My name is Kaitlin, and I’ve been involved with Best Buddies since 2009. I started with the Friendship Program at Chantilly High School where I was matched with a peer buddy. I enjoyed doing different things at school with my buddy and was always very active in the chapter. I was even elected to be the Buddy Director for my chapter!

During my time as a Buddy Director, I experienced what it was like to be a leader at an organization I cared for, which eventually lead me to Best Buddies Ambassadors. I am a current State Ambassador and have gotten to speak at important events and attend informative trainings.

One of my favorite trainings was at the Deloitte office. I took the metro by myself to Rosslyn. I was paired with a speech coach, and we practiced my Best Buddies mission statement. During the training, I got to think about my Best Buddies experiences and craft a message for community members that want to learn more about Best Buddies.
The event was also my favorite because there was good food!

Being an ambassador gave me the opportunity to attend the Leadership Conference (LC) in Indiana where I took classes on speech writing and presenting. After returning from LC, I was ready to get back into the community and practice my presentation skills! I presented at Local Leadership Training Day and spoke to Virginia and DC chapter leaders about my time in the Friendship Program. I also spoke at a virtual school assembly and informed attendees about the different ways to get involved with Best Buddies.

I am always sharing my mission statement with people in my community, including my friends, family, coworkers and people at church. Right now, I am sharing my mission statement to help raise awareness and fundraise for the Friendship Walk. My goal is $100,000, and right now, I am at $1,625. I could have stopped at $50 when I got the T-shirt, but I kept going. I am trying to beat Shannen and raise more than him because it seems like every year, he’s the number one fundraiser. I’m number two at the moment.

Fundraising for the Friendship Walk, being an ambassador in my community, and hanging out with my Citizens buddy Olivia is keeping me very busy! I am so glad that I got to share my story with you because being a part of Best Buddies makes me feel happy. It makes me feel like I’m included and a part of something. I have found good friends and want everyone to know that Best Buddies is a fun and inclusive place for all!