Big Brothers Big Sisters of Orange County & the Inland Empire (BBBS OC/IE) has announced the finalists for its 2025 Mentors of the Year selections in conjunction with National Mentoring Month. Exceptional individuals are nominated from the agency’s Community, High School Bigs and Workplace Mentoring programs, with winners to be announced in late January.
This special recognition celebrates the contributions of the organization’s Bigs and highlights the resiliency of its Littles, reinforcing the impact that mentorship can have on a young person, volunteer and community in igniting the power and promise of the next generation.
“These invaluable volunteer mentors are at the heart of our success in helping our youth achieve their full potential. They represent the core of our efforts to build social and economic mobility by closing education gaps, enhancing mental health, encouraging positive behaviors and preparing for successful careers,” said BBBS OC/IE CEO Sloane Keane. “An engaged community is the key to forming relationships between our Bigs and our Littles that can have a life-changing impact on both.”
For the Community-Based program, Bigs as part of Big/Little matches are evaluated based on how they have demonstrated guidance, support and inspiration by helping their Littles overcome challenges, achieve personal and academic goals, and reach significant milestones. Considerations include their role in fostering confidence, building strong relationships and shaping positive behaviors. Additionally, their engagement with the Big Brothers Big Sisters mission, such as advocacy, community involvement and participation in events, highlights their commitment to shaping the next generation of leaders.
In the Community-Based category, the following Bigs & Littles of the Year matches have achieved finalist status:
ORANGE COUNTY
Female
- Cathy Engle & Paris Rodriguez
- Kristina Senft & Lizlee Vasquez
- Leilannie Olnagan & Aranza Chavez
- Te’a Lynch & Vanessa Carlos
- Teryn Apple & Perla Santana
Male
- Evan Lee Loy & Brandon Bui
- Gregory Williams & Alfredo Ramos Virgen
- Joohong Lange & Jacob Nguyen
- Joshua Carranco & Bryan Aragon
- Ralph De Los Santos & Alessandro Torrejon
INLAND EMPIRE
Female
- Darlene & Jolie Anae Sharpnack
- Emily Linville & Layla Edwards
- Susan Hinrichs & Naiyalli Scott
Male
- Jonathan Rangel & Johnny Gonzalez
- Kevin Gaytan & Ricky Salanga
- Ricardo Guido & Richard Sanchez
High School Mentors of the Year are selected with a focus on the mentor as a leader and the impact they have had on their mentee, campus and community. This year, 12 high schools in Orange County and the Inland Empire are being recognized.
Workplace Mentors of the Year have made a significant and identifiable impact on their mentee’s college and career readiness. Companies receiving recognition this year include Banc of Cal, Ingram Micro, Norco Community College and the San Manuel Band of Mission Indians.
Winners in each category will be recognized at special awards celebrations in the spring. In addition, select final winners in the Community category will be nominated to participate in the national Big Brothers Big Sisters Bigs & Littles of the Year program
BBBS OC/IE currently has 20,033 alumni, with 3,906 youth served and 101,723 volunteer hours logged in fiscal 2024. In terms of tangible results, 98% of participating youth graduate from high school on time, 87% pursue higher education and 95% show socio-economic growth.
There is currently a waiting list of BBBS OC/IE Littles to be matched with a Big for mentoring, and the organization is actively seeking volunteers. Learn more at www.ocbigs.org.