Page 9 - Palm City Spotlight - July '23

Palm City Spotlight, Page 9

nonprofit news

BBBSPBMC Adds To Staff; The lifelong resident She loves seeing the relationships between mentors and
mentees develop and believes that “a hero is an ordinary
of West Palm Beach grew
Celebrates Anniversary up playing sports. Perez individual who finds the strength to persevere and endure
is bilingual in English and in spite of overwhelming obstacles.”
By Jackie Holfelder Spanish. He is a graduate of One of the most satisfying parts of Knapfel’s job is
Yvette Flores Acevedo, president/CEO of Big Brothers Big St. Leo University, where seeing programming develop, grow, and serve more
Sisters of Palm Beach and Martin Counties (BBBSPBMC) he received an Associate children in both Palm Beach and Martin Counties.
recently announced the addition of two new staff members, of Arts and is attending Photos provided by BBBSPBMC
as well as the significant anniversary of the nonprofit’s Vice Palm Beach State to pursue
President of Programs. his bachelor’s degree in
Jeanette Otero, who has marketing. Prior to Big
over 20 years’ experience in Brothers Big Sisters, he
social work and social service worked at ESPN West Damian Perez
will be a match support Palm as a marketing event
specialist at the 501(c)(3). supervisor and content creator.
In her new role, Otero will In his spare time, Perez enjoys playing soccer and being
offer consistent guidance and outdoors engaging in all kinds of activities. His family
encouragement to mentors inspires him, and helping those in need is an important
and mentees, addressing part of his life.
any concerns, challenges, Perez is looking forward to setting up events that benefit
or questions that may arise youth and the community in his new role at BBBSPBMC.
during the mentoring journey. Celebrating a major
In the past, she has milestone at BBBSPBMC
managed office operations, Jeanette Otero is Katie Knapfel, vice
coordinated special events, president of programs,
and advocated for persons with developmental disabilities. who is marking her 10th
Otero graduated from Florida State University with a anniversary at the nonprofit.
Bachelor of Science in social work/psychology. She is a K napfel s ets the
member of the Exceptional Student Educator Advisory strategic direction of the
Council in Palm Beach County. programs, and oversees
For relaxation, she enjoys volunteering, attending design and implementation,
outdoor activities and festivals, traveling, camping, dancing and quality. Prior to joining
or teaching ballroom dance, and spending time with her BBBSPBMC in 2013, she
daughter and family. spent a decade working
Otero believes that positive, uplifting, and supportive for the School District of Katie Knapfel
people help others to thrive and become the best version of Palm Beach County as an
themselves. She feels that every individual has gifts to share exceptional student education educator and coordinator.
and is passionate about supporting and empowering others to Knapfel graduated from the University of Florida with a
achieve their goals. Bachelor of Arts Education and a Master of Education. For
Damian Perez is event coordinator and will be planning relaxation, she enjoys spending time with her husband and
and executing fundraising events, as well as serving as three children, going on family vacations, and cheering
liaison with event vendors. for the Gators.

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