Congratulations to Regions Bank’s Dwyalyn Kyser for being named Big Sister of the Year by Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Birmingham.
Who
Dwyalyn Kyser, Enterprise Data Services manager
What
Big Brothers Big Sisters is the nation’s largest donor- and volunteer-supported mentoring network. BBBS makes meaningful, monitored matches between adult volunteers (“Bigs”) and children (“Littles”), ages 6 through 18, in communities across the country. Each year, BBBS Greater Birmingham honors an outstanding Big Brother/Little Brother and Big Sister/Little Sister who demonstrate how a mentoring relationship helps Littles achieve their full potential while making a lasting impact on the Big.
Why
Kyser has been a Big Sister for 17 years and has had three little sisters in Birmingham. Her first little sister is now a psychologist at Johns Hopkins University and her second little is a hair stylist. Kyser and her current little sister, who just started her junior year of high school, have been together for six years. They meet in person twice a month and communicate through the week via text and social media.
In her own words
“Volunteerism has been a part of my life for as long as I can remember. It was instilled in me that everyone has a part to play in the success of our community. I realized that working with young people was my passion. Discovering Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Birmingham and leaning into their framework and support model allowed me to focus on what I do best: positively influence young ladies.”
Meet Dwyalyn in the video below.
If you’re looking for a volunteer opportunity and enjoy working with youth, Big Brothers Big Sisters of America has networks throughout the country and needs dedicated mentors.
According to Kyser, “there are approximately 100 children on the waitlist for a Big [in Birmingham]. If you are considering becoming a Big, make sure that you are in it for the long haul! The kids deserve someone who is committed and consistent. They need a trusted adult to help navigate them through middle and high school. They need encouragement and love! As much as the kids benefit, you will benefit more, knowing that you helped user them into the next stage of their life!”
