Chapter Leadership Attends Best Buddies International Leadership Conference

This July, Camryn Parmon and Mikayla Keane, student leaders of Fisher’s Best Buddies Chapter, represented New York colleges at the Best Buddies Leadership Conference hosted at Indiana University.

During the four day event, Parmon and Keane attended opening ceremonies, heard from professional presenters, participated in small group discussions, engaged with experts, and attended closing ceremonies. 

“Attending the leadership conference influenced my personal growth by hearing and learning about what others have done to advocate for inclusion and using it to build off of what I have already done, to better not just my leadership goals, but mainly Best Buddies goals,” shared Parmon. “One speaker that really inspired me was A'ric Jackson. He shared about overcoming your fear and unlocking your potential. I thought it was an important theme that most people are afraid to do, including me.”

They also chose a personalized schedule for classes, taking classes on fundraising for Fisher’s chapter, bridging members from college to citizens, and using social media to inspire inclusion.

“It's not every day that you have the chance to sit at a table with representatives from Florida, Kentucky, New Jersey, and Ireland. Hearing about their chapters and learning about the different ways they have found success gave me new ideas and perspectives that I can bring back to our own club,” said Keane. 

Parmon and Keane’s message to students considering getting involved with Best Buddies is to do it, both noting that the welcoming community provides the opportunity to make meaningful relationships and friendships while also making a difference. 

Best Buddies International is the world’s largest nonprofit organization dedicated to ending the social, physical and economic isolation of the 200 million people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). The programs help people and families living with IDD form meaningful friendships with their peers, secure successful jobs, live independently, improve public speaking, self-advocacy and communication skills, and feel valued by society.