Jenice Griego-Hayes
Jenice Griego-Hayes is the Executive Director of Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Permian Basin, leading multi-site youth mentoring programs in Midland and Odessa, Texas. Since joining the organization in 2023, she has held multiple leadership roles, including Odessa Coordinator and Resource Development Director, driving significant program growth and community engagement. Under her leadership, the Odessa site expanded from eight active matches to a full caseload operation within a year, and the organization achieved its largest year-over-year growth, increasing youth matches by over 100 percent. Jenice is dedicated to creating sustainable growth through strong community partnerships, diversified funding, and program excellence.
Her career in nonprofit work was inspired by personal experience in 2014, when she connected with Guardians of the Children, an organization supporting families and children impacted by abuse. At Guardians of the Children, Jenice wore multiple hats, serving as a mentor, recruiter, PR specialist, family liaison, event scheduler, and eventually as board treasurer. These roles allowed her to develop a strong foundation in program coordination, volunteer management, and nonprofit financial oversight, which she has applied throughout her career to enhance the impact of youth mentorship programs.
Prior to her nonprofit work, Jenice worked in the financial industry as a mortgage loan officer and broker in New Mexico. She holds an Associate of Arts and Sciences in Computer Programming from Luna Community College and a Bachelor’s degree in Technology and Training from the University of New Mexico. Passionate about empowering youth and creating meaningful mentoring relationships, Jenice continues to focus on expanding program access, supporting her staff, and highlighting the transformative impact of mentorship in the community.
• Master Life Coach Certification
• University of New Mexico – Bachelor's degree, Technology and Training
• Luna Community College – Associate of Arts and Sciences (AAS), Computer Programming
• Guardians of the Children – Board Treasurer
• Mentorship, advocacy, and program development with Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Permian Basin
• Volunteer mentor, recruiter, family liaison, and board treasurer with Guardians of the Children
What do you attribute your success to?
I would say it's the passion - that I love what I'm doing. It just makes it easier for me to go through the hard times. Like I said, we wear many hats, and so it does get busy and there are times it's stressful, but I think just knowing that I'm making a difference, and that it's something that I love and it's close to my heart, makes that difference and keeps me going. It's very rewarding to know that I'm making a difference in children's lives. Just having that impact, even if it's not directly and I'm not working with them directly as a mentor, I'm still making a difference in their lives, and that makes each day easier.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice would be that it's their passion, that they're doing it because they love it, rather than that it's another job. I don't look at it as a job. I look at it as this is something I love to do. This is where my passion is, and so I'm able to enjoy my work because of it. Do it for passion, not just as another job.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Making a positive impact, dedication to service, passion, and commitment to the well-being of children are the core values that guide my professional and personal life.