Dana Alligood, a true advocate for youth mentorship and empowerment, will be honored with the 2023 “Big Champion” award, during the Big Brothers Big Sisters of San Diego County (BBBS of SDC) annual Gourmet Dinner, on October 5th, 2023. Alligood will be acknowledged for the remarkable impact she had during her tenure as the former BBBS of SDC Board Chair.
Dana Alligood recently retired after 27 remarkable years with Bank of America, most recently serving as Senior Vice President and the Global Commercial Banking Market Executive for Healthcare, Education, and Not-for-Profit in the West. She is also a former Big Sister and embodies the very essence of mentorship and the transformative power it holds for both Bigs and Littles in our program. Her remarkable journey of impact and influence will take center stage at the “Above & Beyond themed event, playing off the unique setting for the dinner, which will take place at the Air & Space Museum in Balboa Park.
The annual dinner promises to be an evening of inspiration, celebration, and a gathering that marks more than six decades of commitment to mentoring excellence. As the evening unfolds, guests will be treated to a cocktail hour and silent auction, setting the stage for an inspiring program. The evening’s lineup includes a curated dinner menu, a live auction, inspiring testimonials, and an after-party that promises to be as exhilarating as it is memorable.
Tina Rose, BBBS of SDC CEO & President, shared, “Dana’s exceptional dedication and passion for mentoring, along with her drive to advance Big Brothers Big Sisters proven programs despite the challenges of the pandemic, are just a few reasons she was selected as our 2023 ‘Big Champion’. Her personal experience as a mentor in college and throughout her career echoes the core ethos of BBBS of SDC – igniting the potential of young minds to become the next generation of leaders.”
Dana’s credentials, extending beyond the realm of mentorship, add a remarkable layer to her story. Honored as one of the most influential Top 50 Women in Finance by the San Diego Business Journal, Dana’s professional achievements are deeply intertwined with her dedication to community service. With a master’s degree in Business Administration and a track record of excellence as a top executive at Bank of America, Dana has brought a wealth of expertise and leadership to BBBS of SDC. Her steadfast commitment during challenging times laid the foundation for the organization’s resilience and post-pandemic success.
In Dana’s own words, “I am so grateful to be recognized by an organization I care so passionately about. This organization’s mission and impact in our local community is made clear by the countless inspiring relationships and lives changed, and I feel so lucky to get to be a small piece of making that happen.” Dana’s humility and gratitude encapsulate the spirit of BBBS of SDC – an organization that thrives on igniting potential, fostering relationships, and creating a positive impact on our youth.
The awards presented at this event carry an even more profound significance. In addition to the “Big Champion Award,” the 2023 “Courage Awards” will be bestowed upon a Little Brother and Little Sister in the program. These awards recognize their unwavering resilience in the face of adversity. They are living testaments to the power of mentorship – how it can nurture strength, determination, and the will to overcome challenges. These stories exemplify the impact that each mentor has on their mentee and vice versa, cultivating courage and fortitude that will shape their lives for years to come.
As the 61st Annual Gourmet Dinner draws near, we are all invited to partake in this celebration of unity, mentorship, and community transformation. Let us join hands with Big Brothers Big Sisters of San Diego County in recognizing Dana Alligood’s remarkable journey and the invaluable role that mentorship plays in shaping the leaders of tomorrow. This event is not just a celebration; it’s an invitation to be part of a movement that believes in the extraordinary potential of every child and the ability of mentorship to change lives, one connection at a time. Mark your calendars for October 5th, 2023, and be a part of something truly inspiring. Learn more at: Gourmet Dinner 2023 – Big Brothers Big Sisters San Diego (sdbigs.org).
