Help Vlad Raise Money for Mentorship in NWA

Most of you know me from the drone world, but today I want to talk about something even closer to my heart: mentoring kids right here in Northwest Arkansas. I’m proud to serve on the Ambassadors Council for Big Brothers Big Sisters of NWA, an organization that changes lives by matching young people with caring adult mentors who show up, listen, and help them believe in what’s possible.

Today, I’m launching a fundraiser to help Big Brothers Big Sisters reach more kids who are waiting for a “Big” — and I’d love for you to be part of it. This organization means so much to me because, in many ways, I see my own story in the kids they serve. I was adopted from Russia at a young age, and my life could have taken a very different path if it weren’t for the people who stepped in, believed in me, and gave me a chance. I know firsthand what it means for a child to have someone in their corner, someone who shows up, encourages them, and reminds them that their future can be bigger than their circumstances. Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northwest Arkansas is doing that every single day for kids right here in our community.

We need to help because there are still too many kids waiting for that kind of support. These are kids who don’t need perfection, they need presence. They need consistent, caring adults who will listen, guide, and simply show them what’s possible. Your support doesn’t just fund a program; it fuels real relationships that change the trajectory of a young person’s life.

When we give to Big Brothers Big Sisters, we’re not just writing a check, we’re investing in the next generation of leaders, parents, and community members. Together, we can make sure more kids in Northwest Arkansas have the same kind of opportunity I was given: the chance to feel seen, supported, and set up to thrive.