The Tampa Bay Chamber was honored to welcome Robyn Ostrem, CEO of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Tampa Bay, as the featured speaker at our recent Circle of Influence event. Just 11 weeks into her role, Robyn shared her inspiring career journey—from building programs at Big Brothers Big Sisters in Illinois to leading a YMCA turnaround that raised $18.2 million and tripled its facility size. Her path eventually brought her to Tampa Bay in 2019, where she served as Senior Vice President of Operations at the Tampa Metropolitan Area YMCA before coming full circle back to her passion for mentorship. Throughout her remarks, Robyn emphasized the transformative power of mentorship and reflected on the mentors who shaped her own leadership journey.
Robyn also opened up about a deeply personal chapter in her life—her breast cancer diagnosis in May 2024. As she approaches her final treatment on October 30 during Breast Cancer Awareness Month, she urged attendees to prioritize regular mammograms and self-checks, noting that her abnormal mammogram came just five months after a normal one. This experience deepened her appreciation for asking for help, giving without expectation, and supporting others through silent health struggles. Her vulnerability and resilience resonated powerfully with the audience, reinforcing the importance of community and compassion in both personal and professional life.
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Tampa Bay serves nine counties with 65 employees and a $6.2 million annual budget, making it the fifth largest BBBS agency in the nation. Currently, 1,000 children across the region are waiting for a "Big" to mentor them, and the organization runs 21 School-to-Workplace programs that provide hands-on learning opportunities. Robyn encouraged attendees to volunteer or recruit others who can, reminding us that becoming a Big requires just 10 hours per month and can involve activities as simple as hiking, baking, or attending a sports game. Her message was clear: mentorship changes lives, and it takes a village to fulfill this mission. Thank you, Robyn, for your inspiring leadership and for reminding us of the profound impact we can have when we give our time and support to others.
Learn more or sign up to “Be a Big” today: https://bbbstampabay.org/be-a-big/
