BQ30: "What's a kid worth?" - with Paul Lewis

Kevin Hohe speaks with Paul Lewis, Director of Customer Service and Community Engagement at Big Brothers Big Sisters of Metropolitan Chicago. Paul shares his journey from studying criminal justice to discovering his true calling in education and nonprofit work, ultimately dedicating his career to supporting underserved youth.

The conversation explores how Big Brothers Big Sisters transforms lives by matching children with mentors who provide guidance, stability, and hope. Paul explains what it takes to become a mentor, the challenges of recruiting volunteers, and why men are especially needed to step up for boys waiting on the list.

Kevin and Paul also dive into the economics of mentorship, examining the immense social and financial value of giving just a few hours a month to a child in need. They discuss the barriers potential mentors face, from time constraints to imposter syndrome, and how volunteering not only changes the life of a young person but also deeply impacts the mentor.

In this episode

• Paul’s path from criminal justice to nonprofit leadership

• The mission and measurable impact of Big Brothers Big Sisters

• Why hundreds of boys in Chicago are still waiting for mentors

• The real commitment required to be a Big and why it matters

• The economic and social value of mentorship compared to incarceration

• Breaking down the myths and pressures that keep people from volunteering

• How mentoring shapes legacy, purpose, and personal growth

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• Kevin Hohe | LinkedIn

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Produced by Pineapple Audio Production.

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