MIT mentor Berenice Belizaire ’97 was named Bigs & Littles NYC Mentor of the Year...Berenice and her little Tianna (8) have been matched since September 2019, and have been inseparable since.

Berenice and Tianna have built a positive and caring relationship so far. The match has enjoyed attending cultural events in the city, spending time in nature, and participating in various arts and crafts activities at museums. Berenice has been supporting Tianna with building her academic skills, learning how to dance, and eating healthier. Berenice has also been helping Tianna learn and celebrate holidays from different cultures, and has introduced Tianna to new neighborhoods and food options in NYC. Berenice and Tianna continued to connect virtually as a result of the pandemic, participating in fitness classes, as well as learning new skills such as reading analog clocks and having conversations of race and racial injustice in the U.S.

Tianna says, "My Big Sister, BB is so nice, loving, kind, adventurous and warm-hearted. She’s amazing! She’s the best mentor ever! I love her."

--MIT Club of New York newsletter, 30 January 2022