Executive Team
Gale S. Nelson
President & CEO
Gale Nelson, President & CEO of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Miami since 2018, leads organizational culture while driving donor and community engagement. Nelson emphasizes expanding programs beyond mentoring to include digital literacy, health, arts, academic enrichment, and career training to empower future leaders.
Rebekah Lanae Lengel
Chief Operating Officer
Rebekah Lanae Lengel, a proud Miami native, has spent over 20 years serving South Florida’s nonprofit community with a focus on strategic innovation, impactful change management, and organizational excellence.
Asim Pleas
Vice President of Programs
A Youngstown, Ohio native, Asim valued family, hard work, and education early on. Excelling academically and athletically, he earned a scholarship to The University of Illinois, becoming the first in his family to graduate college. In 2000, Asim began his career in Miami, working in mental health and special education.
Juileen Hewitt
Sr. Director of People and Culture
Juileen Hewitt, Senior Director of People and Culture at Big Brothers Big Sisters of Miami, leads strategic HR initiatives to foster a positive culture, enhance employee experience, and drive talent management across the organization.
Derek Wallace
Vice President, Development
A dedicated nonprofit leader, Derek is known for his strategic acumen, passion for the arts, and commitment to community. At BBBS Miami, he is responsible for individual fundraising and is committed to relationship cultivation and forging enduring partnerships within South Florida.
Development
Kyle Post-Etienne
Events Manager
Kyle has built a dynamic 25+ year career in the entertainment and hospitality industry dedicated to creating unforgettable experiences. Kyle is responsible for the planning and execution of all BBBS Miami events, and in his spare time bakes cookies.
Karla Rivera-Torres
Data and Research Manager
Karla joined BBBS Miami in 2023, bringing many years of research and data analysis experience to the organization. She manages the organization’s donor database and events systems, ensures data integrity and quality assurance, and collaborates with the Development and Finance departments.
Operations, Finance, & HR
Angel Carrillo
BuildingManager
Angel Carrillo has been maintaining the BBSM headquarters for 6 years. When not maintaining the Carnival Center for Excellence, Angel is a proud father of 2 daughters and 2 grandchildren. For his downtime on the weekends, he enjoys time with his family gardening, and fishing.
Chastitiy Mobley
Operations Coordinator
Chastity Aretha Mobley is a joyful and caring spirit, known for handling the small details that make a big impact on everyone who walks through our doors. A proud wife and mother of three boys, she serves as Operations Coordinator, overseeing day-to-day activities to ensure smooth operations.
Programs
Orlando Barrio
Intake Specialist
Orlando graduated from Florida International University with a bachelor’s degree in business administration and spent 10 years in the banking industry before joining BBBS in 2022. Orlando values the positive impact his work has on the lives of the children, families & volunteers he serves.
Sabrina Brutal
Programs Specialist
Sabrina joined BBBS Miami with a strong focus on community outreach and service. Leveraging her background in impactful roles, she is dedicated to driving positive change and fostering personal growth through compassionate and strategic initiatives.
Victoria Cruz
Victoria has eight years of experience in youth development and programming. Passionate about sports, she enjoys coaching and playing while empowering youth. As a Program Specialist at BBBS, she collaborates with Littles, schools, and employers to create impactful opportunities for growth and engagement.
Adriana Dalice
Program Specialist, Alumni Little
Adriana has experience in nonprofit and youth organizations, with a background in visual arts. At BBBS, she equips volunteers, children, and families with program knowledge and safety guidelines, and has successfully created strong matches, fostering long-lasting bonds and vital connections.
Cedric Dozier
Intake Specialist
Cedric is a U.S. Marine Corps Veteran with 20+ years of experience in helping adults and children develop their life skills. He is a proud Father of 3 children who attained both bachelor’s and master’s Degrees from major Florida Universities.
Vicky Garcia
Vicky is committed to supporting students throughout their academic journey, helping them navigate the challenges of college life with confidence. She works closely with each student, offering personalized guidance to improve academic performance, build essential life skills, and achieve long-term career success.
Symon Gooding
Program Coordinator
A Miami Gardens native, Symon has spent 10 years working with youth. She oversees school partnerships for BBBS Miami and Dade County. Passionate about fitness, she also enjoys quality time with her nephew and indulging in some shopping.
Vanessa Griffin
Sr. Program Manager
Vanessa Griffin, a Fort Myers native, moved to South Florida in 1982 to attend Florida Memorial University, where she joined Alpha Kappa Alpha. A wife and mother of three, she enjoys reading, music, and dancing. Vanessa has been passionately dedicated to the nonprofit sector since the late ’80s.
Marcia Hanna
Program Manager
Marcia joined BBBS Miami in 1999 and proudly dedicated over 25 years to BBBS Miami. As Program Manager, she is responsible for overseeing the Enrollment Team in making matches and enjoys going to the beach in her free time.
Vanessa Lopez
Program Director
Vanessa Lopez serves as the Director of Take Stock in Children at BBBS Miami, overseeing mentorship and scholarship programs for low-income students. With 16 years in youth development, she is dedicated to empowering students with the confidence and support they need to succeed.
Tamar Mennell
Scholarship and Impact Activity Manager
Tamar Mennell, a Saint Leo University Social Work graduate, grew up in a loving Jamaican family in Miami. She is now the Impact Activities and Scholarship Manager. A proud member of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, inc., she is driven by her passion for service, family, and creating meaningful connections.
Lauren Merrill
Director of Enrollment
Lauren Merrill, a proud Virginia Commonwealth University graduate, has spent her career working with youth. For 7 years, she’s worked at Big Brothers Big Sisters, now serving as Director of Enrollment. She leads a team that matches Bigs and Littles and is also a proud Big to her Little, Brianna.
Brandon Moran
Recruitment Manager
Born and raised in Miami, Florida, Brandon has worked in non-profit for 5 years, with a background in marketing from the University of Tampa. As a Belen Jesuit alumnus, the motto ‘Making Men for Others’ has been ingrained in him, and he strives to improve the lives of young people every day
