At Big Brothers Big Sisters of Puget Sound, we believe that strong leadership helps create stronger futures for young people in our community. We are honored to welcome Mark Brown, Senior Vice President of Talent & Inclusion at Starbucks, to our Board of Directors.
Mark brings deep expertise in building inclusive, people-centered organizations. In his role at Starbucks, he leads global strategies across performance, talent development, learning, and talent acquisition, helping create meaningful growth opportunities for partners (employees) around the world. His work focuses on building talent as a true competitive advantage while fostering a culture of belonging.
Mark holds a BBA in Accounting from Sam Houston State University and enjoys traveling, exploring different cultures, and spending time near the water. (Fun fact: his go-to Starbucks drink is a classic grande Americano)
A Heart for Mentorship and Community
What makes Mark’s leadership especially meaningful to our mission is his deep belief in mentorship.
“I have been fortunate to have mentors and people who cared enough about me and my success, who helped me know that I matter. I want to do the same for others.”
Mark joins our Board with a clear purpose: to help ensure that every young person feels seen, supported, and valued.
Aligned with Our Mission
For Mark, mentorship is about more than guidance, it’s about presence, empathy, and growth.
“Mentorship is about being present, listening deeply, and ensuring people know they matter… ‘To ignite the promise of youth’ is to create space for exploration, learning, vulnerability, and even failure.”
His perspective reflects the heart of our work: creating meaningful, one-to-one relationships that empower youth to discover their potential and build confidence in who they are becoming.
Looking Ahead
We are excited to have Mark join a dedicated group of leaders who are committed to expanding access to mentorship across Puget Sound. His experience in talent, inclusion, and leadership development will help strengthen our impact as we continue to grow.
Please join us in welcoming Mark Brown to the Board of Directors.
💚 Want to make a difference? Become a mentor or support our mission at InspireBig.org/become-a-big or InspireBig.org/donate
