Meet the YLC!
Meet the Council:
First Year Member
Initiatives: Blogs & Ambassadors
About Jamie: Jamie wants people to follow their hearts and to advocate for others. She loves the YLC because of the ability to make new friends and change the world as she sees it. From the YLC, she has learned all about teamwork and uses the council to help change the world and to share impact stories. She loves to make new friends and has already done so on the council. Jamie advises people to apply for the YLC!
Fun Facts:
- Loves shopping
-Can do animal impressions
About Jamie: Jamie wants people to follow their hearts and to advocate for others. She loves the YLC because of the ability to make new friends and change the world as she sees it. From the YLC, she has learned all about teamwork and uses the council to help change the world and to share impact stories. She loves to make new friends and has already done so on the council. Jamie advises people to apply for the YLC!
Fun Facts:
- Loves shopping
-Can do animal impressions
Sofie Dalton, 19, Virginia
Second Year Member, Incoming Co-Chair
Initiatives: Sofie oversees the outreach cohort which includes Youtube, Social Media, Blogs, and Alumni.
About Sofie: Sofie's favorite part of the YLC is the people. She joined the YLC to make a larger-scale impact on her community. Sofie's first friendship walk was special to her because it showed her the love and celebration involved in Best Buddies. She left inspired to make a change not just in her high school, but in her community and ultimately on a national level. Therefore, she ended up on the YLC where she is undoubtedly proving her ability to make a change.
Fun Facts:
- Sofie can lick her elbow
- Her favorite food is sushi
-Sofie is studying Special Education in school
- Sofie can lick her elbow
- Her favorite food is sushi
-Sofie is studying Special Education in school
Katie Mayo, 19, California
Second Year Member
Initiatives: Special Olympics
About Katie: Katie founded her Best Buddies chapter at 15 years old to bring more inclusion to her high school after being informed by her Grandma about the organization. Katie's goal in starting this chapter is to reveal the separation formed by society between students with and without IDDs. She strives for acceptance for everyone and enjoys the passion demonstrated by the council to bridge the gap and provide opportunities.
Fun Facts:
-Her Grandma had brunch with Anthony Shriver several years ago and her firm helped donate to Best Buddies.
Margo Meley, 33, Connecticut
Second Year Member, Incoming Co-Chair
Initiatives: Oversees Mental Health and Wellness, Toolkit, Jobs Programs, and Expansion Support and Underserved Communities
About Margo: Margo joined Best Buddies to learn the value of friendship and worked her way up to presenting her ambassador speech at BBLC in 2018. Margo's goal is to continue to make an impact as a leader and connect with passionate leaders under a shared common goal: inclusion. Through the YLC, she has gained much knowledge in creating inclusive opportunities for all. Advice from Margo to those interested in the YLC? Do it. Do not overthink it!
Fun Facts:
- Loves YLC hangouts, where she can connect with her council members on a more personal level.
- Margo is our YLC pageant queen!
-Goal is to continue writing a book and get it published.
Zachary Siegel, 19, Texas
First Year Member
Initiatives: Expansion Support for Underserved Communities and Social Media
About Zach: Zach was enrolled in a leadership course in middle school which partnered with Best Buddies once a week. In doing so, he met his best friends, made lifelong memories, and discovered his passion for inclusion. Zach took his passion and searched for further leadership opportunities such as Chapter president, state intern, and now YLC member. To those interested in applying to the YLC, Zach recommends being as honest and truthful as possible, and through that, your Best Buddies passion will shine as his always does!
Fun Facts:
- Zach has been to 37 of the 50 states. He hopes to see all 50 by age
25!
-Loves kayaking in his hometown
Alphonso Murphy, 32, Florida
Second Year Member
Initiatives: Ambassadors
About Phonso: Phonso joined Best Buddies to spread the mission of inclusion on a global level. He joined the YLC to interact with individuals who also wanted to build opportunities for people with intellectual developmental disabilities. Through the council, Phonso has built better leadership skills such as organizational skills such as organizing calls and confidence, like his strong presentation skills. He advises individuals to have an open mind and to take advice from the council members, but most importantly to be a team player.
Fun Fact:
-Phonso has a contagious laugh and loves to use it to make others happy!
Initiatives: Ambassadors
About Phonso: Phonso joined Best Buddies to spread the mission of inclusion on a global level. He joined the YLC to interact with individuals who also wanted to build opportunities for people with intellectual developmental disabilities. Through the council, Phonso has built better leadership skills such as organizational skills such as organizing calls and confidence, like his strong presentation skills. He advises individuals to have an open mind and to take advice from the council members, but most importantly to be a team player.
Fun Fact:
-Phonso has a contagious laugh and loves to use it to make others happy!
-Loves Bruno Mars, especially the song Uptown Funk
Maddie Quigley, 21, Missouri
Incoming Co-Chair
Initiatives: Oversees the leadership initiatives
About Maddie: Maddie is an active Best Buddies member in order to spread inclusion and equality. Maddie has a thorough belief that everyone should be treated the same regardless of ability. Maddie wants to make an impact on a large scale and help people across the country, not just her state. She wants applicants to be themselves! The YLC is not looking for a specific applicant, but those who have strong ideas and honest thoughts.
Fun Facts:
- Was named Second Team All American STUNT Athlete
-Studies cybersecurity in school!
William McClennan, 19, Virginia
First Year Member
Initiatives: Special Olympics, Youtube, and Alumni
About Will: Will joined the YLC to spread inclusion on a larger scale. Admittedly, Will has been humbled by the passion presented by his fellow council members. With this, leadership to him means helping those around him and working through both strengths and weaknesses.
Fun Facts:
-His favorite food is grilled cheese
-Loves to learn; is currently a business management major
Initiatives: Special Olympics, Youtube, and Alumni
About Will: Will joined the YLC to spread inclusion on a larger scale. Admittedly, Will has been humbled by the passion presented by his fellow council members. With this, leadership to him means helping those around him and working through both strengths and weaknesses.
Fun Facts:
-His favorite food is grilled cheese
-Loves to learn; is currently a business management major
Jada Thompson, 23, Illinois
First Year Member
Initiatives: Social Media, Youtube, Blogs, and Diversity & Equity
About Jada: Jada, a highly qualified YLC member, will never forget her first ambassador training. She worked her way there from joining Best Buddies with the goal of learning some leadership skills and spread inclusion. To her, a leader is not only speaking out but presenting and leading with a kind heart; practice what you preach!
Fun Facts:
-Her spirit animal is the guinea pig, shy at first but once they get comfortable around you, you have an amazing friend!
-Her 2021 goals are to start her own Youtube channel, spread kindness, and read more
Marina Rouse, 19, Massachusetts
First Year Member
Initiatives: Special Olympics and Student Advisory Boards
About Marina: Marina joined Best Buddies for its genuine meaning. Marina has learned valuable lessons and she has formed endless memories through this organization. She has learned many stories and explains there is nothing better than to be able to share those heartwarming experiences. She is blessed to have a council full of friends, but also role models, highlighting individual's drive, kindness, and compassion.
Fun Facts:
- Marina loves to call into the radio and try to get on country stations
-Marina is a nursing student
Sophie Fulghum, 20, Rhode Island
Second Year Member
Initiatives: Blogs, Ambassadors, Mental Health, and Expansion
About Sophie: Sophie joined Best Buddies ten years ago after finding out about the club from her guidance counselor. After immediately falling in love with the mission, Sophie furthered her passion and involvement for the organization through completing shadow hours with her program manager and attending as many trainings and events as possible. Sophie is consistently amazed by the professionalism presented by the council, each and every member lives up to the expectations set by the council. Her advice is if you have an idea, follow it because you have the ability to make it happen! Even if things go wrong the first time, try again because you learn best from mistakes!
Fun Facts:
-Sophie loves everything sky: stars, sunsets, and sunrises!
-Sophie is a double major with psychology and sociology and a minor in biology
Kelly Cotter, 17, Washington
First Year Member
Initiatives: SAB, Youtube, Expansion
About Kelly: Kelly joined Best Buddies to spend more time with the friends she had made in Special Education. She loves to see everyone together, enjoying events, and having fun. Kelly wants to spread the Best Buddies mission all she can after seeing the impact it has on individuals. To her, the YLC is the best way to do so. So far on the YLC, she has learned a room full of passionate individuals can lead to endless progress. She recommends going into the YLC application process with ideas and initiatives in mind.
Fun Facts:
-She has lived in 4 continents
-She loves to swim at the beach
Stephanie Lauren Smith, 31, Canada
First Year Member
Initiatives: Ambassadors, Jobs, and Expansion
About Stephanie: Stephanie joined Best Buddies because of its tight-knit reputation and opportunity to make friends. Stephanie joined the YLC because she enjoys a challenge! She has learned many new life skills so far on the council. It is an honor for Stephanie to be on the council and enjoys everything YLC related. Her favorite aspect of the council are the hangout nights, where the council spends time getting to know each other and playing games.
Fun Facts:
- Stephanie sings with momentum choir
-Stephanie loves to read about forensic science
First Year Member
Initiatives: Youtube, Jobs, Mental Health
About Vanessa: Vanessa fell in love with Best Buddies after attending the 2019 Friendship Walk. She joined right after and was able to combine her love of planning events and fundraising with fellow members. She joined the YLC to develop her leadership skills even further. Her advice is to not let age prevent you from applying. She was hesitant at first that she would be one of the oldest on the council; however, she wanted to achieve her dreams and she did not give up!
Fun Facts:
-She loves to visit the Christmas Light displays in Orange County
-She has a Bachelors degree in Psychology and a Masters in Marriage and Family
Tyler Schrettenbrunner, 22, Indiana
Second Year Member
Initiatives: Mental Health, Ambassadors, and Youtube
About Tyler: Tyler joined Best Buddies to make friends, find a sense of belonging, and to help spread inclusion. His favorite Best Buddies memory is when he opened an elementary school chapter. He loves to spread inclusion across Best Buddies Indiana. Tyler's YLC goal is to help schools learn about mental health and to provide resources where individuals can have access to counseling and be able to find ways to get the help they need.
Fun Facts:
- Loves to watch (and play!) swim and hockey
-Was on the news for the champion of the year in 2019
Lexi Franks, 22, Delaware
Second Year Member
Initiatives: Mental Health, Toolkit, Alumni
About Lexi: Lexi joined Best Buddies due to her neighbor/ best friend who was involved in the organization. Lexi wants to implement change on a wider scale and to make a difference for all individuals. She loves the YLC for everyone's willingness to work with each other and the positive attitudes that come along with the hard work. A leader to Lexi is someone who sets a positive example and stays true to their morals.
Fun Facts:
- Lexi is serving her first year as a teacher this year!
-Spirit animal: elephant
Danielle Tran, 18, California
First Year Member
Initiatives: Mental Health and Diversity & Equity
About Danielle: Danielle joined Best Buddies due to a similar program that she was in throughout middle school. Through Best Buddies, she was introduced to the incredible mission, yet also a second family. Danielle joined the YLC to expand her involvement through the different Best Buddies pillars. She wants to accomplish as many opportunities as possible and to work alongside her new friends from the US and Canada. Already, Danielle has learned to be more confident in her abilities. To Danielle, leadership is about elevating the confidence and passion of teammates.
Fun Facts:
- Danielle is a twin
- Danielle is a current incoming freshman at UC Berkeley, majoring in English with the intention of adding a minor of mythology or disability studies
Asma, 22, Illinois
Second Year Member
Initiatives: Jobs, Expansion, Toolkit, and Diversity & Equity
About Asma: Asma joined Best Buddies after seeing the impact the organization had on her brother. With that, she took her leadership to the next level after joining the YLC where she wanted to be an active component in making change. Her favorite part of the YLC is being able to work with people from all over. The council prioritizes neurodiversity, so to Asma, being able to work with different perspectives and experience is great. A leader to Asma means being a good listener. Listening to the thoughts and concerns of peers allows for effective change, and leads to decision-making that involves people's best interests.
Fun Facts:
- Asma is also a twin! With a fraternal twin sister who is two minutes older
-Asma just graduated in May with a bachelors in Bioengineering and a concentration in cell and tissue engineering
Michelle Raitman, 21, Ontario, Canada
First Year Member
Initiatives: Toolkit and SAB
About Michelle: Michelle joined Best Buddies with a friend's influence. She formed memorable and hilarious friendships within a year and made countless memories, without realizing she was in it for the long haul. Michelle took the brand new opportunity to join the YLC as a Canadian and has learned to become more confident and trust her judgment so far on the council. Her biggest goal on the council is to provide more opportunities for young people to have leadership goals. She loves working with like-minded individuals who all have the same strong passion for Best Buddies as she does. Being a leader to Michelle is about considering the voices of everyone around you, and creating an open space where everyone feels comfortable.
Fun Facts:
- Loves The Weeknd, Ed Sheeran, Jhené Aiko, and Wizkid
-Her favorite food is sushi or pasta
Garett Tomasek, 20, Texas 
Chair
Working on: HBCU/ Grassroots
About Garett: Garett was hooked from the instant he was introduced to Best Buddies. He was instantly drawn to furthering the mission. Now, he serves as chair. His favorite part of the YLC is getting the opportunity to create relationships and to work with a diverse group of young leaders all eager to improve the lives of those with IDD. His advice to those interested in applying is to be honest and share who you are, not what you think the YLC wants to hear. The application process is a holistic review; therefore, show how you present yourself as a leader. To him, a leader is someone who is moral and ethical to the best of your abilities.
Fun Facts:
- Favorite dessert is ice cream
-Spirit animal is the owl (according to a spirit animal online quiz!)
Before I conclude this blog, I want to give a quick thank you to all my fellow council members for all the hard work they do. To speak for myself, my new and old friends have continued to impress me with the hard work they complete, and the passion they hold for making a change. They make the YLC an incredible experience, both professionally and personally. I am looking forward to the fantastic year of hard work we have ahead!
In friendship,
Sophie, Jada, and Jamie
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