How Crew Carwash’s Support Turned Into Mentorship for Big Sister Clara and Little Sister Rosalie
November 10, 2025, Nohad Awada
When partnerships go beyond corporate giving and become personal, real change happens. That’s exactly what unfolded at Crew Carwash, one of Big Brothers Big Sisters Twin Cities’ long-standing partners. For more than 16 years, Crew Carwash has supported youth mentoring through its Crew for Kids fundraiser, helping create and sustain mentorship opportunities across the Twin Cities.
Stepping Into Something Bigger
For Clara Wieland, Marketing Coordinator at Crew Carwash, what started as a work project turned into something much deeper. After helping organize her first Crew for Kids campaign, she saw firsthand the power of mentorship and decided to become a Big herself.
“After that first event, I didn’t need much convincing,” Clara said. “Hearing the stories from my coworkers who were already Bigs, and seeing the impact of our partnership up close, made it clear that I wanted to be part of it personally.”
Just a few months later, Clara was matched with her Little, Rosalie. The two quickly bonded over food, creativity, and shared interests, creating a bucket list of activities they’ve been checking off one by one. And according to Clara, their match has been a reminder of how simple acts of connection can create lasting impact.
How Mentorship Builds Leadership
For Clara, mentoring Rosalie has been more than a volunteer experience, it’s been a masterclass in leadership, empathy, and growth. Through every shared meal, creative project, and conversation, she’s learned the value of patience, adaptability, and simply being present.
“Spending time with Rosalie has shown me how important it is to just show up,” Clara said. “Plans don’t always go as expected, but that doesn’t matter! What matters is being there.”
Those same lessons have carried into Clara’s professional life, shaping the way she leads, listens, and connects with others.
“Through this experience, I’ve realized how doable mentorship really is,” she explained. “You don’t have to overhaul your life to make a difference, it’s about consistency, not perfection.”
Partnership That Inspires Action
That same spirit of consistency is what fuels Crew Carwash’s partnership with Big Brothers Big Sisters Twin Cities. Together, we’ve raised funds, built awareness, and encouraged employees to get involved, creating a ripple effect that extends well beyond the workplace.
“Working with Big Brothers Big Sisters has been incredible,” Clara shared. “It’s local, hands-on, and creative. You can see the difference right in your community.”
Clara’s journey highlights what makes partnerships like Crew Carwash’s so special: they’re built not only on shared values, but on shared action. When companies invest in mentoring, employees often take that mission to heart, turning professional partnerships into personal commitments.
And that’s the true power of mentorship: one connection inspiring another, until an entire community is uplifted.
Interested in becoming a partner or learning how your company can support mentorship?
Visit bigstwincities.org/partner to learn more.
