College of Public Health

CPH Staff Member Recognized for Volunteer Mentorship by Big Brothers Big Sisters of Lone Star

March 24, 2025 • News

By Maya McMillian

Allie Farris, a Public Health Project Coordinator at UNTHSC’s College of Public Health (CPH), was recognized by Big Brothers Big Sisters of Lone Star for her steady mentorship since 2023.

In her role with UNTHSC, Allie primarily organizes off-campus events in collaboration with CPH faculty to address public health needs in the community. She previously coordinated two MD Anderson-funded initiatives related to increasing HPV vaccination among adolescents and is now coordinating a type II diabetes prevention project under the Community Engagement Alliance (CEAL). To address health disparities related to type II diabetes, the project focuses on utilizing a community health worker program to improve type II diabetes prevention and management among South Asian immigrants in the United States.

Following the attainment of her Master of Public Health degree with a concentration in Maternal and Child Health from UNTHSC, the project coordinator role is Allie’s first full-time position following graduation. During her graduate studies, she previously worked as a graduate assistant in the Office of Student and Academic Services and completed an internship with Healthy Start at UNTHSC.

Big Brothers Big Sisters (BBBS) of Lone Star is a non-profit organization that serves to make meaningful connections between adult mentors (“Bigs”) and children or young adults (“Littles”) in communities across Texas. Dr. Stacey Griner, CPH faculty member and Allie’s supervisor, introduced the mentoring opportunity to her. Dr. Griner is a mentor with the organization and recognized not only the impact it could have on Allie’s career but also how it aligned with her personal mission. “It really goes to show how much she believes in me. I was inspired by my mentor to become a mentor,” Allie explains.

After applying to become a mentor and interviewing with a BBBS staff member, Allie was matched with her Little based on their shared interests. The intentionality aspect of the matching process makes the mentor experience that much more meaningful. After a month of patiently waiting to hear back, Allie and her Little were officially matched on October 22^nd, 2023. One of their shared interests is a career in medicine: her Little aspires to one day become a doctor and Allie is currently in the process of applying to physician assistant school. Additionally, Allie previously played soccer for three years in high school while her Little is wrapping up her second season. Neither of them had ever touched a soccer ball before joining their high school teams, but they both recognize the value in trying something new. “It doesn’t matter how good of a player you are – as long as you’re having fun and enjoying yourself. I think that’s what truly matters at the end of the day.”

The BBBS mentorship provides a flexible volunteer opportunity with the Tarrant County branch where Allie serves. As part of the Mentor2.0 program, the pair virtually check in with each other on a weekly basis via iMentor, the organization’s internal messaging platform. As a Big, Allie also schedules monthly in-person events at her Little’s school where they can share an occasional lunch together in coordination with the student’s schedule. The goal is to meet in-person at least once a month, whether it’s at a larger group event with other mentor/mentee pairs or 1-on-1.

Every month during the school year, the organization’s match specialists check in with each mentor to follow up on their experience so far. This ensures mentors are provided with the support they need to best support their mentees. “I appreciate that I do not have to navigate the mentoring process alone,” Allie says. The support plays a huge role in her consistent involvement and longevity with the organization thus far. “Their program staff truly value their mentors and are there to support you every step of the way.”

This past January, Allie was on her way to what was supposed to be a routine CEAL meeting and instead walked into a room full of CPH faculty, fellow staff members, and students whom she eventually learned were invited by Dr. Griner to surprise her. BBBS staff then walked in with appreciation gifts for Allie, and her match specialist, Zoey, shared a few kind words about her service. Allie never suspected the surprise and was touched that so many of her colleagues came to support. Her dedication and commitment to the community earned her this mentor recognition.

For Allie, one of the most rewarding parts of being a mentor is being able to see her Little come out of her shell. “As someone who also used to be quite shy growing up, it has been a joy to watch her bloom within the last year.” Allie is proud to be a mentor with BBBS and is grateful to give back to the community in such a unique way.

For anyone interested in a meaningful volunteer opportunity that works with a busy schedule, Allie encourages you to check out BBBS’s Mentor2.0 program!