Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northwest Florida Announces the 2025 Beyond School Walls Big of the Year

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northwest Florida is proud to announce Kanisha Fells as the recipient of the 2025 Beyond School Walls Big of the Year. This award recognizes a mentor who exemplifies extraordinary commitment, compassion, and service to youth in the community. 

Kanisha's journey as a mentor is rooted in genuine dedication. In 2023, she was matched with her Little Sister Ashayla through the Beyond School Walls program at Navy Federal Credit Union, where Kanisha is employed. This workplace-based mentoring program gives students the opportunity to shadow volunteer employee mentors during the school year, helping them prepare for graduation and life beyond high school. From the very beginning, Kanisha brought warmth, patience, and a sincere commitment to being a steady, encouraging presence in Ashayla's life.

In early 2024, when another Little, Ta'Nae, needed a new Big, Kanisha didn't hesitate. Taking on a second Little is no small commitment, but for Kanisha, it was a clear decision. She welcomed Ta'nae into the same supportive space she had already built with Ashayla, showing both girls what it means to show up, again and again.

The trio met regularly during Beyond School Walls sessions, sharing breakfast and lunch while participating in sessions on financial literacy, job shadowing, leadership development, team building, and career readiness. These shared experiences helped strengthen their bond and equipped both girls with valuable tools for the future.

To deepen their connection and allow for more flexibility, Kanisha transitioned both of her matches into our community-based program. This move opened the door to even more quality time, creating new opportunities for support and growth. Their time together is filled with meaningful moments: grabbing sushi, working out, running errands, planning for the future, and always making space for fun and conversation. Kanisha supports academic growth, encourages goal-setting, and celebrates every achievement along the way. In 2025, those milestones reached a high point as both Ashayla and Ta'Nae graduated high school, an unforgettable moment that reflects the depth of Kanisha's impact. That same year, she and Ashayla were featured in a national Ulta Beauty campaign, spotlighting their powerful connection and the life-changing nature of mentorship.

Kanisha's commitment goes far beyond required meetings or scheduled outings. She listens, uplifts, and empowers both Ashayla and Ta'nae to see their worth and believe in their potential. Her dual commitment is a powerful reminder that being a Big isn't about convenience - it's about heart.

Reflecting on their relationship, Ashayla shared, "My Big Sister is the most kindhearted, outgoing person you could meet! She's my biggest supporter and I'm hers! I'll always be proud of her and she deserves everything that comes her way!"

On behalf of our board and staff, we are proud to honor Kanisha Fells as the 2025 Beyond School Walls Big of the Year, and we thank her for the extraordinary difference she continues to make in the lives of her Littles. 

Photo Caption: Little Sister Ta'Nae, Big Sister Kanisha, & Little Sister Ashayla