BBBSNVC events are organized and directed by our council officers. Council officers serve a one year term which typically begins and ends on the date of our annual council picnic.

The 2009-10 council officers are:

Pat Hoar - President

Pat Hoar was matched with his Little Brother, Tavon, in the spring of 2004.  Tavon and Pat still enjoy throwing the football around today as much as they did during their first outing together which brought them to the Mall in D.C.  And Tavon’s eyes continue to roll every time Pat asks about school as soon as he sits in the passenger seat of Pat’s car.  Pat became President of Novabigs in the fall of 2005 and continues in that role this year.

Pat was taught about the importance of volunteering by his mother early on in life.  He has been volunteering since high school for various organizations, but believes that Big Brothers Big Sisters one-to-one mentoring program offers the most valuable and rewarding volunteering experience.

As an aerospace engineer, Pat has always been a dreamer and looks forward to offering opportunities to help shape the dreams of our community’s youth through his involvement in Novabigs.  Pat resides in Arlington and can often be found running or biking (with or without Tavon) along the D.C. area’s great trail system.

Suparna Paul-Mohapatra – Treasurer

Bio coming soon!

Jamila Baraka – Orientation Chair

Shortly after relocating to Northern Virginia in 2009, Jamila was introduced to her amazing Little Sister, Elaine. At first glance these ladies couldn’t be more different, but in fact they both shared a love for classical instruments, cool hats, baking, and have begun to discover many new and exciting experiences together.
Looking at our own past must only be a means of understanding more clearly what and who we are so that we can more wisely build the future.  A Navy Veteran and community activist, volunteerism has always been an important part of Jamila’s life. She hopes to have a positive impact on others; giving them the courage to overcome challenges, build success, and transfer that same knowledge on to generations to come.
Jamila is an Institutional Researcher at the Africa Center for Strategic Studies.  Prior to that, Ms. Baraka worked as a Faculty Advisor at the Congressional Youth Leadership Council, coordinated government affairs at a national civil rights advocacy organization and as a Legislative Analyst for United States Central Command. Jamila served on active duty in the United States Navy until 2006. Ms. Baraka is a graduate of the Center for Naval Cryptology and holds three certificates in Peacekeeping Operations and Global Terrorism from the United Nations Institute for Training and Research. She is currently pursuing her Ph.d in Conflict Resolution, where she hopes to study the impact of sociolinguistics as an element of stability and conflict.  

Kate Butt Thomasson - Vice President

Bio coming soon!

Meredith Tombros-Jaeckel – Outreach Chair

Meredith has been matched with my Emilia for two and a half years.  Emilia is currently 11 and just started middle school.  She is a terrific kid and while being a Big can be challenging at times, it is also wonderfully rewarding for Meredith.  Her relationship with Emilia is very special and she has become a big part of Meredith’s life.  In addition, it amazes and delights her to see the connection Emilia has made with Meredith’s friends and family.  Having their support throughout the relationship has been terrific for her and Emilia.

The council has been a wonderful support to me.  While each match has a unique relationship, it is wonderful to know other Bigs and talk with them about the challenges and the joys of being a Big Sister.  In addition, the council has provided Emilia and Meredith with some amazing experiences; opportunities we never would have had on our own.  Meredith is glad to have the opportunity to serve on the council and connect with other Bigs.

Meredith lives in Arlington and works in Washington, DC as a school social worker.

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