The founder of a girls’ social club was hailed as Bermuda’s 2026 woman Mentor of the Year today.

Sia Spence won recognition at the Big Brothers Big Sisters of Bermuda Mentoring Month Awards ceremony in Hamilton City Hall, for which the public submitted names.

Ms Spence, founder of the Young Queenz Girlz Club, was not the only mentor celebrated.

Naquan Smith, a volunteer with the Mirrors Programme, was named the 2026 man Mentor of the Year, while Valerie Robinson-James, Permanent Secretary for the Ministry of Youth, Social Development and Seniors, and Kenneth Mills, coach at Pembroke Hamilton Club, received honourable mentions in the woman and man mentor categories.

Lyndon Guiseppi was announced as Big Brother of the Year and Sandra Watt Big Sister of the Year.

Young Queenz Girlz Club’s Facebook page said the organisation taught girls aged 12 to 18 about “world issues, leadership skills and femininity, while clearly identifying who they are so they can live the life they want”.

One person who nominated Ms Spence said the club, formed in 2019, “became a place where I genuinely felt seen and supported”.

She added: “I can trace so much of the woman I am becoming back to those Friday afternoons.

“The mentorship I received from Ms Spence did not just support me in the moment — it gave me a foundation that continues to guide me.”

Reflecting on her award, Ms Spence said: “I put a lot of time in with the girls, both in and outside of the club, and to see them all flourish has been amazing.”

She said her biggest reward from mentoring was seeing the girls thrive.

Mr Smith has spent two years as a Mirrors mentor and received the organisation’s Commitment Key Award last year.

A person who nominated Mr Smith said his mentorship had a “lasting impact” on their growth and wellbeing.

They added: “Through my experience with him, I now understand the importance of mentorship and the value of having healthy positive male role models.

“His influence has inspired me to one day become a mentor and big brother to another young male.”

Mr Smith said: “A wise man once told me ‘be the change you want to see’, so thank you for this. I really appreciate and was not expecting this. Everyone here does this without expecting anything.”

Mr Guiseppi has been a Big Brother for two years, first getting involved as a way to give back to Bermuda.

He said: “I feel like my Little Brother really holds a lot on his own. He’s very kind-hearted and has a type of quiet strength.”

Ms Watt could not attend but her Little Sister accepted the award on her behalf.

Tinée Furbert, the Minister of Youth, Social Development and Seniors, talked about the value of mentors.

She said: “In my role, I meet many talented young Bermudians. The only difference between feeling stuck and moving forward comes down to one person who offered encouragement, opened a door or stayed a little bit behind through a difficult season.

“This is the impact mentors make every day. They help build confidence, help build resilience, help strengthen our families, our communities and, most importantly, our island.”

Patrina O’Connor-Paynter, the Big Brothers Big Sisters of Bermuda managing director, urged people and organisations across the island to join forces for Bermuda’s children.

She told attendees: “It’s not about us. These children are part of this community and if we want a better Bermuda, then it takes every single one of us in this room and every single person outside this room to actually make an impact.”

Ms O’Connor-Paynter added: “We can’t complain, because they’re a reflection of us.

“It takes a village to raise a child and we need to continue to be that village for the children of Bermuda.”

Charles Gosling, the Mayor of Hamilton, said Big Brothers Big Sisters of Bermuda “recognises that experiences, exposure, opportunities and strong partnerships, working together through mentorship, can create lasting and meaningful impact”.

Little Brother Koli Simons, who hosted the ceremony, told attendees: “We’re all growing up, it’s not always going to be easy to find the best place … but it’s good to see there are actually people out there who want to help.”

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Bermuda recognised several other individuals and organisations — including Progressive Labour Party senator Lindsay Simmons; Heidi Michelsen, founder and executive director of Amber’s Wings; and members of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc — for their service to the charity.

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