Margo Meley has been a part of Best Buddies for almost ten years. Best Buddies is an organization that helps people with and without intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) build friendships, learn leadership skills, and feel included in their communities. Margo is a true leader, friend, and advocate. Her story is one of courage, kindness, and the power of inclusion.

Finding Friendship and Confidence

Margo is a member of Eastern Connecticut State University’s Best Buddies chapter. There, she is matched in a one-to-one friendship with her buddy, Olivia. Margo and Olivia have been buddies for three years. They love spending time together shopping, sharing stories while watching their favorite show, One Tree Hill, and supporting one another through all of life’s ups and downs. Their friendship shows how Best Buddies brings people together.

But life was not always easy for Margo. In high school, she struggled to make friends. She wasn’t as confident as she is today. One of the hardest moments came during her senior prom. Margo wanted to go with a date, but some classmates laughed at her. When she finally made it to prom, a football player dipped the bottom of her dress in gravy. Margo was upset, but she didn’t let it ruin her night, although she wished in that moment that she had friends like her Best Buddies who would have stood up for her.

These tough experiences made Margo more determined to create a world where everyone feels accepted. Best Buddies helped her find her voice and gave her the tools to make a difference.

A Voice for Inclusion

Margo is now a Best Buddies Connecticut State Ambassador. Ambassadors learn how to write speeches, speak in public, and stand up for themselves and others. Margo has spoken at many events like walks, fundraisers, and the Best Buddies Ball. When she speaks, people listen. Her energy is contagious, and her message is clear: Everyone deserves to feel included.

“Best Buddies has changed my life,” Margo says. “Not only has it given me my best friends, but it has helped me reach my personal goals. I want to make the world a more inclusive place and speak up for people with disabilities.”

Margo believes that inclusion goes beyond school. It should be part of every community. She wants people to know that friendships can break down walls and build understanding.

Leading the Way

Margo doesn’t just talk about inclusion—she lives it. She served as Co-Chair for the Best Buddies Young Leaders Council, where she helped other young people learn how to be leaders. Margo loves attending the Best Buddies Leadership Conference (BBLC). At the conference, participants from all over the world come together to learn, share ideas, and have fun.

“BBLC is one of my favorite events,” Margo says. “I get to meet so many amazing people who care about inclusion just like I do.”

Her passion and dedication have not gone unnoticed. Recently, Margo was chosen by Best Buddies International to be a Global Ambassador for 2025-2026. This is a big honor. Global Ambassadors are a small group of people who have shown they can speak clearly and passionately about the mission of Best Buddies. As a Global Ambassador, Margo will travel to different events and share her story with even more people.

Spreading Kindness and Inclusion

Margo has a gift for making people feel welcome. Her energy lights up any room she enters. She makes sure everyone feels like they belong. Whether she is at a walk, a ball, or just hanging out with friends, Margo is always kind and encouraging.

“Inclusion isn’t just for school,” Margo says. “It should be everywhere. In our neighborhoods, workplaces, and beyond.”

Her work as an advocate has helped many people understand why inclusion is so important. She teaches others that when we include people of all abilities, our communities become stronger.

Dreams for the Future

Margo has big dreams. She wants to continue working toward more accessibility for people with disabilities. She hopes to see a world where everyone is treated with kindness and respect.

“I want people to know that everyone has something special to offer,” Margo says. “If you ever feel left out, remember that you are not alone. There are people out there who care and who want to be your friend.”

Her message of hope and inclusion is one that everyone can learn from. Margo Meley’s journey shows the power of friendship, courage, and believing in yourself. Thanks to Best Buddies, she found her voice—and now she uses it to help others find theirs.

Margo is not just a participant in Best Buddies. She is a shining star who inspires everyone she meets. And as a new Global Ambassador, she will continue to spread her message around the world: Inclusion matters, and friendship can change lives.