At our BIG Breakfast in March, we honored four incredible matches as the 2025 Bigs and Littles of the Year. Each story is a reminder of what makes youth mentoring in Puget Sound so powerful—the laughter shared, the lessons learned, and the belief that every young person deserves someone in their corner.
From helping a Little get accepted to 12 colleges, to discovering confidence through creativity and kindness, these mentorship stories from Seattle and Tacoma show how one relationship can change two lives forever.
Big Benjamin – Little Joel
Six years ago, Joel and Ben first connected over basketball. Today, their bond is built on much more—encouragement, trust, and growth. Ben was there to cheer Joel on through every step, from learning to love books to applying to college. Now, Joel has been accepted into 12 schools, carrying forward the lessons and support of his Big. For Ben, Joel’s optimism and energy are just as inspiring. Their match proves that mentorship is a two-way street—and the memories they’ve created together will last a lifetime.
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👉 Watch Joel & Ben’s story on our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CUIZngXR0w8&t=5s
Big Raghav – Little Gabriel
Gabriel wanted to know what it felt like to have a brother. Raghav hoped to make a difference. Together, they found exactly what they were searching for, and so much more. Their days are filled with laughter, games, and new adventures, but what shines through most is Gabriel’s generosity and Raghav’s admiration for the young man he’s becoming. Their bond is a reminder that mentorship is built on patience, kindness, and joy, and sometimes, the best gift is simply having someone who believes in you.
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👉 Watch Gabriel & Raghav’s story on our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cWQjO6TLXOE
Big Mike – Little Mustapha
What began as an opportunity through our Bigs in Tech program quickly became so much more—a friendship rooted in trust, encouragement, and laughter. From cheering side by side at Seahawks games to teaming up in spaghetti tower challenges, Mustapha and Mike built a bond that goes far beyond technology. For Mustapha, Mike is the mentor who taught him perseverance and gave him the confidence to believe in himself. For Mike, Mustapha is the Little whose kindness and spark brighten every moment they share. Their story reminds us that mentorship doesn’t just open doors to careers, it opens hearts, builds confidence, and creates a lifelong belief in what’s possible.
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👉 Watch Mustapha & Mike’s story on our YouTube channel: https://youtu.be/vgwCRg3TrIY
Big Alex – Little Olivia
When Liv and Alex first met, both were shy and unsure. But through a shared love of music, comics, and creativity, they found their rhythm. From sketching stories about concerts to late-night talks about bands, their bond celebrates self-expression and individuality. Alex admires Liv’s fierce independence and her courage to stay true to who she is. Their match is a powerful reminder that sometimes the greatest impact a mentor can make is simply saying: “Be yourself, exactly as you are.”
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👉 Watch Liv & Alex’s story on our YouTube channel: https://youtu.be/EcxAS2xvur0
Honoring Real Impact
Join us in celebrating Joel & Ben, Gabriel & Raghav, Mustapha & Mike, and Liv & Alex—our 2025 Bigs and Littles of the Year. Their mentorship stories remind us why youth mentoring matters and how it helps young people across Puget Sound thrive.
Want to make an impact like this? Learn how you can become a Big mentor in Seattle or Tacoma today and help ignite the potential of a young person: https://inspirebig.org/become-a-big
