Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Rochester has appointed Dr. Ghislaine Radegonde-Eison as its new President and Chief Executive Officer. Dr. Radegonde-Eison brings nearly 25 years of experience in higher education, leadership, and community building to the organization.
Dr. Radegonde-Eison comes to Big Brothers Big Sisters after more than two decades at the University of Rochester, where she most recently served as Director in Alumni Relations and Constituent Engagement. In this role, she led a team in developing strategies for affinity networks, significantly enhancing engagement efforts among identity-based and historically underrepresented communities, including Black Alumni, First-Generation, LGBTQ+, and Latin/Hispanic Alumni networks. She also played a pivotal role in establishing what is now the Department of Black Studies at the University of Rochester and held a teaching appointment in the Department of Modern Languages and Cultures, where she mentored numerous students.
Dr. Radegonde-Eison currently serves as Chair of the Board of Trustees for the Young Women’s College Preparatory Charter School (YWCP). Under her leadership, YWCP received the 2024 Elevating Women Award from the Rochester Business Journal for its impactful efforts in supporting and empowering women in New York.
“I am honored to join Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Rochester and continue the vital work of supporting youth through meaningful mentoring relationships,” said Dr. Radegonde-Eison. “As a Big Sister myself, I have witnessed firsthand how mentorship transforms lives. I believe deeply in Kofi Annan’s words that ‘Knowledge is power. Knowledge shared is power multiplied. Mentoring is a way to share that knowledge.’”
In her new role, Dr. Radegonde-Eison will focus on empowering individuals, creating inclusive environments and building strong relationships across Greater Rochester’s diverse communities. She is committed to expanding the organization’s reach, building the volunteer base and deepening its impact on the youth and families it serves.
Upcoming Annual Gala Celebration
Dr. Radegonde-Eison joins Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Rochester in advance of the organization’s upcoming Annual Gala on April 11, 2025. The event, which serves as the organization’s most significant fundraiser of the year, will be held at Cobblestone Creek Country Club and features an address by keynote speaker, legendary Syracuse University Basketball Coach Jim Boeheim.
“We invite the Greater Rochester community to join us for an inspiring evening that will directly support the life-changing mentoring relationships we create for local youth,” said Gala Chair Paul Guglielmo. “We are excited to introduce Dr. Radegonde-Eison to so many of our partners, stakeholders and volunteers at our upcoming annual gala.”
The gala will feature dinner, auctions, testimonials from program participants and an inspiring presentation by Coach Boeheim. Tickets and sponsorship opportunities are available online.
For more information about Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Rochester, the upcoming gala, or to learn how to get involved, please visit BeABig.org.
Provided information and photo
