Big Brothers Big Sisters of Orange County and the Inland Empire is proud to officially announce our 2026 Bigs & Littles of the Year and Mentors of the Year.
These outstanding individuals represent the very best of our three unique mentoring program models. They demonstrate exactly how a supportive relationship can help mentees (Littles) achieve their biggest possible futures while creating a life-changing impact on their mentors (Bigs).
Celebrating Excellence in Mentorship Our 2026 honorees exemplify the power of connection across Orange County and the Inland Empire. Through their dedication, they prove that mentorship is a two-way street that transforms lives.
"This very special annual recognition celebrates the invaluable contributions of the organization’s Bigs and highlights the resiliency of our Littles. These relationships are at the heart of our mission and often have a lifelong impact on both parties. We are honored to be showcasing these individuals in our community who embody what mentorship can mean for a young person, the volunteer and the community in igniting the power and promise of the next generation.”
Every year during National Mentoring Month, BBBS honors these outstanding mentors and matches with a regional title to celebrate extraordinary mentorship, friendship, and advocacy.
Meet Our Winners
Community Program
An adult volunteer mentors a child between the ages of 6 and 16. Matches spend quality 1:1 time out in the community twice a month. Click here to volunteer!
Julian Sanchez & Noah
From the moment you see Julian and Noah together, their connection is undeniable. It’s why they’ve become familiar faces across our marketing campaigns and community outreach—you can see them together and feel the sincerity in their relationship. When Noah first joined the program at 10 years old, he was known as the “class clown”, struggling both academically and behaviorally. His aunt, who adopted him at age two, hoped for someone who would truly pour into him and be his person. And Julian became exactly that.
Julian approaches mentorship with incredible intention. One moment stands out: after discovering that Noah hadn’t been forthcoming about completing his homework, Julian didn’t react with frustration—he paused, reflected, and reached out for guidance. Instead of their usual fun outing, he took Noah to the library and had a respectful conversation about honesty and trust, not because Noah was in trouble, but because Julian was committed to making sure he knew he would always be in his corner. No matter what.
That moment shifted something. Noah still faces challenges, but he’s more open about them now, which has helped his aunt better support him at home. Their outings don’t need to be elaborate (their favorite is building Legos at the park) but the consistency, presence, and mutual respect have made a lasting impact. Noah speaks about Julian with admiration that feels far beyond his years, a reflection of how deeply valued he feels in this relationship.
Julian’s commitment extends beyond his match. He’s a vocal advocate for Big Brothers Big Sisters, encourages employees at his company to get involved, and actively volunteers throughout the community, including with partner organizations connected to our mission. If there were a blueprint for what a strong male match looks like, Julian and Noah would be it: simple moments, honest conversations, and a relationship built on trust and care.
Mercedes Howard & Aniyah
Aniyah entered Big Brothers Big Sisters alongside her three siblings, carrying a quiet strength that came from being the eldest. She was sporty, creative, and caring, but she was also navigating a lot beneath the surface. Her parents had recently divorced, and at school she faced racially-motivated bullying that left her feeling emotionally overwhelmed.
From their very first outing, Mercedes showed Aniyah that she was someone who would show up for her. On one of their first outings, Mercedes attended one of Aniyah’s basketball games and took her out for pizza afterward, setting a foundation of reliability and care. As their bond grew, Mercedes embraced Aniyah’s interests in sports while also introducing her to new skills like knitting, expanding her sense of what she could enjoy and explore.
Even when distance could have gotten in the way, when Mercedes was studying out of state, it didn’t. She stayed connected through FaceTime and phone calls, making sure Aniyah never felt forgotten. When Aniyah began to feel anxious about starting middle school and worried about being bullied again, Mercedes met her with empathy, sharing her own experiences and coping strategies. She also supported Aniyah academically, introducing engaging learning resources and looping in Aniyah’s mom so that support extended beyond their outings.
Mercedes’ impact reaches beyond her match. She’s a regular presence at agency events, an enthusiastic voice during Big Recruitment efforts, and someone who willingly lends her camera equipment and time to support BBBS whenever needed. Her mentorship with Aniyah is rooted in patience and care, and it’s helped Aniyah grow more confident, resilient, and hopeful about what’s ahead.
High School Bigs Program
In this program, high school students find their voices as community advocates and leaders serving as role models to elementary school students. During weekly group mentoring sessions, they guide students through activities that support academic achievement and personal growth.
Congratulations to our 2025 High School Bigs Mentors of the Year, who will also receive a $2,500 College & Career Award to help fund their post-graduation dreams!
Nichelle Harris, Pacific High School
“Consistency is so important for the kids—and it truly pays off.” —Nichelle
When Nichelle joined the High School Bigs program, she didn’t see herself as a leader. An only child who struggled with social confidence, she initially let her Littles take the lead. But mentorship challenged her to grow—especially during her match with Destiny, a Little who had recently lost her previous Big and began to shut down emotionally. Nichelle stepped into that moment with patience and intention, learning how to guide gently while building trust week by week.
Through consistent check-ins, thoughtful conversations, and steady presence, Nichelle helped Destiny open up socially, emotionally, and behaviorally. She learned how to correct with kindness, redirect with empathy, and celebrate small wins. By the end of the year, Destiny had transformed into a cheerful, confident student excited to come to site. In turn, Nichelle had found her voice as a mentor.
Now matched with Raymound, Nichelle brings that same steady care to a new relationship. Bonding over video games and arts and crafts, their connection feels like that of a true older sister and younger brother. Raymound’s curiosity and kindness pair seamlessly with Nichelle’s calm leadership, creating a space where conversation flows easily and growth feels natural.
Beyond her match, Nichelle has become a trusted Big Ambassador—always asking how she can help, assisting with recruitment, and supporting the program wherever needed. With a 4.1 GPA and three years of commitment to BBBS, Nichelle embodies what it means to grow alongside your Little, showing that leadership can also be quiet and built by simply showing up.
Mitchell Gonzalez, Corona High School
“I realized I could make a difference by using my voice.” —Mitchell
In a full circle moment, Mitchell’s mentoring relationship with Joel began before Big Brothers Big Sisters ever entered the picture. Back when Mitchell volunteered at a homework club as a freshman, he was paired with Joel, a quiet third grader struggling with bullying and emotional regulation. Mitchell quickly became someone he trusted, and years later when Mitchell joined the High School Bigs program, he was reunited with Joel as his Little!
Their bond has since deepened into something lasting and transformative. As a Big, Mitchell supported Joel through stress, self-doubt, and major transitions, including his move to middle school. He led with patience, listening when Joel needed space and showing up when he was ready to talk. Whether guiding him through STEM projects or listening to Joel talk about Pokémon cards, Mitchell helped his Little build confidence and resilience.
Mitchell’s impact didn’t stop with one match. When he noticed opportunities to expand BBBS’ presence on his campus, he took the initiative to advocate for the program, recruiting peers, and serving as a Big Ambassador during lunch outreach and Club Rush. Even when early efforts to start a club weren’t successful, Mitchell persisted, turning setbacks into momentum and awareness.
Through BBBS, Mitchell found his voice as a leader. From presenting ideas to his school’s executive board to representing the program at leadership summits and youth forums, he learned that advocacy starts with speaking up. Now planning to pursue a degree in public administration and a career in nonprofit work, Mitchell carries forward the powerful lessons he learned through mentorship that have sparked a lifetime of service.
Workplace Mentoring Program
Corporate and community partners sponsor mentoring relationships between their employees and young people at local high schools or community colleges. Matches connect during monthly group mentoring sessions to help students develop career goals and prepare for the workforce.
Sherri Inman, Altura Credit Union
For more than four years, Sherri has been a steady and committed presence in the Workplace Mentoring Program, mentoring both high school and college students and returning year after year to continue making an impact. That longevity alone speaks volumes about her belief in mentorship and her dedication to helping young people succeed.
As an HR professional and manager, Sherri brings invaluable real-world insight to her mentoring relationships. She consistently shares guidance on the hiring process, resume building, and navigating professional spaces—demystifying systems that can feel intimidating to students entering the workforce. Just as importantly, she creates a supportive, judgment-free environment where mentees feel comfortable asking questions and exploring possibilities.
Under Sherri’s mentorship, mentees have shown increased confidence and clarity around their career paths. Her consistent encouragement and willingness to share lessons from her own professional journey have empowered students to take tangible steps forward, helping them move from uncertainty to action.
Beyond one-to-one mentoring, Sherri has extended her impact by participating in an educational mentorship video series, sharing professional guidance with an even wider audience of mentees. Her commitment reflects the mission of Big Brothers Big Sisters in action: using experience, consistency, and care to help young people see what’s possible.
David Villa, Yuhaaviatam of San Manuel Nation
From the start, David has demonstrated a level of commitment to mentorship that went far beyond program expectations, attending every session and workshop and remaining deeply engaged throughout his match with Mark.
David and Mark’s mentorship has even extended outside the virtual group mentoring sessions. They participated in a 5K together, strengthening their bond beyond professional conversations. When Mark organized an event at his college, David agreed to be a guest speaker to support his mentee and invest his time in his success.
The growth Mark experienced has been remarkable. Once shy and reserved, he has emerged as a confident young leader. He’s actively involved in his engineering club, taking initiative to secure funding to attend a national convention in Chicago, and leveraging his network (including David) to learn effective fundraising strategies.
David’s mentorship shows what’s possible when students are given both encouragement and access. His example reinforces our shared belief that mentorship equips motivated and talented young people with the support and tools they need to thrive.
