– “Mentorship doesn’t just change their life, it changes yours, too!” –
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Westchester & Putnam (BBBSWP) continues to highlight the inspiring stories of its volunteers, namely Bigs (mentors), with The Big Deal initiative launched in January 2025. This month, the organization is recognizing Yonkers resident, Puja Budhram. Ms. Budhram, Co-Founder at Learnfull Tech Academy, has been a Big to her Little V.G. since January 2003.
“Becoming a Big has been on my radar for quite some time before I joined,” said Budhram. “I don’t have children of my own, but I’ve always felt a deep desire to pour into a young person’s life in a meaningful way. Having mentored people in my professional life, I knew the power of guidance and consistency, and Big Brothers Big Sisters felt like the natural next step. I wanted to be someone my Little could truly count on and grow with. I couldn’t be more grateful that the program matched me with V.G.”
Ms. Budhram said that she and V.G. are all about food! Time spent together can include sharing a plate of fries at the local diner, splitting spring rolls at their favorite Asian spot or enjoying a slice of cake from one of the many bakeries that they love to explore. When the weather’s nice, they go to Starbucks and enjoy a walk.
“Mentorship has opened my eyes to the world through a different lens,” adds Budhram. “It’s given me a powerful way to connect with the younger generation and better understand the challenges they face today. Being a great mentor is about presence. It’s about showing up, listening, and finding genuine ways to connect. Sometimes, all they really need is someone to listen without judgement. And when the time is right, your guidance can help them navigate the challenges they face with a little more confidence.”
Ms. Budhram added that being a Big is extremely fulfilling and is one of the most unique connections that a person will make. You don’t need special skills or a ton of free time, you just need a willingness to show up consistently, listen, and care. The impact you make might feel small in the moment but over time, those moments add up to something incredibly meaningful. There are so many Littles in need of a Big. You’ll be surprised by how much your Little will teach you!
“We applaud Puja for being a dedicated Big and a positive role model to V.G. We’re proud to recognize her as our sixth Big Deal honoree,” said Ann Ellsworth, CEO of BBBSWP. “We are deeply grateful to our Bigs who make such a huge impact in the lives of our Littles. In Yonkers, many Littles are still waiting to be matched. If you’re considering becoming a Big, we encourage you to reach out – we’d love to share more about how you can get involved.”
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Westchester & Putnam is dedicated to creating and supporting one-to-one mentoring relationships that ignite the potential in children and change lives. Through various programs designed to meet the needs of the community, the organization aims to build brighter futures for children and empower them to achieve success.
For more information about Big Brothers Big Sisters of Westchester & Putnam or to apply to become a Big/Enroll a Child, please visit bigswestchester.org or call 914-937-3779.
