Meet Aka Denjongpa, a seasoned leader committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion, combined with a remarkable talent for problem-solving and fostering collaboration. Currently serving as the Director of Community Engagement and partnerships at Big Brothers Big Sisters of Eastern Massachusetts, Aka brings a wealth of experience and passion to the organization’s mission.
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Eastern Massachusetts is on a mission to partner with under-resourced families, providing their children with transformational one-to-one relationships with caring adult mentors. These relationships are professionally supported, ensuring children have the guidance and support they need to thrive.
Get involved and stay involved. If you want to impact your community, find what service work aligns with your skills and passions and commit for at least one year.
You have led DEI initiatives, developed diverse teams, and cultivated responsive partnerships throughout your career. Tell us about your career path and your current role.
I have been blessed with dynamic experiences that range from international development in Sikkim, where half my family hails from, to working as a high school administrator in Denver, Colorado. More recently, I got to work as the lead for STEM and Entrepreneurship at a large network in Colorado. My work in education inspired me and made me realize that schools need support in this increasingly complex social landscape. That is what brought me to Big Brothers Big Sisters of Eastern MA. Since I became the Director of Community Engagement and Partnerships, I’ve increased our program reach to communities like Revere, Lynn, Lowell, and Brockton. My current role allows me to work at the intersection of community and industry while engaging both in our programs to be mentees and mentors.
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Eastern Massachusetts’ mission is to partner with under-resourced families to provide their children with transformational, one-to-one, professionally supported relationships with caring adult mentors. How has your organization used skills-based volunteering to deliver on this mission?
We are a youth and community-centric organization that is both responsive and aware. We recognize that part of the challenge that youth face is getting excited about school and their future. We have the opportunity to open doors in their minds and windows in their hearts through experiences, panels, field trips, and human connections.
You recently engaged in skilled volunteering work with State Street. Tell us more about the project. What were your organization’s short-term and long-term wins due to this collaboration?
State Street and BBBSEM have an amazing history together, championed by people like Julia McCarthy. Recently, thanks to an invitation from State Street to a Flash Consulting event in partnership with Common Impact, we got a thorough insight into how BBBSEM can improve some of its recruiting processes to help potential mentors complete their applications. This included recommendations on language and strategy. All to improve our conversation rates above 25%. We have since implemented several of the recommendations.
What advice do you have for fellow nonprofit leaders considering engaging in skills-based volunteering but need clarification on whether it’s right for them?
The opportunity to tap into the minds and creativity of highly skilled volunteers is a huge benefit. Their insights have helped us better support the youth and communities we work with. We can offer them more opportunities to explore, discover, and learn from mentors. This has a huge impact, and their potential can be achieved. The extra help can benefit other organizations too.
What actions can corporate professionals, leaders, or philanthropists take to support and amplify the work of community-centered organizations?
Get involved and stay involved. If you want to impact your community, find what service work aligns with your skills and passions and commit for at least one year.
Consider supporting the Big Brothers Big Sisters of Eastern Massachusetts by donating, volunteering, or getting involved.