Ambassadors

Every movement needs voices that carry its story further, and for Son of a Saint, those voices belong to our ambassadors. They turn belief into action by sharing our mission with the world.

Ambassador Spotlights

These profiles remind us that when leaders stand beside our community, their reach becomes a powerful force for change. Each story showcases the unique ways they champion our mission—whether through advocacy, mentorship, or amplifying the voices of our boys.

Tyrann Mathieu

Retired New Orleans Saints Safety

“Being an ambassador for Son of a Saint is an incredible honor. This organization's mission to support fatherless young men and provide them with mentorship, guidance, and opportunities resonates deeply with my journey. I understand firsthand the impact of positive role models on a young person's life, and I am committed to using my platform to make a difference. Son of a Saint empowers these young men to overcome adversity, pursue their dreams, and become community leaders. I am proud to be a part of this organization and to help shape a brighter future for the next generation.”

A man with long hair and a beard talking to two young men with curly hair in a brightly lit store or supermarket.
Two men are dancing closely, holding each other's shoulders and smiling. One man is wearing a gray shirt and cap, and the other is wearing a pinkish T-shirt. In the background, there is a large screen showing a person smiling, and some other people are present in the room.

Sion James

Charlotte Hornets Guard

"Giving back is something I’ve always felt called to do. Becoming a Son of a Saint ambassador is a natural extension of the service work I’ve already started and a powerful opportunity to help uplift young men who deserve every chance to succeed. These kids are the future, and I want them to know they’re seen, heard, and supported."

Champions of Our Mission

Every ambassador carries our story into new spaces—boardrooms, classrooms, stadiums, and stages—where their voices can open doors for our boys. By sharing their own journeys and standing alongside our mentees, they help others see both the challenges and the potential in each child. Their presence reminds us that change is most powerful when it is spoken, lived, and passed forward.

  • Nina Compton

    Chef & Restaurateur

    “My father was influential in the development of my integrity, determination, and desire to uplift everyone in the community. The programs and support provided by Son of a Saint are a blessing to boys in our city who otherwise might have missed that guidance and mentoring due to circumstances beyond their control. Son of a Saint makes for a brighter future for the young men of our city and I’m proud to support such a caring organization.”

  • PJ Morton

    Artist & Founder, Morton Records

    “Sonny and I grew up together, so I got a subtle firsthand glimpse at how losing a father figure can potentially impact a young man. Seeing Son of a Saint grow from that experience is no surprise to me, but it’s definitely something I’m proud to see come to life. We need to keep supporting this cause to make sure Son of a Saint continues to uplift more boys in our community.”

  • Mark Romig

    Senior Advisor, New Orleans & Co. and The Ehrhardt Group

    “Our community is fortunate to have the dedication and passion of Sonny Lee and the team at Son of a Saint as they work tirelessly to help improve the lives of our young men.”

  • Cornelius Lucas

    Cleveland Browns Offensive Tackle

    “Son of a Saint is doing the work that our community has needed for a long time. Fathers are known to instill knowledge and provide guidance and being deprived of such a crucial figure makes one vulnerable, a vulnerability that I know all too well. Someone stepped up to be a role model and mentor for me and I am happy to partner with and support an organization that is doing the same and so much more for other “fatherless boys” in our community.”

  • Alon Shaya

    Alon Shaya

    Chef & Restaurateur

    “The commitment that Son of a Saint makes to each mentee is immense. Program services are available for mentees 24 hours per day, seven days per week. The sheer scope of Son of a Saint's work continues to impress and inspire. I am humbled in our ability to support this amazing mission.”

  • Marques Colston

    New Orleans Saints Hall of Famer

    “Son of a Saint enters the lives of young men at a critical time. As a son who lost my father during my teenage years, I understand some of the challenges these young men face. It is an honor and privilege to work with this great organization to help mold the next generation of leaders in a city that has given so much to my family and me.”

  • Matthew Winkler

    Matthew Winkler

    Journalist & Founder, Bloomberg News

    ”Fathers teach sons by being there for them and setting an example over decades of countless learning moments. For boys who don’t have that experience, Son of a Saint fills the void. Mentors provide a structured process of ‘being there,’ supported by an organization that inspires boys to embrace integrity, commitment and gratitude as they grow into well-rounded, knowledgeable and enlightened citizens of the world. The impact on boys’ lives is invaluable.”

  • Donald Link

    Restaurateur

    “Being a father has taught me how impressionable children are. Son of a Saint surrounds boys with positive male role models who provide critical support, guidance and encouragement.”

  • Steve Gleason

    Activist & Former New Orleans Saint

    “The positive influence of an engaged and available father is essential for a child's development. Son of a Saint's role is filling a void for kids in New Orleans. They are a spectacular organization, and a model for any organization that is focused on repairing the fabric of our communities.”

  • Deuce McAllister

    New Orleans Saints Hall of Famer

    “I understand the importance of a strong team when it comes to making real progress. When everyone is selflessly working together, towards a common goal, that’s when the magic happens and that’s when you win big. Son of a Saint is a winning team that’s going strong, and I believe the best of this organization is still yet to come!”

  • Justise Winslow

    Justise Winslow

    NBA G-League Forward/Guard

    “A strong guiding role model is crucial for a young man growing up and learning about the world. I personally can identify with the need for a positive mentor or male figure based on my past experience during my youth. Son of a Saint is a beacon of hope, change and possibility, not only for the young men they help directly, but also for the larger communities these boys exist in, live in and represent.”

  • Stephen Stryjewski

    Restaurateur

    “My father showed me how to be honest, have integrity, work hard, and respect others and myself. Son of a Saint provides that kind of positive mentorship.”