Big Brothers Big Sisters of Coastal & Northern New Jersey (BBBSCNNJ) is proud to announce its 2025 Bigs & Littles of the Year, honoring the exceptional individuals who have made a lasting impact through their dedication to mentorship and community service.

The Big Brothers Big Sisters’ Community Based mentorship program matches children and teens with a mentor in professionally supported one-to-one relationships. The Big and Little spend time 4-6 hours per month engaging in free or low-cost activities out in the community.

Big Sister Lauren Gonzalez and Little Sister Jocelyn will celebrate their 8-year match anniversary in 2025. Since first meeting when Jocelyn was 8, their bond has grown into a beautiful and lasting friendship. What started as a fun and friendly connection has evolved into a strong mentorship, with Lauren guiding Jocelyn through key life transitions—navigating new schools, excelling in her studies, and landing her first job. Despite their increasingly busy schedules, they’ve managed to stay closely connected, which speaks to the solid foundation they’ve built over the years. Both Lauren and Jocelyn regularly express their appreciation for each other and their unwavering commitment to their friendship. Jocelyn has shared, “She acts like a real big sister to me, which makes me happy, and she’s really kind.” Both Lauren and Jocelyn are dedicated to nurturing this lifelong friendship, a bond that continues to grow stronger with time.

Big Brother Anthony Gray Jr. and Little Brother Derek have built a deep and meaningful connection since they were matched five years ago, embodying the essence of brotherhood our agency strives to foster. DJ looks up to Anthony and often seeks his guidance, with DJ’s mom describing Anthony as a true older brother to him. Through their relationship, Anthony has broadened DJ’s experiences and perspectives, particularly around the unique challenges and opportunities of being a Black male in America. Their conversations frequently focus on navigating life’s complexities and maximizing available opportunities. Over the years, Anthony has provided DJ with consistent support, emotional encouragement, and guidance, helping him develop resilience and self-confidence. This has opened new doors for DJ, enriching his outlook on life. As a mentor, Anthony has seamlessly embraced his role, while also actively supporting the agency through his involvement in the Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion Steering Committee.

In addition to these outstanding matches, BBBSCNNJ also recognizes volunteer mentors in workplace, college, and school-based programs.

Big Sister Jennifer Finnegan, dedication to the Big Brothers Big Sisters program with Deloitte and Dover High School has made a lasting impact, particularly through her mentorship of Isabel over the past two years. As they enter their third year together, Jennifer has supported Isabel’s growth both personally and academically, helping her build confidence as she navigates her senior year and prepares for college. Isabel has expressed how Jennifer has shaped her self-assurance, saying, “Jen gets me. I can talk to her about high school and college, but also, she helped me feel more confident in myself.” Jennifer’s commitment to the program has not only empowered Isabel, but also inspired her to become a mentor herself, with Isabel being the first to sign up for the new Big Brothers Big Sisters program at Dover High School and North Dover Elementary School. Beyond her mentoring role, Jennifer also actively supports the community by participating in events like Bowl for Kids’ Sake and the Golf Outing, further demonstrating her unwavering dedication to helping children succeed.

Big Brother Kadeem McKnight has made a profound impact as a dedicated college mentor in the Empowering Young Black Males mentoring program over the last four years. The program is a collaboration between Big Brothers Big Sisters, Monmouth University, Neptune High School, and Long Branch High School. Through this program, Kadeem has empowered high school students by providing them guidance and support, helping them prepare for their futures, build lasting friendships, and learn about college life and the value of education. Despite the demands of college life and his commitments as a student-athlete, Kadeem has consistently prioritized his role as a mentor, serving as a relatable and motivational figure for the young men he mentors, particularly those who aspire to play football at the collegiate level. His passion for supporting youth goes beyond his direct mentorship, as he has also been a vocal advocate for improving the program to better serve both the students and mentors. Kadeem’s unwavering commitment and leadership have made him an integral part of the program and a lasting influence on the students he supports.

Big Sister Jabnelyz, a dedicated student at Keansburg High School, has been an unwavering mentor to Little Sister Kaylee for the past three years. When they were first matched, Jabnelyz was a 9th grader, and Kaylee was entering 6th grade. From the beginning, Jabnelyz demonstrated exceptional patience, consistency, and kindness, creating a supportive environment for Kaylee. Over time, this mentorship blossomed into a deep and meaningful friendship. Jabnelyz has not only been a trusted mentor, but also a role model and a constant source of support for Kaylee, guiding her through challenges and celebrating her growth. Jabnelyz’s dedication to Kaylee’s well-being and success highlights her strong commitment to the program and the positive impact she’s had on Kaylee’s life.

Big Brother Brysen, a student at New Brunswick P-Tech High School, has demonstrated exceptional commitment to the program through his responsibility, kindness, and dedication to the mentees. He consistently made an effort to include all students during activities, fostering a comfortable environment and a strong sense of belonging. Brysen also stepped up to work with multiple mentees at once when needed, in addition to his one-on-one match, allowing him to connect with numerous Littles throughout the year. His consistent support and perfect attendance during the previous school year highlight his unwavering dedication to the program and the kids he mentors.

“We are thrilled to recognize this year’s Bigs and Littles of the Year for their remarkable achievements,” said William Salcedo, Executive Director of BBBSCNNJ. “Their stories are a testament to the power of mentorship and its incredible impact on both the Big and the Little. We are proud to celebrate their dedication, perseverance, and growth.”

The Bigs & Littles of the Year will be honored at the Big Impact Gala on Friday, June 6th, where they will be celebrated for their dedication to one another and belief in the power of mentorship. This event brings together supporters, donors, and community members to celebrate the incredible work being done to change lives, one mentor and mentee at a time. Learn more about the event HERE.