Kate Worden is 18 years old and a Senior at Deering High School, with big plans for her future after high school.

Before joining Best Buddies, Kate often felt like she didn’t belong. She wasn’t part of a community where people truly understood her. Many of her peers didn’t realize that she sometimes needed extra time to process and respond to questions or that certain things were more challenging for her. She longed for a space where she could be accepted and appreciated for who she is.

That all changed when Kate became involved with Best Buddies. Now, she serves as the Vice President of her chapter at Deering High School and is training to become a Best Buddies State Ambassador, with the hopes of becoming a Global Ambassador one day. Kate has participated in all the pillars that Best Buddies Maine has to offer, and more: she has been through the leadership pillar by participating in the Ambassador program, received training through Best Buddies Transitions, and even ridden 20 miles on a tandem bike for the Hyannis Port Challenge Ride in Cape Cod, Massachusetts, riding for Team Maine. Once she graduates, she plans to stay involved in Best Buddies and continue advocating for inclusion for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD).

Kate’s path to leadership and self-advocacy began before Best Buddies Maine was founded, but when her family introduced her to the program, she knew right away that she wanted to be involved in promoting inclusion.

“I believe everyone deserves friendship, especially individuals with different abilities who may face barriers when making connections.” — Kate Worden

Working alongside her chapter leadership team and Best Buddies Programs Staff, Kate has dedicated herself to spreading awareness by participating in Best Buddies events and encouraging others to join the movement. One of her biggest goals is to advocate at the state level for opportunities that allow young adults with disabilities to attend inclusive post-secondary programs—giving them the same opportunities as their typically developing peers.

According to Kate, since joining Best Buddies, her life has changed in so many incredible ways. She has formed meaningful friendships, including a supportive buddy named Ally who shares her interests and truly cares about her and others in the program. Through Best Buddies, she has also had the chance to receive leadership training, fundraise for the Gala as a Mission Partner, participate in events like the Friendship Walk and the Hyannis Port Challenge, and even model for a clothing brand in collaboration with Best Buddies Maine that highlights inclusive employment.

For others with IDD, Kate’s message is simple: never let challenges stop you from achieving your goals. Surround yourself with people who will uplift and support you. Always treat others with kindness, and most importantly, promote inclusion in everything you do.

Kate’s journey with Best Buddies has transformed her life, and she hopes to continue making a difference in the lives of others—one friendship at a time.