Ashley Beggs Seiler Named Big Brothers Big Sisters Staff of the Year

Ashley Beggs Seiler, center, is presented with the 2016 Big Staff of the Year Award for her work at Big Brothers Big Sisters of Eastern Missouri (BBBSEMO). Left is Darryl Jones, Chairman of the BBBSEMO Board of Directors. On far right is Becky James-Hatter, BBBSEMO President and CEO.

January marks National Mentoring Month and Big Brothers Big Sisters of Eastern Missouri (BBBSEMO) used this annual campaign as its backdrop for a special celebration. The agency presented a portion of its annual awards at an event Jan. 20, at the St. Louis Club, at which time Ashley Beggs Seiler, Executive Director of the Cape Girardeau office of Big Brothers Big Sisters, was presented with the Big Staff of the Year Award.

The Big Staff of the Year honor, highlights an employee who exemplifies the agency’s core values and who stands out as one who not simply accomplishes her work, but consistently exceeds expectations. BBBSEMO President and CEO Becky James- Hatter, added, “For 13 years I have watched in awe how Ashley Beggs Seiler has worked; determined to do a great job for the great kids of Cape Girardeau. I extend my heartfelt thanks to a truly dedicated leader.”

Seiler has been an employee in the agency’s Cape Girardeau office for 13 years. Beginning as a Project Manager in 2003, Seiler hit the ground running, demonstrating the leadership, innovative spirit and compassionate heart that led the way to her being named Executive Director in two short years. Her tireless efforts have contributed to the regional office’s ability to serve 350 children in quality one-on-one mentoring relationships every year. Seiler played, and continues to play, a key role in the enhancement and expansion of ABCToday. Seiler also volunteers as a Big Sister.

“My journey at Big Brothers Big Sisters has been an unbelievable one,” Seiler shared, adding, “When I began 13 years ago, I could never have imagined the wonderful opportunities that this agency has afforded me in working within the Cape Girardeau community.”

Seiler added her appreciation to the many people who have welcomed her into their lives, supported the agency’s mission, and worked alongside her throughout her tenure at Big Brothers Big Sisters. “The relationships developed with community leaders, volunteers, staff and most importantly families and children impacted by our services have given me so much more than I could ever return,” Seiler said.

Other honorees at the National Mentoring Month celebration included Al Snyder, Big Brother of the Year; Becky Bromberg, Big Sister of the Year; Metal Exchange Corporation, Corporate Partner of the Year; and The Magic House, Community Partner of the Year.

The celebration will continue on April 10 when the agency honors the successes of its Little Brothers and Little Sisters with additional awards at The Big Event.

This is the 15th year for National Mentoring Month, a campaign aimed at expanding quality mentoring opportunities to connect more of our community’s young people with caring adults.

There is a powerful mentoring effect demonstrated by research and the experiences of young people who are connected to a mentor in real life. Mentoring is linked to improved academic, social and economic prospects for young people that ultimately leads to a strengthened community.

About Big Brothers Big Sisters of Eastern Missouri

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Eastern Missouri was founded in 1914 as one of the “charter” agencies of the Big Brothers Big Sisters national movement. Through our 4:1+1® model, young people are surrounded by caring and supportive adults to inspire them and show them anything is possible. The organization currently provides services to children and families in St. Louis City, St. Louis County, St. Charles County, Jefferson County, Cape Girardeau County and Scott County. Big Brothers Big Sisters of Eastern Missouri is a proud member of the United Way. For more information, please contact Mary Jane Daum by email at mdaum@bbbsemo.org or by phone at (314) 615-1094, or visit www.bbbsemo.org.