Leading with Heart: A Conversation with Board Chair Tara

Meet Tara Amiri, our sitting Board Chair. We sat down with Tara to ask her a few questions about her commitment to our organization. Here’s what we found out.  

When Tara Amiri speaks about Big Sisters, her passion is unmistakable. As Board Chair, she brings not only leadership and vision, but a deep, personal commitment to the transformative power of mentorship. For Tara, Big Sisters is more than an organization—it’s a movement that uplifts girls and gender-diverse youth, helping them discover their strength, voice, and potential.  

Her dedication is rooted in lived experience, a belief in community, and a drive to make a meaningful impact for future generations. 

Big Sisters: Tell us about your connection to Big Sisters. 

Tara: Big Sisters is an incredible organization because it creates meaningful, one-to-one and group mentoring relationships that empower young girls and gender-diverse youth to thrive. By fostering confidence, resilience, and a sense of belonging, Big Sisters helps youth navigate life’s challenges with the support of a trusted role model. Their commitment to inclusion, community, and sustained support makes them a powerful force for positive change. 

I’m deeply committed to Big Sisters because I believe in the transformative power of mentorship—especially for girls and gender-diverse youth who may not always see themselves reflected in leadership, media, or even their own communities. In my life, I have benefited immensely from mentorship. Now as a mother of a young girl myself I understand even more how mentorship can change the trajectory of a life.  

As a Board member, I see firsthand how this organization changes lives, not just in the lives of the Littles, but in the mentors, families, and broader community.   

Big Sisters: What does mentorship mean to you? 

Tara: Mentorship is a two-way relationship built on trust. To me, mentorship is about helping someone think critically, challenge their assumptions, and uncover their own path forward. It’s a chance to normalize doubt, provide encouragement and share lessons learned.  

For me it is also a way of giving back and sharing the opportunities, insights, and support that others have generously given me. 

Big Sisters: How do you see mentorship shaping the lives of girls and gender-diverse youth today? 

Tara: As a board member, I see mentorship as a vital investment in the well-being and future of girls and gender-diverse youth. It’s not just about individual support—it’s about creating systemic change by ensuring young people have access to trusted role models who affirm their identities, nurture their strengths, and help them navigate life with confidence.  

In today’s world, where many youths face complex social pressures and barriers to opportunity, mentorship offers a powerful counterbalance: it strengthens identity, nurtures independence, and opens doors to leadership and growth. 

At the board level, I’m proud to help shape the vision and sustainability of an organization that prioritizes equity, inclusion, and long-term impact. We’re not only supporting youth—we’re helping to build stronger, more compassionate communities. Mentorship is one of the most effective ways to create enduring progress, and I’m honoured to be part of a team that champions that every day. 

Big Sisters: What is your vision for the future of Big Sisters as Board Chair? 

Tara: As Board Chair, my vision for the future of Big Sisters is to deepen our impact by expanding our reach, ensuring that every girl and gender-diverse youth who needs a mentor has access to one and ensuring that the organization is supported by our entire wider community with the help of our partners.  

Together, with its amazing executive team, its dedicated staff, volunteers, and the community, we will continue to create a future where every young person feels seen, supported, and empowered to thrive. 

Big Sisters: What’s one message you’d like to share? 

Tara: Big Sisters is such an important organization. They represent a deep commitment to equity, empowerment, and community impact. As a member of the Board, I recognize that our programs are lifeline for many girls and gender-diverse youth who are navigating complex challenges.  

The work Big Sisters does helps Littles gain new skills, adapt to new and old environments with confidence, and embrace their identity, all of which are foundational to a young person’s success and well-being. Big Sisters is more than an organization, it’s a movement of hope, connection, and possibility.  

That’s why it matters so deeply to me and why I hope more people will join us in making sure every young person has the support they deserve. 

Become a Mentor this Big Brothers Big Sisters Month

This Big Brothers Big Sisters Month, you can be the spark that helps a young person discover their strength, find their voice, and know they are never alone.

Learn more about volunteering opportunities and how you can get involved here:
https://www.bigsisters.bc.ca/become-a-volunteer-mentor/

Support Big Sisters mentorship programs here.