stands as a pillar of empathy and empowerment. As the Senior Community Engagement Coordinator at Big Brothers Big Sisters (BBBS) of Twin Cities, Mario’s story resonates deeply with those who understand the power of mentorship in transforming lives.
Mario’s journey began in a single-parent household, where he learned firsthand the value of resilience and compassion. “My mom and my sister… they’re my biggest champions,” Mario shares warmly while in an interview on popular KFAI radio show The Conversation With Al McFarlane. “They really raised me… so I had them growing up, which was beautiful.” This foundation of support instilled in him a profound desire to give back to his community.
His path led him to work in group homes for youth with traumatic brain injuries, and later into the realm of special education. Reflecting on these experiences, Mario shares, “Working with youth, different emotional behavior disorders, whether it was anything on the spectrum of autism… I got experience in a lot of realms, tied back to my education as well.” It was through these experiences that Mario discovered his passion for empowering individuals with diverse needs.
When Mario found his way to BBBS Twin Cities, he knew he had found a home where his commitment to inclusivity and support could flourish. “I felt like I can be genuinely myself representing the communities, listen to youth, listen to parents and guardians,” he says earnestly. At BBBS, Mario found a platform to make a tangible difference in the lives of young people.
As the heartbeat of BBBS Twin Cities, Mario tirelessly advocates for the importance of positive role models in young people’s lives. “Mentors can just be somebody who’s positive, somebody who’s going to be there and be consistent,” he emphasizes, his belief unwavering. It’s this belief that drives Mario to recruit volunteers who will serve as mentors and positive influences for the youth in the program.
To those who may hesitate to volunteer, Mario extends a heartfelt invitation. “We’re in the middle of a campaign right now, the big recruit trying to bring in volunteers to be positive role models for the youth in the Twin Cities,” he explains passionately. “It’s a great way to give back, be part of the community, and experience new things with youth and within the community.” He emphasizes that no prior mentorship experience is necessary—just a willingness to be present and make a difference.
In Mario Bradshaw, we find not just a coordinator, but a compassionate advocate and mentor—a role model whose personal journey exemplifies the transformative power of mentorship. His story serves as an inspiration to all who believe in the importance of empathy, inclusivity, and community support.
Join Mario and the BBBS Twin Cities family in creating a brighter, more inclusive future for our youth. BBBS Twin Cities has been serving the community for over 100 years. – It is a nonprofit organization relying on donations, partnerships, and volunteers. – The organization has around 55 staff members dedicated to its mission. – BBBS Twin Cities serves approximately 2,600 youth across five different counties in the metro area. Programs include traditional one-to-one community-based matching, site-based mentoring, and free arts programs. To find out how to volunteer, head to bigstwincities.org/volunteer to find out more or see their campaigns and to join their program.
