We are thrilled to announce our 2026 Match of the Year: Big Amy and Little Kenya!

While they have only been matched for two years, Amy and Kenya have built a relationship full of laughter, support, shared experiences, and genuine care. Their story is a powerful example of how mentorship creates meaningful connections that empower youth to thrive.

At BBBS’ annual Match Makers Breakfast on September 15, attendees had the opportunity to hear Amy and Kenya share about their journey. Their story captured exactly what Big Brothers Big Sisters is all about.

FROM THE BEGINNING

For Amy, becoming a Big Sister was something she dreamt  about for years.

“I have always wanted to be a part of Big Brothers Big Sisters, but I just never took the step to do it,” she shared. “But two years ago I finally put my foot down and said, ‘I’m going to do it!’ And I did.”

After completing the enrollment process, Amy and Kenya’s applications were carefully reviewed to ensure they would be a strong match. When Amy received the call, she was overjoyed.

That excitement only grew when they met for the first time. Amy recalls feeling “so elated” and said that from the moment they met, “it was a match. It was a match!”

Kenya felt the connection immediately as well. Looking back on that first meeting, she said, “When we first met, I thought we had a connection, like, spiritually.”

From the very beginning, it was clear that this match had BIG potential. .

A GROWING CONNECTION

Like many great friendships, Amy and Kenya’s relationship ignited  with something simple: food.

“When we started going out, we bonded over food,” Kenya said. Those early outings quickly turned into a variety of adventures and shared experiences that helped strengthen their match.

Over the past two years, they have filled their calendars with fun activities. Amy shared that they’ve “done so many things together; movies, mani-pedis, dinner, lunch, and we’ve been to zoos and everything.”

The memories they’ve made aren’t just about where they go, but the time they spend together. Kenya loves sharing stories about her friends- stories that, as she puts it, “always make her [Amy] chuckle and laugh.” Those moments of laughter and conversation have created a friendship built on trust, joy, and a genuine appreciation for one another.

THE IMPACT

While their outings are fun, the true strength of this match can be found in the care and support they show each other.

Amy approaches mentorship with a selfless mindset, explaining,  “This isn’t about me, this is about Kenya.”

That commitment shines through in the way she shows up for her Little.

Kenya feels that support in both big and little ways. She loves that Amy thinks of her even while traveling, sharing, “I love how she always travels with her husband who coaches basketball. She always gifts me something every time she comes back.”

Amy also empowers Kenya when it comes to school. Whether it’s helping with homework, providing books, or offering guidance, she enjoys being there for Kenya. “I’m always there for her as far as getting her books for school and teaching her math and helping her through her studies, which I love to do.” Amy said.

Most importantly, Amy sees Kenya’s incredible potential. She describes her Little as “intelligent and so fun to be with,” a reflection of the confidence and bright future she sees ahead for her.

A MATCH THAT LASTS

The gratitude these two have for one another is impossible to miss. Kenya shared, “I’m just so happy and grateful that I have her in my life and I met her through the Big Brothers Big Sisters program.”

Amy feels equally thankful for the relationship they have built and looks forward to many more years together. “I’m loving what I’m doing,” she said, “and I’ll have my Little, Kenya, for as long as she wants me to be around.”

This is a great match that fits their motto, “Always be great in everything that you do.”

Congratulations again to our 2026 Match of the Year, Big Amy and Little Kenya!