From Little to Big: Brian’s Mentorship Story with Big Brothers Big Sisters Twin Cities
April 27, 2026
Well… that was the highlight reel. They made us look gooood.
This is the unedited version… so we’ll see how this goes.
How’s everyone’s night going?
Nice to meet you again.. I’m Brian.
As you saw in the video, my big brother, Luke and I met when I was just 9 years old.
When I first got matched in this program, I didn’t realize I was stepping into something that would last decades.
I didn’t really understand mentorship back then or what it could turn into.
I just knew that Luke kept showing up.
My relationship with him is very important to me.
Our friendship has gone from talking about homework to talking about our careers.
Introducing each other to our then girlfriends who are now our wonderful wives.
It went from me being an uncle to his two kids, to him being an uncle to my first child Wesley.
And somewhere along the way, our roles didn’t just grow, they came full circle.
When I found some stability in my adult life I made the decision to sign up and be a big in the program which has now also given me a new perspective on all of this.
Because now I’m the one hoping my guy Dejwaun experiences the same things Luke gave me.
I hope he feels like he has someone in his corner.
Someone he can talk to. Someone who shows up. Someone who’s excited to see him succeed. It doesn’t have to be glamorous. It just has to be consistent…
I hope he knows there’s someone who chose to spend time with him… the same way Luke chose to spend time with me.
And if years from now he looks back and realizes those small, consistent moments helped shape how he sees himself and what he believes is possible for his future… then I’ll feel like I did my job.
The reason I share this tonight is because there are a lot of kids out there who are still waiting for someone like Luke or me or you.
Kids who are smart, capable. Kids who just need another caring adult in their corner.
Sometimes all it takes is one other person who decides to show up.
That’s what Luke did for me.
And now I get the chance to do the same for Dejwaun.
Mentorship is more than just the small moments…
It impacts how a kid sees themselves.
It changes what they believe is possible.
I’m standing here tonight because someone chose to show up for me.
And all it took… was one person.
So when we talk about Framing the Future tonight, this is what that looks like.
I’m proof of what can happen when you invest in this mission.
And Dejwaun is proof that the story is still being written.
And if you’re wondering what your support does… this is it.
It helps create more matches, more moments, and more futures that look a whole lot brighter because someone decided to step in.
And now, I’ve done my emotional part, which means it’s time to bring out someone with a much more official title,
Please help me welcome to the stage, CEO, Pat Sukhum!
Watch Brian LeLewis’ speech from the 2026 Big Night Gala, our annual fundraiser and celebration of the power of mentorship.
Invest in the next generation
Mentorship creates ripple effects that last for generations. When you invest in this mission, you help create more matches, more moments, and more young people who know someone believes in them.
