Celebrating Our 2026 Strobel Award Honorees:
Mary Walker & Sergio Lopez
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Middle Tennessee is proud to celebrate two remarkable volunteers — Mary Walker and Sergio Lopez — who were honored at the 2026 Mary Catherine Strobel Volunteer Awards, Middle Tennessee’s highest recognition for community service. Their stories reflect the heart of the mission, and the extraordinary impact one caring adult can make.
Meet Our Honorees
Sergio Lopez — Youth Volunteer Award
At just 18 years old, Sergio Lopez is redefining what youth leadership looks like. As a Big Brother to 11yearold Malachi, Sergio shows up every Tuesday at 7:15 AM — before his own school day begins — to tutor, mentor, and support his Little at Stewartsboro Elementary. His service is intentional, consistent, and deeply empathetic.
Sergio prepares for every session, finding books that match Malachi’s interests, helping him set academic goals, and creating a safe space for him to process difficult emotions and family challenges. In just one year, Sergio has contributed 60+ hours of direct mentorship, maintained nearperfect attendance, and helped Malachi make measurable gains in Math and ELA.
He also stepped into a leadership role beyond his match: Sergio became the first High School Big in BBBSMT history to speak at the annual Big Breakfast fundraiser, representing more than 2,800 youth served across Middle Tennessee. His advocacy helped raise vital funds for programming and inspired hundreds of community members.
What sets Sergio apart is the quiet, consistent effort he gives when no one is watching. When Malachi was nervous about speaking at Big Breakfast, Sergio didn’t just encourage him — he stood beside him, shared his own nerves, and promised to be right there. That moment of solidarity helped Malachi find the confidence to speak in front of 1,000 people. Sergio doesn’t just volunteer; he transforms lives through the power of showing up.
Mary Walker — Charles Strobel Legacy of Service Award
Mary Walker has spent her life strengthening families, uplifting communities, and championing the well-being of children across Middle Tennessee. Her decades of service — from her early work at DCS and as a juvenile court referee, to her transformative leadership as Vice President of Programs at BBBSMT, to her cofounding of Renewal House — reflect a career defined by compassion, justice, and unwavering commitment.
During her tenure at BBBSMT, Mary led the agency through unprecedented growth, increasing matches from roughly 400 to more than 2,800, while elevating program quality and national standards. She personally mentored two Littles as a Big Sister and continued supporting the agency as a consultant through 2026.
Mary’s impact extends far beyond BBBSMT. As cofounder of Renewal House, she spent nearly three decades championing its mission, filling tables at fundraisers, recruiting supporters, and staying deeply connected to the families it serves. Her leadership helped build a program that continues to provide healing and stability for mothers and children.
Colleagues describe Mary as someone who will always do “whatever it takes” to help a family — a philosophy that mirrors the legacy of Charles Strobel himself. Her mentorship has shaped thousands of lives, from youth to staff to community partners. Mary’s service is not symbolic; it is handson, heartfelt, and transformative.
About the Strobel Awards — and Why This Recognition Matters
The Mary Catherine Strobel Volunteer Awards honor individuals who go above and beyond in service to their community. Named after a beloved Nashville leader known for her compassion and commitment to others, the awards represent the highest standard of volunteer excellence in Middle Tennessee.
For Mary and Sergio to be recognized at this level is deeply meaningful — not only for them, but for the entire BBBSMT community. Their achievements highlight:
- The power of consistent, onetoone mentorship
- The ripple effect a Big can have on a young person’s life
- The importance of youthcentered service in strengthening families
- The dedication of volunteers who show up, listen, and lead with empathy
Their stories shine a light on the thousands of hours that Bigs invest each year — hours that build trust, open doors, and help young people discover their own potential.
Join Us in Celebrating Their Legacy
Mary and Sergio represent the very best of what it means to be a Big. Their Strobel Awards honor their service — but they also remind us that every volunteer has the power to change a life.
If their stories inspire you, consider learning more about becoming a Big or sharing this story to celebrate the incredible volunteers who make this mission possible.