Sloane Keane, CEO of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Orange County and the Inland Empire (BBBS OC/IE), leads the largest BBBS agency in California, supporting over 2,800 life-changing mentoring relationships each year. Sloane is ensuring that the nonprofit’s 120-year legacy continues — right here where her own story began.

Tell us about your connection to Newport Beach and your journey to give back.

I grew up in The Port Streets of Newport Beach, went to Andersen Elementary and spent my summers swimming for the Harbor View Swim Team under Coach Ted’s leadership. It was my second-grade teacher at Andersen who first made me feel truly seen. She believed in me before I knew how to believe in myself — and that early encouragement planted a seed that’s stayed with me.

After college and an early career in advertising in NYC, I found my way back to Newport Beach — and signed up as a Big Sister. That experience opened my eyes to how just one person showing up can change everything for a young person. A few years later, I made the leap to the nonprofit sector. I’ve been CEO of BBBS OC/IE for the past seven years.

Who does the organization serve?

About 75% of our mentees — whom we call “Littles” — come from low-income households, and most don’t live in two-parent homes. Littles are matched with a caring adult mentor — or “Big” — who helps them build confidence, set goals and thrive.

Our fastest-growing program is High School Bigs, where local students mentor elementary schoolers. And our Workplace Mentoring Program matches partner company employees with first-generation college students, offering real-world guidance and encouragement that changes lives.

Why does mentorship matter?

We see higher grades, better school attendance, improved mental health and increased graduation and college enrollment rates. A 30-year Harvard-based study found that BBBS mentees are 20% more likely to go to college than their peers and earn $300,000 more over their lifetime.

How can people get involved?

Our biggest needs are volunteer mentors and donations. The commitment? One volunteer and one child — meeting twice a month, for two hours at a time. If you can’t volunteer, you can support us by following, sharing or attending one of our events, like the Gourmet Dinner in September.

View upcoming events: ocbigs.org/events
Volunteer today: ocbigs.org/volunteer