#United States #Leadership #Bloomington #Inclusion #Best Buddies

Best Buddies International Leadership Conference: A Celebration of Inclusion

From July 18 to 21, 2025, Indiana University became the vibrant hub for over 2,400 student leaders, volunteers, and advocates from around the world, all united for the annual Best Buddies International Leadership Conference. This year's theme, "Wickedly Inclusive," infused the event with a bold, magical energy that emphasized the importance of friendship, leadership, and genuine inclusion.

The Best Buddies International, a groundbreaking nonprofit founded in 1989 by Anthony Kennedy Shriver, strives to establish a global volunteer movement aimed at creating opportunities for one-to-one friendships, integrated employment, leadership development, inclusive living, and family support for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD).

The annual conference has proven to be a transformative experience for its participants. This year, the conference empowered young individuals to break barriers, build community, and return home ready to implement meaningful changes in their local areas, carrying the spirit of "Wickedly Inclusive" to their respective schools and communities worldwide.

As Stephanie Moore, Senior Vice President of Mission Advancement Field Operations at Best Buddies International, noted, "This was more than just a conference—it was a movement. The electric energy generated captured everything we wished to ignite in these amazing young leaders."

Highlights and Special Guests

The conference gathered a remarkable lineup of special guests who shared their talents, stories, and dedication to inclusion, including:

• - Abbie Stockard – Miss America 2025
• - Kinley Shoemaker – Miss Indiana 2025
• - Tanner Smith – Reality star from Netflix's Love on the Spectrum
• - Garin Flowers – TV host and former Bachelorette contestant
• - Echo Picone – Singer, Actress and Social Media Influencer
• - Riki Stevens – Singer and Actress
• - Marlana Vanhoose – Acclaimed musician and Best Buddies Global Ambassador
• - Lisa Smith – Renowned sign language performer and Best Buddies Global Ambassador
• - David Burnham – Broadway performer and advocate
• - Richard Goodall – Winner of America's Got Talent Season 19
• - Billy Blanks, Jr. – Fitness expert and wellness influencer
• - Indianapolis Colts Cheerleaders
• - Cirque Indiana

Immersive Learning Opportunities

Attendees participated in an array of powerful experiences over the weekend, including:

• - Opening Ceremonies: A vibrant Friday night kickoff featuring live performances and inspiring speakers.
• - Workshops and Trainings: Hands-on sessions focused on crucial themes like leadership, advocacy, fundraising efforts, and the creation of inclusive communities.
• - Best Buddies Friendship Walk: A Saturday night event held at Assembly Hall, where participants marched in solidarity for inclusion.
• - Keynote Addresses: Delivered by global disability advocates and Best Buddies Ambassadors, providing messages of resilience and effective leadership.
• - Networking Opportunities: Students and leaders from around the globe connected, exchanged ideas, and fostered lasting friendships.
• - Wickedly Inclusive Dance Party: A joyful celebration allowing everyone to hit the dance floor and enjoy each other's company.

Recognizing Outstanding Contributions

Recognizing excellence, the conference honored select schools and chapters for their unwavering service to the Best Buddies mission. Outstanding Chapter Awards were presented to:

• - Elementary School: Little Harbour Elementary, New Hampshire
• - Middle School: Sunset Middle School, Tennessee
• - High School: Brewer High School, Maine
• - Colleges: University of Tennessee-Knoxville
• - International Programs: Universidad Católica Boliviana, Bolivia

David Hubert, a participant in Best Buddies Jobs, received the 2025 Jobs Employee of the Year award for his work at Jersey Mike's Subs. Additionally, Mikayla Holmgren, a Best Buddies Global Ambassador, was awarded the prestigious Spirit of Courage Award, signifying her impactful contributions to the organization. This year, Best Buddies in Canada was also recognized as the International Program of the Year.

The atmosphere during the conference resonated with a sense of empowerment among students and volunteers, allowing them to witness the positive changes initiated worldwide and understand how their friendships significantly enhance the lives of others. As the event came to a close, attendees were imbued with renewed inspiration to contribute to a more inclusive world for individuals with IDD.

To learn more about the Best Buddies Leadership Conference, explore Best Buddies.

About Best Buddies International

Best Buddies is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization committed to creating a global volunteer movement that fosters one-to-one friendships, integrated employment opportunities, leadership growth, inclusive living, and family support for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). Founded by Anthony K. Shriver in 1989, Best Buddies has expanded from a single original chapter to nearly 3,800 chapters across elementary, middle, high schools, and colleges worldwide, touching the lives of approximately 1.5 million individuals both with and without disabilities. Their involvement often leads to significant improvements in the quality of life, securing employment, attaining independence, and forming lifelong friendships. Discover more at Best Buddies.