Portland, March 25th, 2013. Jessica Brandes has been awarded the prestigious Big Sister of the Year award for her dedication to her Little Sister and her work in promoting the mission of Big Brothers Big Sisters.

Jessica Brandes has been awarded the prestigious Big Sister of the Year award for her dedication to her Little Sister and her work in promoting the mission of Big Brothers Big Sisters.

Jessica Brandes has been awarded the prestigious Big Sister of the Year award for her dedication to her Little Sister and her work in promoting the mission of Big Brothers Big Sisters.

Jessica has been matched to her Little Sister Daniella for over five years and together has formed a great friendship of trust and true sisterhood.

“When Jessica and I first started together I was a shy little girl who wasn’t really looking forward to trying new things.  I really didn’t go to places,” stated Daniella.  Over the years that has changed. She has gotten me to do things that now I love, like tubing. Now we go every summer. She’s got me out of my comfort zone, and when I’m around her I feel I can say my opinion about anything.”

            Along with the time she shares with Daniella, Jessica’s commitment to Big Brothers Big Sisters has also included spending hundreds of hours volunteering for the agencies annual Breakfast fundraiser, recruiting new team members and encouraging other Nike employee’s to become Big Brothers or Sisters as well.

            Jessica will now represent Oregon as a candidate for the national Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Year award.