A Life of Mentorship, Community, and Impact: Celebrating Glen Desouza
- Rebecca Keyes
- Jul 28
- 4 min read
Updated: Jul 29
2026 Alan & Diane Page Award Recipient
At Bolder Options, we believe mentorship has the power to transform lives. Few embody that belief more fully than Glen Desouza, the 2026 recipient of the Alan & Diane Page Award.
Glen first connected with Bolder Options in his mid-20s, drawn by a simple but powerful desire to give back. He carried a vision of making a difference and was searching for a meaningful way to do it. When he received a mentor recruitment card tucked into a race packet, he responded right away. He was at the Bolder Options house just days later, ready to begin his journey.
“I had people in my life who helped me along the way,” Glen shared. “This felt like a way to pay that forward.”
What started as a way to give back quickly became one of the most impactful seasons of Glen’s life. During this time, he was mentoring, fundraising, running marathons, and building a strong community around him. Bolder Options builds relationships through shared experiences and physical goals, and Glen saw that firsthand with his first mentee. When his mentee set a goal to run a marathon, Glen trained alongside him every step of the way, supporting him in reaching this incredible milestone as they crossed the Twin Cities Marathon finish line together.
At the same time, Glen embraced one of Bolder Options’ unique traditions by combining endurance challenges with fundraising. Inspired by fellow mentor Ryan, now Bolder Options’ Donor Relations Director and still one of Glen’s close friends, he joined a group of mentors, supporters and staff who traveled the world running marathons to support the mission. Together, they raised funds while racing in Dublin, Helsinki, Athens, Amsterdam, and Honolulu. These experiences created lasting memories and made a meaningful impact on youth mentoring.
“It only took Ryan to say, ‘I’m doing this, who’s in?’ and suddenly everyone was on board,” Glen said. “Those experiences were some of the most memorable of our lives.”
It was also during this chapter that Glen met his wife, Laura, who was also a Bolder Options mentor. Surrounded by a community of people who shared a passion for running, mentorship, and giving back, their relationship grew naturally. Bolder Options became such an important part of their story that they hosted their groomsman dinner at the Bolder Options house, surrounded by the friends and mentors who had become part of their lives through the program.
Beyond mentoring and milestones, Glen built lifelong friendships through Bolder Options. Many of those relationships remain strong today, rooted in shared experiences and a common purpose. That sense of community continues to be one of the most meaningful aspects of his journey.
As Glen’s life evolved, so did his involvement with Bolder Options. After getting married, he and Laura mentored a sibling pair together, marking Glen’s third mentoring experience and weaving mentorship into the next chapter of their lives. As their family grew and schedules became more complex, Glen found new ways to stay connected. He served on the board, contributed as a committee member, and remained a dedicated advocate for the mission. Today, he continues to support Bolder Options through storytelling, encouragement, and financial contributions.
“Bolder Options has been there in different ways throughout different phases of my life,” Glen said. “Sometimes it was a place where I could give, and other times it was a community that gave back to me.”
While the miles, memories, and milestones are meaningful, what stands out most is Glen’s unwavering belief in the power of mentorship.
“If you can make even a small difference in the life of a young person, why wouldn’t you?” he said. “It is an investment in their future and in the future of our communities.”
The Alan & Diane Page Award recognizes exceptional mentors and advocates within the Bolder Options community who go far beyond expectation to uplift and empower youth. Named after Alan Page, whose life exemplifies integrity, leadership, and service, the award honors individuals who live these values every day. This year, Glen will be honored with the Alan & Diane Page Award at the Bolder Bash. Join us as we celebrate Glen’s incredible commitment to mentorship, his impact on young people, and the many ways he has helped make Bolder Options stronger.
Recipients of this award do more than volunteer their time. They invest in relationships, lead with purpose, and create lasting impact through their dedication. Glen exemplifies these qualities in every sense. His journey reflects a deep commitment not only to mentoring, but to building a stronger, more connected community.
For Glen, the recognition is meaningful, but the true reward lies elsewhere.
“If sharing my story inspires even one person to become a mentor, that would mean more than anything,” he said.
Glen’s story is a powerful reminder that mentorship is not just a moment in time. It is a lifelong ripple effect that shapes individuals, families, and communities for generations.
We are proud to celebrate Glen Desouza as the 2026 Alan & Diane Page Award recipient and grateful for the lasting impact he continues to make through Bolder Options.
Join us in celebrating Glen at the 2026 Bolder Bash!
