Missy Acosta is the VP, Brand Strategy at Delta Dental of Tennessee, a generous partner of BBBSMT. For five years Missy has invested her time, talent, treasure and leadership by serving on our Board of Directors. During her first year as our Board Chair, Missy guided us through the pandemic with wisdom, grace and stability. Now in her second year, she’s focusing our eye on executing innovative programming allowing us to stand behind and with our young people. Missy is a passionate advocate and champion for all kids, and the work of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Middle Tennessee to help create that crucial mentoring relationship for young people in our community.
How did you get involved with BBBSMT?
I started attending the Annual Breakfast around 2006 when I first started joined Delta Dental of Tennessee. I was a guest and occasional table host. Around that same time, I got to know Doug Halleen through the Kiwanis Club of Nashville. One year I marked on the card at the breakfast that I would be interested in volunteering, and Doug followed up to make sure I did just that! My first volunteering was being on the Franklin Wine Festival event committee. I was truly honored when Doug and Carlyle, the former CEO, asked me to be on the board. I would do just about anything for BBBSMT, including jumping off a building!
What does mentorship mean to you and why is it important?
My brother was six years older than me and our relationship was very different than that of most siblings. He helped me in so many ways, guiding me and giving me advice. He was also an advocate for me, a champion who believed in me, and my biggest cheerleader. All kids deserve to have that support. Big Brothers Big Sisters of Middle Tennessee helps create that same kind of relationship for youth in our community.
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve received from a mentor in your life?
When I was in college and struggling with what I wanted to do, my brother sent me a Mary Engelbreit card with the headline “Don’t Look Back” and showed a fork in the road. One road sign said “Your Life” with a child walking down that path, and the other sign said “No Longer an Option.” He was encouraging me to follow my dreams, get past the “what ifs” and live a life with no regrets.
If you could have a superpower, what would it be and why?
This may sound like an oxymoron, but I would love the superpower of super speed – the power to get more done more quickly so that I could have more time to fully relax and enjoy time with my family.
Thank you, Missy, for all that you do to help ignite the power and promise of youth in our community and your dedication to our agency and mission!
