Troy Rogers, co-founder of The Lighthouse Collective and Chattanooga’s director of public safety, was honored with the Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Chattanooga Chris Ramsey Mentoring Legacy Award. He was recognized during the 2nd Annual City of Potentials Awards Breakfast on Thursday, Aug. 23, at The Common House.
The Chris Ramsey Mentoring Legacy Award celebrates a community leader and Big Brother whose long-standing commitment to mentoring has impacted the lives of many, embodying the ideals that defined Chris Ramsey.
“Congratulations to the city of Chattanooga’s own Troy Rogers for receiving the 2023 Chris Ramsey Mentoring Award from Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Chattanooga,” said Mayor Tim Kelly. “Mentorship is one of the most effective strategies for reducing violence in our community, and I’m thrilled to see one of our well-deserving team members receive this honor.”
Rogers, a member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, has transformed the lives of countless individuals through his innovative approaches to building relationships and solving problems.
“Troy Rogers is a role model for all of us,” said Jessica Whately, CEO of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Chattanooga. “He is a passionate advocate for mentoring and for the young people in our community. He is a true champion of potential.”
Rogers’ nomination for the 2023 Chris Ramsey Mentoring Award described him as an individual who “has a knack for meeting people where they are, and he galvanizes support for initiatives, organizations, and coalitions–most of which he co-leads himself–in an effort to unearth and provide opportunities for many sensitive, local communities and for those with justice involved backgrounds. Rogers continues to empower self-worth and self-sufficiency within compromised neighborhoods in order to bring people up and out of poverty and to break the cycle of systemic socio-economic hardship.”
Other 2023 City of Potential Award recipients include:
Accelerating Potential Award – Percy Garcia-Rosell (United Way);
Excellence in Mentoring – Ken Jones (EPB);
Defenders of Potential – Mitch Collins, Chick-fil-A;
Big Brother and Little Brother of the Year – Todd Edwards and Camron;
Big Sister and Little Sister of the Year – Alyse Anderson and Autumn;
Big Couples Match of the Year – Sandra Neal and Jason and Haven.
The City of Potential Awards Breakfast raised more than $55,000 in support of BBBS’s mentoring programs.
The Lighthouse Collective provides mentoring and life-skill training for Chattanooga’s teens and young adults.
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Chattanooga, a leading youth mentoring organization, spotlights individuals and organizations that make a difference in our community through mentorship.
“At Big Brothers Big Sisters, we believe in the remarkable power of mentoring to unlock boundless potential,” said Whately. “We are thrilled to have celebrated the magic of mentorship at the City of Potential Awards Breakfast, honoring the incredible mentors who are shaping futures and creating a world of possibilities in Chattanooga.” To learn about mentorship opportunities at Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Chattanooga, call (423) 698-8016 or visit www.bbbschatt.org.