Big Brothers Big Sisters of Eastern Massachusetts (BBBSEM) has named Kristen Erekson, of Somerville, and Joi’elle Woody, 13, of Dorchester, as the agency’s 2025 Match of the Year. Their bond, one of nearly 4,000 active mentoring relationships supported annually by the organization, reflects the profound, long-lasting impact mentorship can have on both a young person and their mentor.
Erekson, a dedicated BBBSEM volunteer and Board of Advisor member, has been a Big Sister for nearly two decades. She was first matched with her original mentee, Wild, in 2007 in Chicago. Seventeen years later, the two still remain close—recently reconnecting over vegan deep-dish pizza and celebrating career transitions with axe throwing. “After nearly 18 years, Wild is my family. I enjoy watching her excitement experiencing the world and how she introduces me to new things through her eclectic interests,” says Erekson.

Now living in Massachusetts, Erekson is matched with her current Little, Joi’elle, with whom she’s been paired since early 2022. The duo enjoys exploring Boston together—visiting the zoo, navigating corn mazes, roller skating, baking, and experimenting with TikTok-inspired food trends like Korean corndogs and candy-coated grapes.

“Since I was new to Boston, it has been really fun to have someone to explore the city with,” says Erekson. “I’ve gotten so much more out of this program than I expected. Joi’elle’s curiosity and creativity constantly inspire me. Whether we’re painting in the style of Mark Rothko or navigating a corn maze she was nervous to enter, I’ve seen her build confidence and embrace new experiences.”

Woody has grown significantly since the match began. Once shy and reserved, she’s come into her own with Erekson’s steady presence. “Kristen is special because of her fun personality,” says Woody. “We painted art projects together to give as Christmas gifts, and she taught me how to wrap gifts in a different way. She also helps me with goals and reminds me that there’s more than one way to try something—even if it doesn’t work out the first time.”

Her mother, Keisa Woody, says the match has made a tremendous difference in her daughter’s life. “What I love about Big Brothers Big Sisters of Eastern Massachusetts is that it has given Joi’elle a sense of self-worth and a chance to be a part of a great community,” says Woody’s mother. “Kristen has given Joi’elle the chance to experience many different things, enabling her to gain a greater sense of confidence. She’s always eager to share her time with Kristen with our family and friends.”

“Kristen and Joi’elle represent the best of what mentoring is about—trust, discovery, and shared growth,” says Mark O’Donnell, President & CEO of BBBSEM. “Having an additional caring adult in their corner can make all the difference for children and teens. Kristen has shown what sustained, consistent mentorship looks like, and the impact speaks for itself.”
With research and proven outcomes at its core, BBBSEM creates matches based on shared interests, geography and personality, serving as a bridge between communities and partners to address systemic issues like social isolation, education gaps, and equity in opportunity.

Mentoring remains one of the most effective tools for supporting young people’s mental health, academic success, and self-confidence. A national study of 950 youth from eight Big Brothers Big Sisters agencies found that positive mentoring relationships result in stronger decision-making, improved academic outcomes, and more.
Anyone can become a Big as the agency welcomes youth and adults of all races, ethnicities, cultures, socio-economic backgrounds, genders, sexual orientations, and physical abilities. Volunteers must be 18 years old or older and be able to commit a few hours a few times a month for at least a year and have a passion for positively impacting a young person’s life.

In its 76th year, the largest Big Brothers Big Sisters affiliate in New England has created and served more than 25,000 matches and will serve nearly 4,000 matches this year. For more information, to become a volunteer, or to register your children, visit: www.emassbigs.org.

About Big Brothers Big Sisters of Eastern Massachusetts
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Eastern Massachusetts is an innovative, energetic organization that is making a real difference in the lives of nearly 4,000 youth annually by providing them with an invested, caring adult mentor in long-term, professionally supported relationships. With research and proven outcomes at its core, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Eastern Massachusetts is working to defend the potential of children facing adversity and ensure every child has the support from caring adults that they need for healthy development and success in life. The organization’s vision is to inspire, engage and transform communities in Eastern Massachusetts by helping youth achieve their full potential, contributing to healthier families, better schools, more confident futures and stronger communities. Throughout its 76 years, the largest Big Brothers Big Sisters affiliate in New England has created and served more than 25,000 youth. For more information about the agency and its mission, visit www.emassbigs.org.