Changing Lives, One Mentor at a Time
- Kara Wenrich
- 2 days ago
- 4 min read
An interview with Keshona Lawrence of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Puget Sound
A single relationship can spark a lifetime of possibility.
In a world where many young people face barriers beyond their control, the power of a single, consistent relationship can make all the difference. Every conversation, shared experience, and promise kept has the potential to build confidence, unlock opportunity, and help a young person see a future they may not have imagined for themselves.
For more than 70 years, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Puget Sound has been creating those life-changing connections through the power of mentorship. By matching young people with dedicated adult mentors, the organization is helping the next generation thrive—not through grand gestures, but through the simple act of showing up.
We spoke with Keshona Lawrence of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Puget Sound about the organization's mission, the lasting impact of mentorship, and why community partnerships are essential to expanding opportunity for young people. Her insights are a powerful reminder that changing a life doesn't require having all the answers—it simply starts with being there.
Can you share a bit about Big Brothers Big Sisters, your mission, and the work you do?
KESHONA LAWRENCE: Big Brothers Big Sisters of Puget Sound (BBBS) is all about relationships. We connect young people with caring, consistent adult mentors who show up, build trust, and help expand what feels possible for them. At the end of the day, our work is rooted in a simple belief: every young person has incredible potential, and one strong relationship can help unlock it.
What systemic or structural factors contribute to the challenges BBBS addresses?
KESHONA LAWRENCE: The young people we work with are navigating real systemic challenges, like inequitable access to resources, underfunded schools, and limited exposure to networks or career pathways.
We can’t solve all of that overnight, but what we can do is make sure a young person has someone in their corner. That consistent relationship helps build confidence, connection, and the ability to navigate those broader systems over time.
"..every young person has incredible potential, and one strong relationship can help unlock it."
You offer both community-based and site-based mentorship. Can you tell us a little bit about both?
KESHONA LAWRENCE: We offer two different ways for mentors and young people to connect, depending on what works best for them.
In our community-based program, matches spend time together out in the community just doing life together, like grabbing coffee, exploring a new hobby, or working toward personal goals.
In our site-based programs, mentors meet with young people at schools or community sites during a consistent, structured time two times per month during the littles lunch break.
Both are built on the same idea: showing up consistently and letting a real relationship grow.
What does success look like for mentors and mentees involved in Big Brothers Big Sisters?
KESHONA LAWRENCE: Success for us is really about the strength of the relationship.
For our littles, that might look like gaining confidence, feeling more connected, or starting to see new possibilities for their future. For mentors, it’s about building a meaningful relationship and knowing that simply showing up, week after week, matters.
We often say it’s not about big moments, it’s about consistency over time. That’s where the real impact happens.
What do you wish more people understood about mentorship?
KESHONA LAWRENCE: I think one of the biggest misconceptions is that you have to already have everything figured out to be a mentor.
You don’t. Mentorship is really about being present, listening, and showing up consistently. A lot of the impact comes from small, everyday moments that build trust over time, not from having all the answers.
Can you share a story or example of someone who’s been directly impacted by your work?
KESHONA LAWRENCE: We see the impact of mentorship in really powerful ways, but often it’s the quieter transformations that stand out.
For example, we’ve seen young people who start off unsure of themselves gradually open up, try new things, and build confidence just because there’s a consistent adult in their life who believes in them and shows up for them.
That shift from “I’m not sure I can” to “maybe I can” is what this work is all about.
Check out a few of our favorite stories from this year:
What makes community-based partnerships like YPCommunities and Big Brothers Big Sisters so powerful?
KESHONA LAWRENCE: Partnerships like the one with YPCommunities are huge for us. They help bring new people into the work and create different ways for the community to engage, whether that’s through events, volunteering, or donation drives.
It’s really about expanding the circle around young people. The more people who are aware, engaged, and invested, the more relationships we can build, and that’s where the impact starts.
How can YPCommunities members support the work that Big Brothers Big Sisters does?
KESHONA LAWRENCE: There are a lot of ways to get involved, depending on what feels right for you.
Becoming a mentor is definitely the most direct way to make an impact, but people can also show up by attending events, contributing to donation drives, or simply helping spread the word.
Every single touchpoint helps us reach more young people who are waiting for that connection.
Are there upcoming events, campaigns, or initiatives people can join?
KESHONA LAWRENCE: We’ve got some great opportunities coming up for people to plug in from community events and volunteer opportunities to our annual BIG Gala.
Those moments are a chance to support the work, but also to connect with others who care about showing up for young people in our community.
Check out our events page here for more information.
