The Okaloosa County Board of County Commissioners recognized Jessica Valek on Tuesday as the 2026 Okaloosa County Big of the Year, an honor awarded by Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northwest Florida.
- Valek, the Coastal Resources Manager for the Destin-Fort Walton Beach Natural Resources Team, was originally presented with the award at the end of May. Katie Thompson, area manager for Big Brothers Big Sisters, introduced Valek at Tuesday’s meeting and spoke about her impact as a mentor.
“Her unwavering commitment and consistency have made a lasting impact on her Little Sister, Anna’s, life,” Thompson said. “Through her dedication, encouragement and positive influence, Jessica truly embodies what it means to be a Big Sister.”
Valek has been matched with Anna through the organization’s community-based program since August 2023. The two have shared outings including a 5K color run, fishing trips, visits to Harbor Walk, farmers markets and ice skating, along with stops for candy and ice cream.
“She is a totally different person now,” Valek said of Anna. “She confides in me. She reaches out to me. She trusts me.”
Valek’s involvement with Big Brothers Big Sisters dates to 2017, shortly after she graduated from college. An earlier match ended when she moved away, but after returning to the area, she signed up again. In December 2024, she joined the Okaloosa County BBBS Advisory Board.
Thompson said Valek has also personally recruited several current mentors from her workplace and the broader community.
Valek said the experience has been meaningful for her as well.
- “I’ve learned so much about myself and about her and how to interact with her and be patient with someone who may not see things exactly the way I do,” Valek said.
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northwest Florida has provided mentoring services across Escambia, Santa Rosa, Okaloosa, Walton and Bay counties for more than 36 years. The organization served more than 720 children last year. More than 300 children in the region are currently waiting for a mentor.
