{"id":4015,"date":"2015-06-24T04:15:05","date_gmt":"2015-06-24T04:15:05","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.bestbuddies.org\/?page_id=4015"},"modified":"2024-10-08T15:02:42","modified_gmt":"2024-10-08T19:02:42","slug":"featured-profiles","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.bestbuddies.org\/what-we-do\/featured-profiles\/","title":{"rendered":"Featured Profiles"},"content":{"rendered":"
[vc_row top_margin=”0″ bottom_margin=”0″ css=”.vc_custom_1447889860742{margin-bottom: -5px !important;}”][vc_column][vc_column_text]\n

Featured Profiles<\/span><\/h1>\n[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1\/2″][vc_single_image image=”184359″ img_size=”full” css=””][\/vc_column][vc_column width=”1\/2″][vc_custom_heading text=”Yasmin & Aiden<\/strong>” font_container=”tag:h4|text_align:left” use_theme_fonts=”yes” css=”.vc_custom_1728411396489{margin-top: -10px !important;}”][vc_custom_heading text=”Friendship program participants” font_container=”tag:h4|font_size:20|text_align:left” use_theme_fonts=”yes” css=”.vc_custom_1706212151745{margin-top: -22px !important;}”][vc_separator color=”custom” align=”align_left” border_width=”8″ css=”.vc_custom_1708032733951{margin-top: -8px !important;}” accent_color=”#ffd420″][vc_empty_space height=”22px”][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1728411733580{margin-top: -13px !important;}”]From their smiles, easy conversations, and evident friendship, watching Aiden and Yasmin at the Best Buddies Friendship Walk with their high school team perfectly illustrates the Best Buddies mission in action. As seniors at Thomas Edison High School, Aiden and Yasmin have been matched in a one-to-one friendship since freshman year, and Best Buddies has made a lasting impact on their lives.<\/p>\n

Read More…<\/a>[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row top_margin=”0″ bottom_margin=”0″][vc_column][vc_separator color=”custom” accent_color=”#59399a”][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1\/2″][vc_single_image image=”184367″ img_size=”full” css=””][\/vc_column][vc_column width=”1\/2″][vc_custom_heading text=”Robin<\/strong>” font_container=”tag:h4|text_align:left” use_theme_fonts=”yes” css=”.vc_custom_1728412587290{margin-top: -10px !important;}”][vc_custom_heading text=”Jobs program – Klingman & Associates, LLC.” font_container=”tag:h4|font_size:20|text_align:left” use_theme_fonts=”yes” css=”.vc_custom_1728412603126{margin-top: -22px !important;}”][vc_separator color=”custom” align=”align_left” border_width=”8″ css=”.vc_custom_1708032741467{margin-top: -8px !important;}” accent_color=”#8fd1c4″][vc_empty_space height=”22px”][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1728412669143{margin-top: -13px !important;}”]Robin currently works as an office manager at Klingman & Associates, LLC, a wealth management firm, in New York City. She has been with the company for over five and a half years, starting as an intern in January 2019 and transitioning to a full-time role after two months.<\/p>\n

At her job, she uses her administrative skills, collaboration, Microsoft Office, customer service, and organizational skills.<\/p>\n

Read More…<\/a>[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row top_margin=”0″ bottom_margin=”0″][vc_column][vc_separator color=”custom” accent_color=”#59399a”][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1\/2″][vc_single_image image=”184374″ img_size=”full” css=””][\/vc_column][vc_column width=”1\/2″][vc_custom_heading text=”Fran<\/strong>” font_container=”tag:h4|text_align:left” use_theme_fonts=”yes” css=”.vc_custom_1728413396524{margin-top: -10px !important;}”][vc_custom_heading text=”Leadership Development program – Global Ambassador” font_container=”tag:h4|font_size:20|text_align:left” use_theme_fonts=”yes” css=”.vc_custom_1708032603831{margin-top: -22px !important;}”][vc_separator color=”custom” align=”align_left” border_width=”8″ css=”.vc_custom_1708032749217{margin-top: -8px !important;}” accent_color=”#f37735″][vc_empty_space height=”22px”][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1728413440159{margin-top: -13px !important;}”]\u201cIt’s a bird! It’s a plane! It’s Flava Fran! Autistic rapping Jew, overcomer, future homeless shelter founder, and Best Buddies Global Ambassador. I live in Dallas, Texas where I work at a preschool, thanks to the Best Buddies Jobs program and my jobs coach, Cheyenne. It is the most amazing job in the entire universe! I hope more people with disabilities will see it is possible to achieve their dream job, and that employers will give us a chance. My job brings so much light to my life and I hope to make your life brighter.”<\/p>\n

Read More…<\/a>[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row top_margin=”0″ bottom_margin=”0″][vc_column][vc_separator color=”custom” accent_color=”#59399a”][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1\/2″][vc_single_image image=”184382″ img_size=”full” css=””][\/vc_column][vc_column width=”1\/2″][vc_custom_heading text=”Rubin<\/strong>” font_container=”tag:h4|text_align:left” use_theme_fonts=”yes” css=”.vc_custom_1728414044407{margin-top: -10px !important;}”][vc_custom_heading text=”Inclusive Living program – Resident” font_container=”tag:h4|font_size:20|text_align:left” use_theme_fonts=”yes” css=”.vc_custom_1728414056801{margin-top: -22px !important;}”][vc_separator color=”custom” align=”align_left” border_width=”8″ css=”.vc_custom_1708032758855{margin-top: -8px !important;}” accent_color=”#9396ca”][vc_empty_space height=”22px”][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1728414122876{margin-top: -13px !important;}”]Before joining Best Buddies Living: Miami in January 2024, Rubin lived with his grandmother, sisters, niece, and nephew. In his new home, Rubin has his own room and bathroom and shares a living and kitchen space. The apartment building is just blocks from the University of Miami, providing residents with access to the campus and all events through a partnership between the school and the program. Residents with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD), like Rubin, are also taught independent living skills by an on-site residential manager.<\/p>\n

Read More…<\/a>[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row top_margin=”0″ bottom_margin=”0″][vc_column][vc_separator color=”custom” accent_color=”#59399a”][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1\/2″][vc_single_image image=”179719″ img_size=”full”][\/vc_column][vc_column width=”1\/2″][vc_custom_heading text=”Caroline Cardenas<\/strong>” font_container=”tag:h4|text_align:left” use_theme_fonts=”yes” css=”.vc_custom_1713979278437{margin-top: -10px !important;}”][vc_custom_heading text=”Family Support Mentor” font_container=”tag:h4|font_size:20|text_align:left” use_theme_fonts=”yes” css=”.vc_custom_1713816448958{margin-top: -22px !important;}”][vc_separator color=”custom” align=”align_left” border_width=”8″ css=”.vc_custom_1713816456937{margin-top: -8px !important;}” accent_color=”#5bc2e7″][vc_empty_space height=”22px”][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1713979317594{margin-top: -13px !important;}”]There is nothing quite like connecting with someone who knows what you\u2019re going through. With all the blessings that our daughter\u2019s IDD has brought our family, the only challenge we had was that there was no handbook on what to do. The support of other parents and families helped guide us, ease our worries, and connect us to whatever we needed. Eunie\u2019s Buddies, helps bridge the gap for\u00a0all\u00a0parents so that you\u2019ll never walk alone.<\/p>\n

Read More…<\/a>[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row top_margin=”0″ bottom_margin=”0″][vc_column][vc_separator color=”custom” accent_color=”#59399a”][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1\/2″][vc_single_image image=”177074″ img_size=”full”][\/vc_column][vc_column width=”1\/2″][vc_custom_heading text=”Timothy & Ryan<\/strong>” font_container=”tag:h4|text_align:left” use_theme_fonts=”yes” css=”.vc_custom_1706212209847{margin-top: -10px !important;}”][vc_custom_heading text=”Friendship program participants” font_container=”tag:h4|font_size:20|text_align:left” use_theme_fonts=”yes” css=”.vc_custom_1706212151745{margin-top: -22px !important;}”][vc_separator color=”custom” align=”align_left” border_width=”8″ css=”.vc_custom_1708032733951{margin-top: -8px !important;}” accent_color=”#ffd420″][vc_empty_space height=”22px”][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1706212266450{margin-top: -13px !important;}”]Ryan was introduced to Best Buddies as a freshman in high school. Throughout high school, he developed a deep appreciation for the Best Buddies mission and what it can do for individuals with and without intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD).<\/p>\n

\u201cI could not have known how much I would learn from students with IDD,\u201d Ryan said. \u201cThey have made me more outgoing, and I now not only look after myself but after the new friendships I have made as well.\u201d<\/p>\n

Read More…<\/a>[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row top_margin=”0″ bottom_margin=”0″][vc_column][vc_separator color=”custom” accent_color=”#59399a”][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1\/2″][vc_single_image image=”168187″ img_size=”full”][\/vc_column][vc_column width=”1\/2″][vc_custom_heading text=”Ian & Rohan<\/strong>” font_container=”tag:h4|text_align:left” use_theme_fonts=”yes” css=”.vc_custom_1664575691269{margin-top: -10px !important;}”][vc_custom_heading text=”Friendship program participants” font_container=”tag:h4|font_size:20|text_align:left” use_theme_fonts=”yes” css=”.vc_custom_1554234897879{margin-top: -22px !important;}”][vc_separator color=”custom” align=”align_left” border_width=”8″ css=”.vc_custom_1708032764535{margin-top: -8px !important;}” accent_color=”#ffd51d”][vc_empty_space height=”22px”][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1664575808912{margin-top: -13px !important;}”]Before becoming involved with Best Buddies, Zach was not very socially active and did not participate in many extracurricular activities. After joining his high school Best Buddies chapter during freshman year, that all changed. Zach made tons of friends, went to parties, and even was named the Best Buddies Buddy Director at his school.<\/p>\n

Read More…<\/a>[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row top_margin=”0″ bottom_margin=”0″][vc_column][vc_separator color=”custom” accent_color=”#59399a”][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1\/2″][vc_single_image image=”177041″ img_size=”full”][\/vc_column][vc_column width=”1\/2″][vc_custom_heading text=”Hunter Huff<\/strong>” font_container=”tag:h4|text_align:left” use_theme_fonts=”yes” css=”.vc_custom_1706209998573{margin-top: -10px !important;}”][vc_custom_heading text=”Leadership Development program – Global Ambassador” font_container=”tag:h4|font_size:20|text_align:left” use_theme_fonts=”yes” css=”.vc_custom_1708032603831{margin-top: -22px !important;}”][vc_separator color=”custom” align=”align_left” border_width=”8″ css=”.vc_custom_1708032749217{margin-top: -8px !important;}” accent_color=”#f37735″][vc_empty_space height=”22px”][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1706210082220{margin-top: -13px !important;}”]\u201cHello everyone!<\/p>\n

My name is Hunter Huff, and I\u2019ve been a proud member of Best Buddies for nine years. My life before joining this organization was very challenging. It was hard for me to make friends. I had issues socially connecting, and the only times I would interact with them were at lunch, school events, birthday parties and other social gatherings. One big reason I didn\u2019t have many friends is that not everyone understood me and that I just happened to be on the Autism spectrum.<\/p>\n

Read More…<\/a>[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row top_margin=”0″ bottom_margin=”0″][vc_column][vc_separator color=”custom” accent_color=”#59399a”][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row top_margin=”0″ bottom_margin=”0″][vc_column width=”1\/2″][vc_column_text]\"Best[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][vc_column width=”1\/2″][vc_custom_heading text=”Allie Henley<\/strong>” font_container=”tag:h4|text_align:left” use_theme_fonts=”yes” css=”.vc_custom_1664810973822{margin-top: -10px !important;}”][vc_custom_heading text=”Leadership Development program – Ambassadors” font_container=”tag:h4|font_size:20|text_align:left” use_theme_fonts=”yes” css=”.vc_custom_1447899141525{margin-top: -23px !important;}”][vc_separator color=”custom” align=”align_left” border_width=”8″ css=”.vc_custom_1447915760003{margin-top: -8px !important;}” accent_color=”#f37735″][vc_empty_space height=”22px”][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1664583282953{margin-top: -13px !important;}”]In the fall of 2021, Best Buddies Minnesota Ambassador Allie Henley presented the following speech at Minnesota\u2019s 4th Annual Champion of the Year Gala:<\/em><\/p>\n

Hello! My name is Allie Henley and I want to share with you a bit about myself and why Best Buddies means so much to me. My middle and high school years were hard. I remember being in high school and never getting a phone call to hang out. That made me so sad. I didn\u2019t have many friends in middle school and in high school; I just wasn\u2019t included in activities. I was in a different lunch than most of my friends, so I often sat alone. Think back to your middle and high school years and think about not having friends by your side. It was not fun to say the least.<\/p>\n

Read More…<\/a>[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row top_margin=”0″ bottom_margin=”0″][vc_column][vc_separator color=”custom” accent_color=”#59399a”][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1\/2″][vc_single_image image=”177857″ img_size=”full”][\/vc_column][vc_column width=”1\/2″][vc_custom_heading text=”Elaina<\/strong>” font_container=”tag:h4|text_align:left” use_theme_fonts=”yes” css=”.vc_custom_1706211059135{margin-top: -10px !important;}”][vc_custom_heading text=”Jobs program – kubik” font_container=”tag:h4|font_size:20|text_align:left” use_theme_fonts=”yes” css=”.vc_custom_1706211093207{margin-top: -22px !important;}”][vc_separator color=”custom” align=”align_left” border_width=”8″ css=”.vc_custom_1708032741467{margin-top: -8px !important;}” accent_color=”#8fd1c4″][vc_empty_space height=”22px”][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1706211164518{margin-top: -13px !important;}”]Elaina had long been searching for meaningful and inclusive employment in a role that would allow her to use her friendly personality and organizational skills. She landed an interview with kubik, an event management agency.<\/p>\n

Upon entering the interview, it became immediately apparent that this would be an excellent place for her to work: kubik was passionate about Best Buddies’ mission and was excited to hire inclusively.<\/p>\n

Read More…<\/a>[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row top_margin=”0″ bottom_margin=”0″][vc_column][vc_separator color=”custom” accent_color=”#59399a”][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row top_margin=”0″ bottom_margin=”0″][vc_column width=”1\/2″][vc_single_image image=”168206″ img_size=”full”][\/vc_column][vc_column width=”1\/2″][vc_custom_heading text=”Zach Smith<\/strong>” font_container=”tag:h4|text_align:left” use_theme_fonts=”yes” css=”.vc_custom_1664579641857{margin-top: -10px !important;}”][vc_custom_heading text=”Jobs program – NFL” font_container=”tag:h4|font_size:20|text_align:left” use_theme_fonts=”yes” css=”.vc_custom_1664579653059{margin-top: -22px !important;}”][vc_separator color=”custom” align=”align_left” border_width=”8″ css=”.vc_custom_1447889809943{margin-top: -8px !important;}” accent_color=”#9dd6c5″][vc_empty_space height=”22px”][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1664579696916{margin-top: -13px !important;}”]Before becoming involved with Best Buddies, Zach was not very socially active and did not participate in many extracurricular activities. After joining his high school Best Buddies chapter during freshman year, that all changed. Zach made tons of friends, went to parties, and even was named the Best Buddies Buddy Director at his school.<\/p>\n

Read More…<\/a>[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row top_margin=”0″ bottom_margin=”0″][vc_column][vc_separator color=”custom” accent_color=”#59399a”][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1\/2″][vc_single_image image=”118587″ img_size=”full”][\/vc_column][vc_column width=”1\/2″][vc_custom_heading text=”Katie and Adyson<\/strong>” font_container=”tag:h4|text_align:left” use_theme_fonts=”yes” css=”.vc_custom_1576111038461{margin-top: -10px !important;}”][vc_custom_heading text=”Friendship program participants” font_container=”tag:h4|font_size:20|text_align:left” use_theme_fonts=”yes” css=”.vc_custom_1554234897879{margin-top: -22px !important;}”][vc_separator color=”custom” align=”align_left” border_width=”8″ css=”.vc_custom_1447882551584{margin-top: -8px !important;margin-bottom: 5px !important;}” accent_color=”#ffd51d”][vc_empty_space height=”22px”][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1576111706554{margin-top: -13px !important;}”]\u201cLife before Best Buddies was definitely different. I didn\u2019t have my best friend Katie in my life, that\u2019s for sure! Katie and I have been matched for two years in the Riverside Intermediate and Junior High School Chapter where we have been buddy director and chapter president. Katie and I have a lot of fun together doing all kinds of activities. We make slime, have sleepovers, bake cakes, play video games, and go bowling just to name a few.<\/p>\n

Read More…<\/a>[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row top_margin=”0″ bottom_margin=”0″][vc_column][vc_separator color=”custom” accent_color=”#59399a”][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row top_margin=”0″ bottom_margin=”0″][vc_column width=”1\/2″][vc_single_image image=”100204″ img_size=”full”][\/vc_column][vc_column width=”1\/2″][vc_custom_heading text=”Angelica Allsup and Madison Snipe<\/strong>” font_container=”tag:h4|text_align:left” use_theme_fonts=”yes” css=”.vc_custom_1524861801943{margin-top: -10px !important;}”][vc_custom_heading text=”Friendship program – Colleges” font_container=”tag:h4|font_size:20|text_align:left” use_theme_fonts=”yes” css=”.vc_custom_1447899069709{margin-top: -22px !important;}”][vc_separator color=”custom” align=”align_left” border_width=”8″ css=”.vc_custom_1447882551584{margin-top: -8px !important;margin-bottom: 5px !important;}” accent_color=”#ffd51d”][vc_empty_space height=”22px”][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1524862870016{margin-top: -13px !important;}”]Angelica Allsup and Madison Snipe\u2019s friendship demonstrates the true power of the Best Buddies Friendship program. They have been best buddies for more than two years and love to spend time together shopping, watching movies, traveling, and competing in beauty pageants. Angelica is the National Miss Amazing 2016 \u2014 a pageant that celebrates and empowers girls and women with disabilities. Madison and Angelica are also fierce advocates of the Spread of the Word to End the Word campaign that works to eliminate the use of the hurtful R-word in society.<\/p>\n

Read More…<\/a>[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row top_margin=”0″ bottom_margin=”0″][vc_column][vc_separator color=”custom” accent_color=”#59399a”][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row top_margin=”0″ bottom_margin=”0″][vc_column width=”1\/2″][vc_video link=”https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=JDh2gz6o4xk”][\/vc_column][vc_column width=”1\/2″][vc_custom_heading text=”Katie Cortelyou and Tiffany Krauss<\/strong>” font_container=”tag:h4|text_align:left” use_theme_fonts=”yes” css=”.vc_custom_1447184048032{margin-top: -10px !important;}”][vc_custom_heading text=”Friendship program – Citizens” font_container=”tag:h4|font_size:20|text_align:left” use_theme_fonts=”yes” css=”.vc_custom_1447899094753{margin-top: -22px !important;}”][vc_separator color=”custom” align=”align_left” border_width=”8″ css=”.vc_custom_1447883109828{margin-top: -8px !important;margin-bottom: 5px !important;}” accent_color=”#ffd51d”][vc_empty_space height=”22px”][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1447786690270{margin-top: -13px !important;}”]Katie: “I first joined Best Buddies with the College program. As I was getting older, I knew that I would age out of the College program. I found that Best Buddies is the gift that just keeps on giving and they were not going to let me down. In 2014, the Citizens program came to Indiana and I was matched with an \u201cadult\u201d buddy, who is outstanding.\u00a0Tiffany Krauss is more than I could ever have imagined and she should be the \u201crole model\u201d for all Citizens Buddies. Tiffany is showing me how to rise to meet every opportunity and to always reach for the stars.”<\/p>\n

Read More…<\/a>[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row top_margin=”0″ bottom_margin=”0″][vc_column][vc_separator color=”custom” accent_color=”#59399a”][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row top_margin=”0″ bottom_margin=”0″][vc_column width=”1\/2″][vc_video link=”https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=qEc8lshYtJ8″][\/vc_column][vc_column width=”1\/2″][vc_custom_heading text=”Matt Burns and Evan Parker<\/strong>” font_container=”tag:h4|text_align:left” use_theme_fonts=”yes” css=”.vc_custom_1447184066963{margin-top: -10px !important;}”][vc_custom_heading text=”Friendship program – Citizens” font_container=”tag:h4|font_size:20|text_align:left” use_theme_fonts=”yes” css=”.vc_custom_1447899103468{margin-top: -22px !important;}”][vc_separator color=”custom” align=”align_left” border_width=”8″ css=”.vc_custom_1447889793315{margin-top: -8px !important;margin-bottom: 5px !important;}” accent_color=”#ffd51d”][vc_empty_space height=”22px”][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1447786365864{margin-top: -13px !important;}”]Since being matched in our Colleges program in 2010, through Best Buddies Indiana, Matt Burns and Evan Parker have built a bond that goes beyond friendship.\u00a0From the moment they met, Matt and Evan\u00a0made a connection that not only led them to becoming the best of friends, but\u00a0helping\u00a0each other\u00a0grow as individuals.[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row top_margin=”0″ bottom_margin=”0″][vc_column][vc_separator color=”custom” accent_color=”#59399a”][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row top_margin=”0″ bottom_margin=”0″][vc_column width=”1\/2″][vc_single_image image=”6442″ img_size=”555×311″][\/vc_column][vc_column width=”1\/2″][vc_custom_heading text=”Eric Matthes <\/strong>” font_container=”tag:h4|text_align:left” use_theme_fonts=”yes” css=”.vc_custom_1447460540291{margin-top: -10px !important;}”][vc_custom_heading text=”Friendship program – e-Buddies” font_container=”tag:h4|font_size:20|text_align:left” use_theme_fonts=”yes” css=”.vc_custom_1447899134121{margin-top: -22px !important;}”][vc_custom_heading text=”Leadership Development program – Ambassadors” font_container=”tag:h4|font_size:20|text_align:left” use_theme_fonts=”yes” css=”.vc_custom_1447899141525{margin-top: -23px !important;}”][vc_separator color=”custom” align=”align_left” border_width=”8″ css=”.vc_custom_1447889793315{margin-top: -8px !important;margin-bottom: 5px !important;}” accent_color=”#ffd51d”][vc_empty_space height=”22px”][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1447460823971{margin-top: -13px !important;}”]”Hi, I\u2019m Eric Matthes, and I live in Seattle. I have Down syndrome and I\u2019m a self-advocate. That means I like to stand up for myself and make responsible choices in my own life. I chose to celebrate friendship with you and Best Buddies! That is MY responsible choice!<\/p>\n

When I was in kindergarten, I found out that I had a disability. I was called \u201cRETARDED.\u201d<\/p>\n

Read More…<\/a>[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row top_margin=”0″ bottom_margin=”0″][vc_column][vc_separator color=”custom” accent_color=”#59399a”][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1\/2″][vc_single_image image=”176995″ img_size=”full”][\/vc_column][vc_column width=”1\/2″][vc_custom_heading text=”AnnCatherine<\/strong>” font_container=”tag:h4|text_align:left” use_theme_fonts=”yes” css=”.vc_custom_1708541706955{margin-top: -10px !important;}”][vc_custom_heading text=”Inclusive Living program – Residents” font_container=”tag:h4|font_size:20|text_align:left” use_theme_fonts=”yes” css=”.vc_custom_1706210904084{margin-top: -22px !important;}”][vc_separator color=”custom” align=”align_left” border_width=”8″ css=”.vc_custom_1708032758855{margin-top: -8px !important;}” accent_color=”#9396ca”][vc_empty_space height=”22px”][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1708541792943{margin-top: -13px !important;}”]AnnCatherine, also known as AC by her friends, joined the Best Buddies Living program in Georgetown in September 2022\u2014a decision that would shape her future in ways she never imagined.<\/p>\n

AC\u2019s story serves as a testament to the profound impact of our Best Buddies Living program and showcases the power of friendship, independence, and a supportive community.<\/p>\n

Read More…<\/a>[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row top_margin=”0″ bottom_margin=”0″][vc_column][vc_separator color=”custom” accent_color=”#59399a”][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row top_margin=”0″ bottom_margin=”0″][vc_column width=”1\/2″][vc_single_image image=”118589″ img_size=”555×311″][\/vc_column][vc_column width=”1\/2″][vc_custom_heading text=”Tsukasa Richard Nakai<\/strong>” font_container=”tag:h4|text_align:left” use_theme_fonts=”yes” css=”.vc_custom_1576112134593{margin-top: -10px !important;}”][vc_custom_heading text=”Leadership Development program – Ambassadors” font_container=”tag:h4|font_size:20|text_align:left” use_theme_fonts=”yes” css=”.vc_custom_1447899141525{margin-top: -23px !important;}”][vc_separator color=”custom” align=”align_left” border_width=”8″ css=”.vc_custom_1447915760003{margin-top: -8px !important;}” accent_color=”#f37735″][vc_empty_space height=”22px”][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1576112181381{margin-top: -13px !important;}”]\u201cMy name is Tsukasa Richard Nakai. I am 33-years-old and I am an avid Star Wars fan! My favorite character is Darth Vader. I\u2019m currently involved in the Best Buddies Friendship Program, Ambassador Program and the Jobs Program. I\u2019ve been part of the Best Buddies chapter at UCLA since February 2017 and I am currently their Buddy Director. I\u2019ve been an ambassador since March 2017, and through the Jobs Program, I now work as a part-time employee in the Best Buddies California State Office as an administrative assistant\u2026I love it!<\/p>\n

Read More…<\/a>[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row top_margin=”0″ bottom_margin=”0″][vc_column][vc_separator color=”custom” accent_color=”#59399a”][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row top_margin=”0″ bottom_margin=”0″][vc_column width=”1\/2″][vc_single_image image=”108468″ img_size=”555×311″][\/vc_column][vc_column width=”1\/2″][vc_custom_heading text=”Jack Mayor<\/strong>” font_container=”tag:h4|text_align:left” use_theme_fonts=”yes” css=”.vc_custom_1535516146688{margin-top: -10px !important;}”][vc_custom_heading text=”Leadership Development program – Ambassadors” font_container=”tag:h4|font_size:20|text_align:left” use_theme_fonts=”yes” css=”.vc_custom_1447899141525{margin-top: -23px !important;}”][vc_separator color=”custom” align=”align_left” border_width=”8″ css=”.vc_custom_1447915760003{margin-top: -8px !important;}” accent_color=”#f37735″][vc_empty_space height=”22px”][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1550162973934{margin-top: -13px !important;}”]\u201cHello everyone! My name is Jack Mayor. I\u2019m 17 and a soon-to-be senior at Neuqua Valley High School in Illinois. I became an Ambassador for Best Buddies last year and I am loving every single second of it and I will tell you why. Before I share my story about Best Buddies with you, I want to share some things about myself. One in 68 kids are diagnosed with autism and it affects one in 42 boys. I am one of those 42 boys. I was diagnosed with autism at the age of six. Life with autism is a daily struggle.<\/p>\n

Read More…<\/a>[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row top_margin=”0″ bottom_margin=”0″][vc_column][vc_separator color=”custom” accent_color=”#59399a”][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row top_margin=”0″ bottom_margin=”0″][vc_column width=”1\/2″][vc_single_image image=”100222″ img_size=”555×311″][\/vc_column][vc_column width=”1\/2″][vc_custom_heading text=”Christina Hundley<\/strong>” font_container=”tag:h4|text_align:left” use_theme_fonts=”yes” css=”.vc_custom_1524866452776{margin-top: -10px !important;}”][vc_custom_heading text=”Leadership Development program – Ambassadors” font_container=”tag:h4|font_size:20|text_align:left” use_theme_fonts=”yes” css=”.vc_custom_1447899141525{margin-top: -23px !important;}”][vc_separator color=”custom” align=”align_left” border_width=”8″ css=”.vc_custom_1447915760003{margin-top: -8px !important;}” accent_color=”#f37735″][vc_empty_space height=”22px”][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1525097864605{margin-top: -13px !important;}”]Hello, everyone! My name is Christina Hundley and I am a Best Buddies Global Ambassador and participant at the University of South Florida (USF). I gained my independence after joining Best Buddies, which helped me gain friends too.<\/p>\n

I was born at Tampa General Hospital in 1983; I was raised by my aunt, BJ, in Florida after my parents dropped me off at my grandmother\u2019s house and never came back. School was hard for me.<\/p>\n

Read More…<\/a>[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row top_margin=”0″ bottom_margin=”0″][vc_column][vc_separator color=”custom” accent_color=”#59399a”][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row top_margin=”0″ bottom_margin=”0″][vc_column width=”1\/2″][vc_single_image image=”7324″ img_size=”555×311″][\/vc_column][vc_column width=”1\/2″][vc_custom_heading text=”Daniel Noltemeyer<\/strong>” font_container=”tag:h4|text_align:left” use_theme_fonts=”yes” css=”.vc_custom_1447915561424{margin-top: -10px !important;}”][vc_custom_heading text=”Leadership Development program – Ambassadors” font_container=”tag:h4|font_size:20|text_align:left” use_theme_fonts=”yes” css=”.vc_custom_1447899141525{margin-top: -23px !important;}”][vc_separator color=”custom” align=”align_left” border_width=”8″ css=”.vc_custom_1447915749824{margin-top: -8px !important;}” accent_color=”#f37735″][vc_empty_space height=”22px”][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1447915574444{margin-top: -13px !important;}”]\u201cBest Buddies has helped me build my confidence as a leader and become and advocate for myself and others with disabilities. I have learned public speaking and leadership skills, and now I help teach public speaking and advocacy to people like me. It has been a powerful experience to be a leader for my peers. I have built my self-confidence, independence, and grown as a person. Best Buddies inspires me to be the best I can be and has made me the leader I am today.\u201d[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row top_margin=”0″ bottom_margin=”0″][vc_column][vc_separator color=”custom” accent_color=”#59399a”][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row top_margin=”0″ bottom_margin=”0″][vc_column width=”1\/2″][vc_single_image image=”6458″ img_size=”555×311″][\/vc_column][vc_column width=”1\/2″][vc_custom_heading text=”Charles Calhoun<\/strong>” font_container=”tag:h4|text_align:left” use_theme_fonts=”yes” css=”.vc_custom_1447915593290{margin-top: -10px !important;}”][vc_custom_heading text=”Leadership Development program – Ambassadors” font_container=”tag:h4|font_size:20|text_align:left” use_theme_fonts=”yes” css=”.vc_custom_1447899141525{margin-top: -23px !important;}”][vc_separator color=”custom” align=”align_left” border_width=”8″ css=”.vc_custom_1447915740721{margin-top: -8px !important;}” accent_color=”#f37735″][vc_empty_space height=”22px”][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1447915625878{margin-top: -13px !important;}”]”My name is Charles Calhoun III, and I am a Best Buddies Global Ambassador. As a Best Buddies Global Ambassador, I have spoken in front of former Arizona Governor Jan Brewer and traveled around the United States to speak at various national Best Buddies events. I am also employed with Silicon Valley Bank, and in my spare time, I love to play the drums, write songs and hang out with my friends. I am diagnosed with Williams syndrome, autism, and ADHD. Growing up, I remember the hurtful names people would call me, like retarded.”<\/p>\n

Read More…<\/a>[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row top_margin=”0″ bottom_margin=”0″][vc_column][vc_separator color=”custom” accent_color=”#59399a”][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row top_margin=”0″ bottom_margin=”0″][vc_column width=”1\/2″][vc_single_image image=”118591″ img_size=”full”][\/vc_column][vc_column width=”1\/2″][vc_custom_heading text=”Terence McKnight<\/strong>” font_container=”tag:h4|text_align:left” use_theme_fonts=”yes” css=”.vc_custom_1576112429075{margin-top: -10px !important;}”][vc_custom_heading text=”Jobs program – Gannett” font_container=”tag:h4|font_size:20|text_align:left” use_theme_fonts=”yes” css=”.vc_custom_1576112460508{margin-top: -22px !important;}”][vc_separator color=”custom” align=”align_left” border_width=”8″ css=”.vc_custom_1447889809943{margin-top: -8px !important;}” accent_color=”#9dd6c5″][vc_empty_space height=”22px”][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1576112482595{margin-top: -13px !important;}”]Terence began working for Gannett in July 2004 as a Finance\/Accounting Clerk in the Finance Department.<\/p>\n

He learned the value of both kindness and hard work at an early age, with his mother influencing his positive, kind demeanor and his father, a decorated naval officer, helping to instill his strong work ethic. Terence remains close to his parents and is thankful for their ongoing support, whether it is driving him to and from work or encouraging him when he sets new goals.<\/p>\n

Read More…<\/a>[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row top_margin=”0″ bottom_margin=”0″][vc_column][vc_separator color=”custom” accent_color=”#59399a”][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row top_margin=”0″ bottom_margin=”0″][vc_column width=”1\/2″][vc_video link=”https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=J5aF-Gy6L3I”][\/vc_column][vc_column width=”1\/2″][vc_custom_heading text=”Untwon Jones<\/strong>” font_container=”tag:h4|text_align:left” use_theme_fonts=”yes” css=”.vc_custom_1447786798642{margin-top: -10px !important;}”][vc_custom_heading text=”Jobs program – Natixis Global Asset Management” font_container=”tag:h4|font_size:20|text_align:left” use_theme_fonts=”yes” css=”.vc_custom_1447899152180{margin-top: -22px !important;}”][vc_separator color=”custom” align=”align_left” border_width=”8″ css=”.vc_custom_1447889809943{margin-top: -8px !important;}” accent_color=”#9dd6c5″][vc_empty_space height=”22px”][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1447183602421{margin-top: -13px !important;}”]Meet\u00a0Untwon, an Office Assistant at Natixis Global Asset Management. He is responsible for stocking the printers, cleaning and organizing conference rooms, and re-stocking supplies. He shows up to work early every day and completes all of his responsibilities in a timely manner. Just as importantly, Untwon has built a great relationship with his co-workers at Natixis and is a vital member of their team. He has had great success in his position with Natixis and truly shows what we are all capable of if given a chance to succeed.[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row top_margin=”0″ bottom_margin=”0″][vc_column][vc_separator color=”custom” accent_color=”#59399a”][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row top_margin=”0″ bottom_margin=”0″][vc_column width=”1\/2″][vc_single_image image=”6304″ img_size=”full”][\/vc_column][vc_column width=”1\/2″][vc_custom_heading text=”Billy O’Brien<\/strong>” font_container=”tag:h4|text_align:left” use_theme_fonts=”yes” css=”.vc_custom_1447381126278{margin-top: -10px !important;}”][vc_custom_heading text=”Jobs program – Eaton Vance” font_container=”tag:h4|font_size:20|text_align:left” use_theme_fonts=”yes” css=”.vc_custom_1447899171588{margin-top: -22px !important;}”][vc_separator color=”custom” align=”align_left” border_width=”8″ css=”.vc_custom_1447889825832{margin-top: -8px !important;}” accent_color=”#9dd6c5″][vc_empty_space height=”22px”][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1447708971211{margin-top: -13px !important;}”]Billy O\u2019Brien began working with Best Buddies in September 2010 after being unemployed, and acquired a position working as an Office Services Assistant through the Best Buddies Jobs program with Eaton Vance Investment Managers in October 2010. Since starting at Eaton Vance, Billy has grown from working part-time (25 hours per week) to working full-time (40 hours per week). He also enjoys employee benefits including health insurance, a 401K and profit sharing. The progression that Billy has achieved at Eaton Vance has been extraordinary.<\/p>\n

Read More…<\/a>[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row]\n<\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

[vc_row top_margin=”0″ bottom_margin=”0″ css=”.vc_custom_1447889860742{margin-bottom: -5px !important;}”][vc_column][vc_column_text] Featured Profiles [\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1\/2″][vc_single_image image=”184359″ img_size=”full” css=””][\/vc_column][vc_column width=”1\/2″][vc_custom_heading text=”Yasmin & Aiden” font_container=”tag:h4|text_align:left” use_theme_fonts=”yes” css=”.vc_custom_1728411396489{margin-top: -10px !important;}”][vc_custom_heading text=”Friendship program participants” font_container=”tag:h4|font_size:20|text_align:left” use_theme_fonts=”yes” css=”.vc_custom_1706212151745{margin-top: -22px !important;}”][vc_separator color=”custom” align=”align_left” border_width=”8″ css=”.vc_custom_1708032733951{margin-top: -8px !important;}” accent_color=”#ffd420″][vc_empty_space height=”22px”][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1728411733580{margin-top: -13px !important;}”]From their smiles, easy conversations, and evident friendship, watching Aiden […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":27,"featured_media":0,"parent":113,"menu_order":59,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","template":"","meta":{"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-4015","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"yoast_head":"\nFeatured Profiles - Best Buddies International<\/title>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/www.bestbuddies.org\/what-we-do\/featured-profiles\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Featured Profiles - Best Buddies International\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"[vc_row top_margin=”0″ bottom_margin=”0″ css=”.vc_custom_1447889860742{margin-bottom: -5px !important;}”][vc_column][vc_column_text] Featured Profiles [\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1\/2″][vc_single_image image=”184359″ img_size=”full” css=””][\/vc_column][vc_column width=”1\/2″][vc_custom_heading text=”Yasmin & Aiden” font_container=”tag:h4|text_align:left” use_theme_fonts=”yes” css=”.vc_custom_1728411396489{margin-top: -10px !important;}”][vc_custom_heading text=”Friendship program participants” font_container=”tag:h4|font_size:20|text_align:left” use_theme_fonts=”yes” css=”.vc_custom_1706212151745{margin-top: -22px !important;}”][vc_separator color=”custom” align=”align_left” border_width=”8″ css=”.vc_custom_1708032733951{margin-top: -8px !important;}” accent_color=”#ffd420″][vc_empty_space height=”22px”][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1728411733580{margin-top: -13px !important;}”]From their smiles, easy conversations, and evident friendship, watching Aiden […]\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:url\" content=\"https:\/\/www.bestbuddies.org\/what-we-do\/featured-profiles\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:site_name\" content=\"Best Buddies International\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:modified_time\" content=\"2024-10-08T19:02:42+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:image\" content=\"https:\/\/www.bestbuddies.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/Leadership-Profile-Allie-300x300.webp\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:card\" content=\"summary_large_image\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:label1\" content=\"Est. reading time\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data1\" content=\"18 minutes\" \/>\n<script type=\"application\/ld+json\" class=\"yoast-schema-graph\">{\"@context\":\"https:\/\/schema.org\",\"@graph\":[{\"@type\":\"WebPage\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.bestbuddies.org\/what-we-do\/featured-profiles\/\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/www.bestbuddies.org\/what-we-do\/featured-profiles\/\",\"name\":\"Featured Profiles - Best Buddies International\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.bestbuddies.org\/#website\"},\"primaryImageOfPage\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.bestbuddies.org\/what-we-do\/featured-profiles\/#primaryimage\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.bestbuddies.org\/what-we-do\/featured-profiles\/#primaryimage\"},\"thumbnailUrl\":\"https:\/\/www.bestbuddies.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/Leadership-Profile-Allie-300x300.webp\",\"datePublished\":\"2015-06-24T04:15:05+00:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2024-10-08T19:02:42+00:00\",\"breadcrumb\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.bestbuddies.org\/what-we-do\/featured-profiles\/#breadcrumb\"},\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"ReadAction\",\"target\":[\"https:\/\/www.bestbuddies.org\/what-we-do\/featured-profiles\/\"]}]},{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.bestbuddies.org\/what-we-do\/featured-profiles\/#primaryimage\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/www.bestbuddies.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/Leadership-Profile-Allie-300x300.webp\",\"contentUrl\":\"https:\/\/www.bestbuddies.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/Leadership-Profile-Allie-300x300.webp\"},{\"@type\":\"BreadcrumbList\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.bestbuddies.org\/what-we-do\/featured-profiles\/#breadcrumb\",\"itemListElement\":[{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":1,\"name\":\"Home\",\"item\":\"https:\/\/www.bestbuddies.org\/\"},{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":2,\"name\":\"What We Do\",\"item\":\"https:\/\/www.bestbuddies.org\/what-we-do\/\"},{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":3,\"name\":\"Featured Profiles\"}]},{\"@type\":\"WebSite\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.bestbuddies.org\/#website\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/www.bestbuddies.org\/\",\"name\":\"Best Buddies International\",\"description\":\"Best Buddies is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to establishing a global volunteer movement that creates opportunities for one-to-one friendships, integrated employment, and leadership development for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD).\",\"publisher\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.bestbuddies.org\/#organization\"},\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"SearchAction\",\"target\":{\"@type\":\"EntryPoint\",\"urlTemplate\":\"https:\/\/www.bestbuddies.org\/?s={search_term_string}\"},\"query-input\":{\"@type\":\"PropertyValueSpecification\",\"valueRequired\":true,\"valueName\":\"search_term_string\"}}],\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\"},{\"@type\":\"Organization\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.bestbuddies.org\/#organization\",\"name\":\"Best Buddies International\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/www.bestbuddies.org\/\",\"logo\":{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.bestbuddies.org\/#\/schema\/logo\/image\/\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/www.bestbuddies.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/01\/best-buddies-logo2.png\",\"contentUrl\":\"https:\/\/www.bestbuddies.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/01\/best-buddies-logo2.png\",\"width\":115,\"height\":113,\"caption\":\"Best Buddies International\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.bestbuddies.org\/#\/schema\/logo\/image\/\"}}]}<\/script>\n<!-- \/ Yoast SEO plugin. -->","yoast_head_json":{"title":"Featured Profiles - Best Buddies International","robots":{"index":"index","follow":"follow","max-snippet":"max-snippet:-1","max-image-preview":"max-image-preview:large","max-video-preview":"max-video-preview:-1"},"canonical":"https:\/\/www.bestbuddies.org\/what-we-do\/featured-profiles\/","og_locale":"en_US","og_type":"article","og_title":"Featured Profiles - Best Buddies International","og_description":"[vc_row top_margin=”0″ bottom_margin=”0″ css=”.vc_custom_1447889860742{margin-bottom: -5px !important;}”][vc_column][vc_column_text] Featured Profiles [\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1\/2″][vc_single_image image=”184359″ img_size=”full” css=””][\/vc_column][vc_column width=”1\/2″][vc_custom_heading text=”Yasmin & Aiden” font_container=”tag:h4|text_align:left” use_theme_fonts=”yes” css=”.vc_custom_1728411396489{margin-top: -10px !important;}”][vc_custom_heading text=”Friendship program participants” font_container=”tag:h4|font_size:20|text_align:left” use_theme_fonts=”yes” css=”.vc_custom_1706212151745{margin-top: -22px !important;}”][vc_separator color=”custom” align=”align_left” border_width=”8″ css=”.vc_custom_1708032733951{margin-top: -8px !important;}” accent_color=”#ffd420″][vc_empty_space height=”22px”][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1728411733580{margin-top: -13px !important;}”]From their smiles, easy conversations, and evident friendship, watching Aiden […]","og_url":"https:\/\/www.bestbuddies.org\/what-we-do\/featured-profiles\/","og_site_name":"Best Buddies International","article_modified_time":"2024-10-08T19:02:42+00:00","og_image":[{"url":"https:\/\/www.bestbuddies.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/Leadership-Profile-Allie-300x300.webp"}],"twitter_card":"summary_large_image","twitter_misc":{"Est. reading time":"18 minutes"},"schema":{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org","@graph":[{"@type":"WebPage","@id":"https:\/\/www.bestbuddies.org\/what-we-do\/featured-profiles\/","url":"https:\/\/www.bestbuddies.org\/what-we-do\/featured-profiles\/","name":"Featured Profiles - Best Buddies International","isPartOf":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.bestbuddies.org\/#website"},"primaryImageOfPage":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.bestbuddies.org\/what-we-do\/featured-profiles\/#primaryimage"},"image":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.bestbuddies.org\/what-we-do\/featured-profiles\/#primaryimage"},"thumbnailUrl":"https:\/\/www.bestbuddies.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/Leadership-Profile-Allie-300x300.webp","datePublished":"2015-06-24T04:15:05+00:00","dateModified":"2024-10-08T19:02:42+00:00","breadcrumb":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.bestbuddies.org\/what-we-do\/featured-profiles\/#breadcrumb"},"inLanguage":"en-US","potentialAction":[{"@type":"ReadAction","target":["https:\/\/www.bestbuddies.org\/what-we-do\/featured-profiles\/"]}]},{"@type":"ImageObject","inLanguage":"en-US","@id":"https:\/\/www.bestbuddies.org\/what-we-do\/featured-profiles\/#primaryimage","url":"https:\/\/www.bestbuddies.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/Leadership-Profile-Allie-300x300.webp","contentUrl":"https:\/\/www.bestbuddies.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/Leadership-Profile-Allie-300x300.webp"},{"@type":"BreadcrumbList","@id":"https:\/\/www.bestbuddies.org\/what-we-do\/featured-profiles\/#breadcrumb","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"Home","item":"https:\/\/www.bestbuddies.org\/"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"name":"What We Do","item":"https:\/\/www.bestbuddies.org\/what-we-do\/"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":3,"name":"Featured Profiles"}]},{"@type":"WebSite","@id":"https:\/\/www.bestbuddies.org\/#website","url":"https:\/\/www.bestbuddies.org\/","name":"Best Buddies International","description":"Best Buddies is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to establishing a global volunteer movement that creates opportunities for one-to-one friendships, integrated employment, and leadership development for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD).","publisher":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.bestbuddies.org\/#organization"},"potentialAction":[{"@type":"SearchAction","target":{"@type":"EntryPoint","urlTemplate":"https:\/\/www.bestbuddies.org\/?s={search_term_string}"},"query-input":{"@type":"PropertyValueSpecification","valueRequired":true,"valueName":"search_term_string"}}],"inLanguage":"en-US"},{"@type":"Organization","@id":"https:\/\/www.bestbuddies.org\/#organization","name":"Best Buddies International","url":"https:\/\/www.bestbuddies.org\/","logo":{"@type":"ImageObject","inLanguage":"en-US","@id":"https:\/\/www.bestbuddies.org\/#\/schema\/logo\/image\/","url":"https:\/\/www.bestbuddies.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/01\/best-buddies-logo2.png","contentUrl":"https:\/\/www.bestbuddies.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/01\/best-buddies-logo2.png","width":115,"height":113,"caption":"Best Buddies International"},"image":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.bestbuddies.org\/#\/schema\/logo\/image\/"}}]}},"acf":[],"publishpress_future_action":{"enabled":false,"date":"2024-11-28 03:25:43","action":"change-status","newStatus":"draft","terms":[],"taxonomy":""},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.bestbuddies.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/4015"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.bestbuddies.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.bestbuddies.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.bestbuddies.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/27"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.bestbuddies.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=4015"}],"version-history":[{"count":11,"href":"https:\/\/www.bestbuddies.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/4015\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":184384,"href":"https:\/\/www.bestbuddies.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/4015\/revisions\/184384"}],"up":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.bestbuddies.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/113"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.bestbuddies.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=4015"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}