Each year, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Orange County and the Inland Empire honors extraordinary mentoring relationships through our Bigs & Littles of the Year award. This award celebrates matches that exemplify commitment, consistency, and the life-changing power of mentorship. These inspiring relationships highlight how mentoring not only helps youth achieve their biggest possible futures but also leaves a lasting impact on mentors.
Our finalists represent the very best of what mentorship can be when people show up for each other year after year. We are proud to recognize the following 10 matches whose stories remind us that when young people feel supported, their potential has no limits. And mark your calendar: the two winning matches will be revealed on January 29 during National Mentoring Month!
Unique Edwards & Saidee
After two prior matches that didn’t last, Saidee returned to BBBS cautiously—until Unique met her with steady encouragement and follow-through. Unique became the one adult who consistently showed up, helping Saidee rebuild confidence during a season marked by family loss and responsibility as the oldest sibling. With Unique beside her, Saidee stepped into leadership, earning recognition as one of the City of Riverside’s 25 Most Remarkable Teens and becoming one of our newest Voices of Potential. Their relationship turned hesitation into trust and grief into forward momentum. Today, Saidee is planning for college with confidence she once doubted she had.
Vincent Ledesma and Emma Daden & Isaac
When Isaac was matched with his Bigs, Vincent and Emma, he was seven, shy, and searching for consistency. Vincent and Emma welcomed him into their lives. Star Wars nights and Lego builds became more than hobbies; they became a rhythm of trust that helped Isaac find his voice. With their guidance, he learned to navigate bullying, speak up in school, and believe he belonged. When Vincent and Emma told him, “We’re in it for the long haul,” Isaac believed them. Their match truly feels like family.
Miranda Rexhaj & Jazmin
For nine years, Miranda has been the constant in Jazmin’s life, even after moving out of state, navigating a pandemic, and supporting Jazmin through her mother’s memory loss. When school anxiety pushed Jazmin into independent study, Miranda remained her anchor, checking in, listening, and helping her stay focused on the future. Together, they transformed Jazmin’s love for animals into a clear career path, connecting her to college and vet tech training. Jazmin calls Miranda her forever cheerleader, and their match is built on choosing each other, year after year.
Julian Sanchez & Noah
You may have seen Julian and Noah in one of our recruitment videos, because they truly exemplify what an amazing match looks like! From the beginning, Julian has been intentional about creating outings that balance fun with growth—building Legos, spending time at the park, and carving out space to talk honestly about school and life. He made it clear early on that their relationship was a place for truth, not perfection, helping Noah learn to speak openly about academic struggles instead of hiding them. With that support, Noah has grown more accountable, more communicative, and better equipped to face challenges at school with confidence. Julian has also been a powerful advocate for our agency, encouraging his employees to volunteer with BBBS and connecting us to partnerships that allow us to make more awesome matches like his and Noah’s.
Mercedes Howard & Aniyah
When Aniyah entered the program overwhelmed by divorce and bullying, Mercedes showed up courtside—literally! In their first week matched, she attended her basketball game and took her out for pizza afterwards to celebrate her win. She stayed connected even while studying out of state, FaceTiming through middle school nerves and sharing coping strategies when Aniyah feared bullies might pop back up at her new school. Mercedes turned learning into something approachable and fun, helping Aniyah rebuild confidence academically and emotionally. Over time, Aniyah learned to name her feelings instead of hiding them. Their bond shows how consistency can steady a young person during change.
JP Iriart & Peyton
Peyton entered the program wary of men, shaped by experiences no child should endure. JP rewrote that story by modeling patience, safety, and kindness—on the golf course, the basketball court, and in everyday conversations. Over the years, Peyton’s interests matured from superheroes to sports stats, and his confidence grew alongside them. Peyton’s mom once hoped her son could redefine his last name; JP helped him do exactly that. Their bond and Peyton’s growth shows what happens when a child finally feels safe.
