(INDIANAPOLIS, Ind.) – A Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Indiana (BBBSCI) match –
Little Sister Jaime and Big Sister Jaleesa – were selected as a National 2026 Big and
Little of the Year.
Big Brothers Big Sisters of America (BBBSA), the preeminent one-to-one youth mentoring organization in the United States, announced the recipients of the 2026 Big and Little of the Year awards during the organization’s annual National Conference in Atlanta, Georgia on June 18.
Selected from thousands of mentoring matches across the country, the 2026 honorees exemplify the transformative impact of one-to-one mentorship and the power of consistent, supportive relationships. Little Sister Jaime and Big Sister Jaleesa from Central Indiana were two of just four individuals that were awarded this honor.
“The relationship between Jaime and Jaleesa is such a special one,” says Darcey Palmer-Shultz, CEO of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Indiana. “They represent so much of what mentorship is all about – showing up for another person and being that light that lets them know they are not alone. Because of Jaleesa, Jaime knows that she has someone in her corner cheering her on as she chases her dreams.”
Jaime and Jaleesa’s match began during a difficult period in Jaime’s life following
the traumatic loss of her father. Seeking additional support for her daughter, Jaime’s
mother enrolled her in Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Indiana, which matched her
with Jaleesa. Over the years, their relationship has evolved into a deep sisterhood
rooted in trust, encouragement, and shared growth.
“Jaleesa is literally my big sister,” Jaime shared. “She has always been there. She’s always been a constant.”
Jaleesa’s mentorship helped Jaime navigate her grief and inspired her to discover new experiences and pursue ambitious goals for her future. Jaime now plans to attend Indiana University to study astronomy and accounting with aspirations of becoming an astronaut. She credits her Big Sister and Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Indiana with helping open doors to internships, professional mentorship opportunities and personal growth.
For Jaleesa, becoming a Big Sister was deeply personal. Raised by a single mother and surrounded by supportive adults who helped shape her own childhood, she wanted to provide that same sense of stability and encouragement to another young person.
“Over the course of our relationship, I’ve had the joy of watching Jaime grow and go after her dreams,” Jaleesa said. “And I’m proud to say, seven years later, she’s no longer chasing them. She’s living them.”
Being a mentor, or “Big,” through BBBSCI requires a one-year commitment to be matched with a mentee, or “Little.” Bigs and Littles meet twice a month, and together, they enjoy activities provided by BBBSCI and their partners or find activities within their community. To learn more about becoming a Big, visit www.bebigforkids.org/volunteer.
