Catherine Pickard has been a devoted member of Best Buddies Pennsylvania for just about a decade, and her journey has left an indelible mark on the Best Buddies community. Starting her involvement at West Chester East High School, Catherine’s passion for inclusion and friendship quickly blossomed, leading her to become a key leader within multiple Best Buddies chapters.

When the Life Skills Program moved to West Chester Henderson in 2016, Catherine saw an opportunity to expand the Best Buddies mission. “I started the chapter at Henderson and served as the first President and only board member at the time,” Catherine recalls. Her leadership at Henderson laid the foundation for the chapter’s future success, bringing together students of all abilities to form meaningful, lifelong friendships. Henderson’s chapter now has over 100 members and hosted our high school Buddy Ball last year!

Catherine’s dedication didn’t stop after high school. She went on to attend Duquesne University, where she once again took on a leadership role. “I had the opportunity to serve the chapter and was the President from 2019-2020,” Catherine shared. Under her guidance, the Duquesne chapter flourished, providing opportunities for students to connect, advocate, and learn from one another.

Throughout her time with Best Buddies, Catherine has built lasting connections. “I have made lifelong friendships in the three school chapters I was a part of and am so excited to now be in the Citizens program,” she said. Catherine’s involvement with the Best Buddies Citizens program represents the next step in her journey—joining a community of adults who continue to support the mission of inclusion beyond the school setting.

For Catherine, the joy of friendship has been central to her experience. “Best Buddies in PA is such a fun and amazing community, and I couldn’t imagine my life without it,” she said. “My buddies never fail to put a smile on my face, and I’m looking forward to all the memories to come!”

Catherine’s story is a testament to the impact that one person can have in building a more inclusive world. Her decade-long commitment to Best Buddies serves as an inspiration to all, and we are excited to see her continue to grow with the organization.

Best Buddies Pennsylvania is proud to celebrate dedicated volunteers like Catherine Pickard who help make our mission a reality.