02-12-2026
NEWS:
2026 National Mentorship Month with BBBSNN
National Mentoring Month has come to a close, but the work of celebrating our Bigs doesn’t end on a calendar. At Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northern Nevada, we know that our mentors are the primary reason for our community’s success and the heartbeat of our mission. This January was a reminder of what we see every day. Mentorship is an essential tool required to fuel and defend the potential of the next generation.
In today’s complex, fast-moving world, our youth need a consistent advocate who empowers them to navigate the path to adulthood. Whether it’s grabbing a bite to eat, watching a baseball game, or going for a walk; these moments matter because potential grows through presence. Being a Big isn’t about having all the answers, it’s about time, consistency, and the willingness to listen. That is what bridges the distance between where a young person is and where they can go.
Every hour a Big spends with a Little is an investment in a more resilient Reno.
Who We Celebrated
National Mentoring Month gave us the chance to honor Bigs whose presence is shaping the future of Northern Nevada. Throughout the month, our community joined in meaningful celebrations for our Bigs, including #IAmAaMentor Day, International Mentoring Day, and #BBBSNN Day.
The following Bigs remind us that mentorship is about showing up, listening, and believing in a young person’s potential.
Alexys Shields
“A source of immense happiness” – Little’s Parents
Alexys brings the compassion of her nursing background into her match, becoming a steady source of joy and support. Whether they are out on a “bike build” at Kiwanis or just spending time together, her Little is always excited for their outings. As Alexys puts it, she became a Big to ensure she could “give back and be a steady presence” for the next generation.
Stefanie Martinez
Stefanie has built a bond so strong that her Little now calls her “family.” From celebrating cultural traditions to teaching her how to drive, Stefanie has been with her Little through every major milestone. Whether they are bonding during beauty school nail appointments or navigating the road together, Stefanie has become an essential bridge in her Little’s life.
Kiersten Piekarz
Kiersten brought her signature “honest-to-a-fault” personality and a whole lot of heart, leading to a match that has transcended the miles with her now graduated Little. She encourages her Little to embrace who they are, and as she says, “be weird if they’re weird,” proving that honesty, humor, and consistency can bridge any gap.
Bekah Keesler
Bekah has built a strong friendship with her Little Sister centered on honesty and shared adventures like hiking and grabbing boba.
Donna Muntean
After seven years of commitment, Donna is a shining example of a match built to last. Her relationship with her Little Sister has evolved into something “comfortable, natural, and grounding.”
Pearson McIntire
His Little puts it simply: “I wouldn’t want a different Big Brother.” After eight years of friendship, we are celebrating a milestone in 2026 where his Little Brother is graduating high school and Pearson is completing his graduate degree. From days at the park to competitive sports, Pearson has brought heart and energy to every moment.
Defending Potential Beyond January
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northern Nevada had the chance to join local media to share Big stories and speak the importance of mentorship in today’s world. We were featured on Fox 11 Arc Reno with Marianna Daniele, KOLO 8 with Rebecca Kitchen and Katey Roshetko, and a field story with Hana Altenburg.
One interview featuring Big Sister Olivia Nevarez, Olivia shared how her experience with Big Brothers Big Sisters as a child inspired her to join as a Big Sister a decade later. It was a meaningful moment to show Northern Nevada what it looks like when Mentorship makes an impact.
In another moving story, Big Brother Tom DuBos shared how being a mentor has been a fantastic experience and how the match has “challenged him” and “pushed him out of his comfort zone.”
We wrapped up our month of surprises with a field interview in Pearson’s own lab at University of Reno Graduate School. Pearson opened up about the ups and downs he has had over the nearly 8 years with his Little Brother and ended with an impassioned call for more male Bigs.
Mentorship is a Necessity
As January ends, the invitation remains open. Becoming a Big, supporting a match, or simply sharing our mission are all ways to stand with the next generation.
Together, we can make sure every young person in Northern Nevada has someone who believes in their biggest possible future.