Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Inland Empire is proud to announce our 2025 Mentors of the Year. These outstanding individuals, representing four mentoring program models, demonstrate how mentoring relationships help mentees (Littles) achieve their biggest possible futures, while also creating long-lasting impact on the mentors (Bigs).
"This very special annual recognition celebrates the invaluable contributions of the organization’s Bigs and highlights the resiliency of our Littles. These relationships are at the heart of our mission and often have a lifelong impact on both parties. We are honored to be showcasing these individuals in our community who embody what mentorship can mean for a young person, the volunteer and the community in igniting the power and promise of the next generation.”
Every year during National Mentoring Month, BBBS honors these outstanding mentors and matches with a regional title to celebrate extraordinary mentorship, friendship, and advocacy.
Meet Our Winners
Community Program
An adult volunteer mentors a child between the ages of 6 and 16. Matches spend quality 1:1 time out in the community twice a month. Click here to volunteer!
Jonathan Rangel and Johnny
From the start, Jonathan’s commitment to his Little, Johnny, has been nothing short of extraordinary. Motivated by his own upbringing, Jonathan wanted to provide the stability and guidance he wished he’d had, and he’s done exactly that for Johnny. Coming from a single-parent household, Johnny’s mom hoped for a male role model who could offer one-on-one support—and Jonathan has become that person in every sense.
Johnny, a talented athlete, faced a tough setback when a traumatic injury sidelined him from the sports he loved. During this challenging time, Jonathan was there every step of the way, offering emotional support to help Johnny process his frustration and physical assistance through training and mobility exercises. With Jonathan’s encouragement, Johnny regained his strength and confidence and is now exploring new opportunities, including joining wrestling.
What makes this match truly remarkable is the trust and connection they’ve built. Jonathan has worked hard to create a safe space where Johnny feels comfortable opening up about anything, from school to relationships to sports. By consistently showing up and seeking ways to strengthen their bond, Jonathan has helped Johnny grow from a reserved and introverted young man to someone who confidently faces challenges head-on.
Jonathan’s impact goes beyond his one-on-one time with Johnny. A passionate advocate for Big Brothers Big Sisters, Jonathan has served on the Big Recruitment Committee, participates in agency events, and uses his platform to spread awareness about the power of mentorship. His dedication to the mission and his mentee makes him a shining example of what it means to be a Big.
Susan Hinrichs and Naiyalli
When Susan joined Big Brothers Big Sisters, she brought more than just a desire to mentor—she brought her whole heart. With a passion for empowering youth and a commitment to making a difference to honor her late son’s memory, Susan was matched with Naiyalli, a spirited and extroverted young girl whose mother wanted a mentor who could channel her daughter’s vibrant energy into meaningful growth. From the moment they met, it was clear Susan was the perfect fit.
Their time together has been filled with adventures that spark joy and encourage personal growth. Whether it’s the creativity of art workshops or generosity of volunteering to walk shelter dogs, Susan ensures each experience is meaningful. One standout memory was watching Inside Out 2, a movie Susan wanted to show Naiyalli to help her connect with and embrace her emotions. After the movie, when Naiyalli expressed sadness at the end of their day about the loss of her cousin, Susan turned it into a teachable moment, using the film’s themes to start a heartfelt conversation about emotions and growth. This thoughtful approach exemplifies the care Susan brings to their relationship.
Susan’s impact goes beyond her time with Naiyalli, serving on the Big Recruitment Committee, participating in events like the Holiday Toy Drive, and raising $1,000 for the Big Give campaign.
Susan and Naiyalli’s story is a shining example of how mentorship can transform lives, reminding us all of the incredible power of connection and commitment.
High School Bigs Program
In this program, high school students find their voices as community advocates and leaders serving as role models to elementary school students. During weekly group mentoring sessions, they guide students through activities that support academic achievement and personal growth.
Congratulations to our 2025 High School Bigs Mentors of the Year, who will also receive a $2,500 College & Career Award to help fund their post-graduation dreams!
Gavin McGowan, Ramona High School
When Gavin first joined the High School Bigs program, he was nervous about being a mentor. But as he and his Little, Joshua, bonded over shared interests like food and games, Gavin realized they both had lessons to teach each other. “I helped him come out of his shell, and he helped me come out of mine,” Gavin reflected. Over the last two years, he watched Joshua grow more confident, stepping out of his comfort zone and building connections with others.
Mentorship also inspired Gavin to take action in his community. Witnessing policies that excluded and marginalized students, Gavin joined efforts to recall a school board president and fight for inclusion. “It wasn’t just about Joshua—it was about kids like him everywhere,” he said. Gavin also deepened his involvement with the Path of Life Family Homeless Shelter, where he transformed simple meals into moments of joy for families, drawing on his desire to help others feel supported and seen.
Gavin’s leadership journey was shaped by his personal story. After losing his father at a young age, he grew up learning resilience and independence. But it was through mentoring Joshua that he discovered the power of connection and vulnerability. “My struggles gave me strength, but mentoring taught me to use that strength to help others.”
Karla Louisa, Jurupa Hills High School
Jasmine, a bright student with a passion for math has found a role model in Karla, who has her own love of science. Karla has embraced their shared interest in STEM, using homework sessions and hands-on activities to help Jasmine explore her interests. Karla’s approach focuses on encouragement and empowerment, ensuring Jasmine feels capable and confident when tackling difficult concepts. Beyond academics, Karla and Jasmine bond over creative activities and candid conversations, building a friendship grounded in trust and understanding.
Inspired by her experiences with High School Bigs, Karla launched a STEM-focused club, Cal-Sci, at her high school. Through guest speaker events and tutoring programs, she fosters mentorship and support for her peers, extending the impact of her Big Brothers Big Sisters experience to the broader community.
Karla’s personal journey has shaped her into a mentor who leads with compassion, creating safe spaces for others to grow. Growing up, she struggled with a language barrier that left her feeling isolated from her peers. The teachers in her school’s English Language Development (ELD) program became her mentors, playing a vital role in her development. Reflecting on her own struggles and triumphs, she approaches mentorship with a heart full of empathy and a commitment to uplifting others—just as her mentors once did for her.
Workplace Mentoring Program
Corporate and community partners sponsor mentoring relationships between their employees and young people at local high schools or community colleges. Matches connect during monthly group mentoring sessions to help students develop career goals and prepare for the workforce.
Steve Gomez, San Manuel Band of Mission Indians
As a corporate mentor at San Manuel Band of Mission Indians, Steve embodies the spirit of mentorship with his unwavering dedication and positive energy. Since joining the program, Steve has been a reliable and engaged participant, attending nearly every virtual session and utilizing program office hours to strengthen his bond with his mentee, Denaity.
Steve’s mentorship style is grounded in relatability and thoughtful guidance. Drawing on his own experiences and those of his daughters at a similar stage in life, Steve has helped Denaity navigate challenges and align her goals with actionable steps, such as identifying relevant courses to support her career aspirations. His approachable demeanor and willingness to connect through video calls, texts, or phone calls, have created a supportive and empowering environment for Denaity.
Denaity, a student at San Bernardino Valley College, has flourished under Steve’s mentorship. With his encouragement, she has gained clarity on her goals and the confidence to take steps toward achieving them. Steve has inspired Denaity to embrace her potential and pursue her dreams with determination.
Beyond his role as a mentor, Steve is a passionate advocate for our mission. His leadership by example uplifts everyone around him, making him a true asset to the program, his colleagues, and every mentee he connects with.
Stephanie Karnes, Norco Community College
From the moment the Norco College Workplace Mentoring Program launched, Stephanie has been a driving force behind its success, recruiting mentors, fostering connections, and sharing the program’s impact with her community. Her dedication goes beyond logistics—Stephanie, a CTE Projects Specialist at the college, has become a steadfast advocate for the Big Brothers Big Sisters mission, inspiring her colleagues and mentees alike with her commitment.
Stephanie’s impact shines brightest through her tailored mentorship. Her first mentee, Aneesa, a second-year student at Norco College, credits Stephanie with helping her refine her resume and build the confidence to pursue job opportunities aligned with her goals. Through personalized guidance, Stephanie empowered Aneesa to recognize her strengths and navigate her career path with newfound assurance. Now matched with two new mentees, Sanet and Alexa, Stephanie continues to bring her adaptability, warmth, and expertise to each mentoring relationship. Sanet and Alexa are both first-generation college students pursuing degrees at Norco College, with aspirations in construction management and UX/UI design, respectively.
Through her unwavering support for her mentees and her advocacy for the program, Stephanie has become a beacon of leadership and compassion. Her belief in the power of connection is not only changing the lives of her mentees but also inspiring others to join her in creating a brighter future through mentorship.
