Meet the YLC 2023

A screenshot of YLC members on their first council-wide call. They are all smiling and waving. The heading at the top states "Meet the YLC."

Meet the YLC 2023

Sofie Dalton

Hometown: Arlington, VA, USA

Sofie is a member of the YLC leadership team, she oversees the outreach cohort responsible for digital media. She is a part of the Best Buddies Virginia & DC program, she was formerly a part of James Madison University and Yorktown High School Best Buddies. Sofie’s favorite thing about Best Buddies is “the connections and friendships that Best Buddies fosters. It has allowed me to meet some of my best friends and form some of the most important and impactful relationships in my life. The people in Best Buddies are so kind, inclusive, and welcoming and it's an organization where you can find your people and connect with your purpose.” She joined the YLC because she wants to positively impact Best Buddies on a greater scale. 

Terence Moore

Hometown: Brooklyn, NY, USA

Terence is a first year member of the YLC, he is currently working on the Jobs and the Ambassadors Initiative. He is a member of the Best Buddies citizens program. Terence’s favorite thing about Best Buddies was representing Best Buddies as a State Ambassador. He said that he wanted to join the YLC, “ to become a more outspoken person through learning leadership skills and empowering the mission of inclusion!” Terence wants to note that Best Buddies has inspired him to do many things in his life, including writing songs about the importance of inclusion. 

Margo Meley

Hometown: Willimantic, CT, USA

Margo is a member of the YLC leadership team. She participates in the Eastern Connecticut State University’s friendship  chapter and the CT State Ambassadors program. Margo’s favorite thing about Best Buddies is the “everlasting friendships” that she has made and the feeling that she gets that makes her feel like she truly belongs within the organization. She joined the YLC to contribute to a greater change and to further spread the Best Buddies message of inclusion. Margo also enjoys working alongside other people who are eager to be a part of the positive change. 

Zane Landin

Hometown: Chino, CA, USA

Zane is a second year member of the YLC, this year he is working on the Blogs Initiative. Zane says his favorite thing about Best Buddies is, “advocating for people with disabilities and creating a more equitable world.” He  joined the YLC to get more involved with Best Buddies and to make a positive impact on the organization. 

Jamie Galvin

Hometown: Tennessee, USA

Jamie is a member of the YLC leadership team. She participates in the Best Buddies Jobs and the Citizens programs. Jamie’s favorite part of Best Buddies is meeting new people and being a YLC member. Jamie says “I joined the YLC to grow my leadership, help others and to change the world!”

Marlo Roberts

Hometown: San Diego, CA, USA

Marlo is a first year member on the YLC, she is currently working on the Life Skills Initiative. She is the Vice President of Torrey Pines High School Best Buddies chapter. Marlo’s favorite part of Best Buddies “watching the people I help change and grow into well-rounded people”. She also appreciates the positive impact the Best Buddies has on her life and the role it plays in making the world a more inclusive palace to be. Marlo joined the YLC to use her talents to create change. 

Avelyn Garlish

Hometown: Grapevine, TX, USA

Avelyn  is a first year member of the YLC, she is currently working on the Student Advisory Board (SAB) Initiative. She is a part of the UT Austin chapter! Avelyn says, “One of my favorite things about Best Buddies is our one-one friendship initiative! I started out as a Peer Buddy back at my chapter in high school (shoutout Colleyville Heritage!) and I fell in love with our mission. I have met some of my best friends through this program and made some of my most fantastic memories!”. She joined the YLC to continue to grow her leadership skills and learn how to be a better advocate. Avelyn hopes to educate others with her knowledge and expertise that she gains from her Special Education and her Speech and Language Pathology major.

Eleanor Hawkins

Hometown: Paris, France and Washington, D.C., USA

Eleanor is a second year member on the YLC, this year she is working on the Transition Initiative. Eleanor is also a part of the Ambassadors program. Eleanor says, “I love how welcoming the Best Buddies community is! No matter if it’s your first time or hundredth time participating in a Best Buddies event, you can always count on making friends and having a good time”. She joined the YLC to become more involved with the leadership pillar of Best Buddies by working on the YLC’s initiatives. Eleanor recognizes that, “Best Buddies has such a commendable variety of projects and the YLC provided a unique opportunity to actively participate in the formation and development of these programs”. 

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Nathan Moldavsky

Hometown: Williamstown, Massachusetts, USA

Nathan is a member of the YLC leadership team and serves as the Cohort Lead for Outreach, where he is overseeing the Digital Media and Blogs initiatives. He is also a part of Best Buddies Massachusetts & Rhode Island (MARI). Nathan’s favorite part of Best Buddies is contributing to a global movement to increase inclusion and accessibility for all. He says, “I joined the YLC to elevate my involvement within Best Buddies and meet new people who share the same passion for inclusion as I do!”

Sashan Umashankar

Hometown: Irvine, CA, USA

Sashan is a first year member of the YLC, he is working on the Student Advisory Board (SAB) Initiative. He is also a part of the Best Buddies Ambassadors program. Sashan’s favorite thing about Best Buddies is the sense of community that the organization fosters and all of the resources that it provides to individuals like him so they can evoke positive change in our society. He says, “I joined YLC as it provided me with a larger platform to share my views on the integration of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities in various parts of society. The YLC seemed like such a great environment for me to connect with like-minded individuals.”

Michelle Yoshimine

Hometown: Half Moon Bay, CA, USA

Michelle is a first year member of the YLC,  they are currently working on the Blogs Initiative. They are also a part of the Best Buddies Jobs, Ambassadors and Citizens programs. Michelle says, “my favorite thing about Best Buddies participating in  the activities and the events like the Friendship walk and Leadership Conference”. They joined the YLC as a way to give back to Best Buddies because of all of the opportunities that the organization has given them that have contributed to their growth as a person. Michelle also would like to represent the disabled community and be a role model for others. 

Emma McCormick

Hometown: Austin, TX , USA

Emma is a first year member of the YLC, she is on the Life Skill Initiative. She is the Co-President of St. Edward's University Best Buddies chapter and the Co-Chair of the CTX Student Advisory Board. Emma’s favorite part of Best Buddies is the way that the organization creates a space where everyone feels included and the impact that it makes to promote inclusion all over the world. Emma says, “I joined the YLC in order to make a bigger impact, promote inclusion in more spaces, and grow my leadership skills”. 

Grace Elmore

Hometown: Coatesville, IN, USA and Ithaca, NY, USA

Grace is a second year member on the YLC, she is a part of the Student Advisory Board (SAB) Initiative. She participates in the Cornell University chapter. Grace says, “My favorite thing about Best Buddies has been the privilege to make so many new and life-long friends! And getting to cook amazing dinners with my buddy, YuYu.” Grace joined the YLC to make new connections with people who share a passion for inclusion and kindness and to further invest herself in Best Buddies. 

Samantha Jong

Hometown: Katy, TX, USA

Samantha is a first year member on the YLC, she is on the Digital Media Initiative. She is a Student Advisory Board Co-Chair, and participated in her high school chapter. Samantha’s favorite thing about Best Buddies is the connections that she gets to make with the most empathetic, insightful, and truly amazing people. Best Buddies has given her the opportunities to meet people from all different backgrounds and it has brought infectious kindness and laughter into her life. Samantha says, “I joined the YLC because of my deep personal connection to Best Buddies. My little brother has IDD and is a part of the Buddy program. Seeing his face light up at BB events, seeing how excited he gets when he sees his buddy, seeing how profound of an impact Best Buddies can make has motivated me to become involved in BB student leadership. The YLC creates change on a global scale, and I wanted to take the next step in my Best Buddies journey. I am beyond excited to be a part of the YLC!”

Amir Geva

Hometown: Los Angeles, CA, USA 

Amir is a first year member on the YLC where he is working on the Life Skills Initiative. He is also a part of the Best Buddies Jobs program, Best Buddies Ambassadors program, and Best Buddies Citizens program. Amir’s favorite part of Best Buddies is “meeting new people and supporting people with intellectual and developmental disabilities”. Amir joined the YLC because he wants to support Best Buddies and help people with and without intellectual and developmental disabilities. 

Jacob Myers

Hometown: Bedford, Massachusetts, USA 

Jacob is a first year member on the YLC where he is working on the Transitions initiative. He is also a part of the Best Buddies Ambassadors program. He joined the YLC to “make new friends, to have a voice, to make a difference, and to be a leader!”

Meredith Corwin

Hometown: Colleyville TX, USA 

Meredith is a first year member on the YLC, she is working on the Social Media Initiative. She is also a member of the North Texas Student Advisory Board and Colleyville Heritage Best Buddies chapter. Meredith’s favorite thing about Best Buddies is the way that it fosters friendships and promotes inclusivity. Meredith says, “I decided to join the Best Buddies Young Leaders Council because of my strong commitment to promoting inclusivity and forming meaningful connections”.

Izabel Korbet 

Hometown: Henniker, NH, USA 

Izabel is a first year member on the YLC, she is currently working on the Blogs Initiative. She is the Chapter President of John Stark Regional High School’s Friendship Chapter. Izabel’s favorite thing about Best Buddies is getting to make authentic connections. Izabel says, “since becoming involved with Best Buddies I have grown close to many amazing people who have taught me some of life's most valuable lessons. Best Buddies has also given me an outlet to establish meaningful friendships and make memories that will last a lifetime”. She joined the YLC to pursue her passion for inclusion and to grow as a leader and an advocate. 

Garett Tomasek

Hometown: Milwaukee, WI, USA 

Garett is a part of the YLC Leadership Team, he oversees Chapter Engagement and Leadership. Garett is a member of the Milwaukee Citizens program. Garett says that his favorite thing about Best Buddies is “All the wonderful friends I’ve made since I started 7 years ago!”. He joined the YLC to make a larger impact and to further his leadership and advocacy skills. 

     

Victoria Giarrusso 

Hometown: RI, USA 

Victoria is a first year member in the YLC, and she is working on the Digital Media Initiative. She is also a member of the Exeter West Greenwich Best Buddies Chapter. Victoria says, “My favorite thing about Best Buddies is making a ton of new friends and planning fun activities for everyone to participate in! I also love leadership conference and it is one of my favorite events to attend!”. Victoria joined the YLC to expand her leadership skills and make a positive impact on a larger scale. 

Christina Jones 

Hometown: Saint Johns, FL, USA 

Christina is a first year member in the YLC, and she is working on the Digital Media Initiative. Christina is the Event Coordinator for Creekside High School’s Best Buddies Chapter. Christina says that the meaningful connections and friendships that she has made are her favorite part of Best Buddies. She joined the YLC to get more involved with Best Buddies and to make a positive impact on the organization. 

     

Abby Ingersoll

Hometown: Carmel, IN, USA 

Abby is a first year member on the YLC and she is working on the Student Advisory Board (SAB) Initiative. Abby is the Chapter President at Carmel High School. Her favorite thing about Best Buddies is getting to meet a bunch of amazing people and all of the friendships that she has made. Abby says, “I Joined the YLC because I wanted to find more ways to get involved within Best Buddies, continue to spread the mission of Best Buddies, and gain leadership experience”. 

Ken Seto

Hometown: Fremont CA, USA 

Ken is a first year member on the YLC and he is working on the Ambassador Initiative. Ken is involved with many Best Buddies programs he participates in Citizens, e-Buddies, Ambassadors and Jobs. Ken is a Leadership Conference Workshop Lead, a San Francisco Friendship Walk Committee Chair, a Champion of the Year Candidate and a San Francisco Advisory Board Chair. His favorite part of Best Buddies is getting “the opportunity to be part of a passionate community dedicated to cultivating a culture of inclusion for individuals with IDD”. Ken enjoys forming meaningful friendships with individuals with IDD and their families, while also engaging with the passionate staff and incredible partners of Best Buddies. Ken joined the YLC to collaborate with the Best Buddies staff and work with people to positively impact the IDD community and raise awareness of the Best Buddies' mission.

 

     

Vanessa Ocana

Hometown: Southern California, USA 

Vanessa is a part of the YLC Leadership Team, she is the Cohort Lead for Resources. Vanessa has been a part of many programs including Friendship (Colleges, Citizens, E-Buddies), Leadership Development (State Ambassador and Speech Coach), Integrated Employment, Inclusive Living (Membership Model) I have served on the Friendship Walk Committee (Mission, Team Retention, Event Chair, Vice Chair and Co Emcee)  and was a Champion of the Year nominee (2020 and 2021) and Mission Partner (2022 and 2023). Vanessa’s favorite thing about Best Buddies is getting to see  individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities represented in leadership positions and getting to watch the organization grow. Vanessa joined the YLC to form connections and to advocate for inclusion and accessibility. Vanessa says, “words will never fully express how thankful I am for everything the YLC has done individually and collectively to make living with a disability and a mobility device easier even for a moment.”

  

Chloe Fai

Hometown: Dallas, TX, USA 

Chloe is a first year member on the YLC, she is currently working on the Ambassadors Initiative. Chloe is also the Vice President of Lebanon Trail High School Best Buddies chapter. Chloe’s favorite thing about Best Buddies is the truly authentic lifelong friendships you build. Chloe says,  “I love how everyone is welcomed and you can meet others who are just as compassionate about the purpose of Best Buddies as you are”. Chloe joined the YLC to contribute to and make a greater impact in an organization that she is passionate about. 

  

Michelle Raitman

Hometown: Toronto, ON, Canada

Michelle is a part of the YLC Leadership Team, she is the Co-Cohort Lead for Leadership. Michelle’s favorite part of Best Buddies is “Being able to spread the mission of diversity, equity, inclusion, and friendship for all!”. Michelle is a part of Best Buddies Canada and formerly a part of the University of Toronto Scarborough Chapter. She joined the YLC to grow as a leader with the help of an organization that she is extremely passionate about. Michelle hopes to promote Best Buddies across Canada and the United States of America.

Madeline Quigley 

Hometown: Exeter, RI, USA

Madeline is a member of the YLC Leadership Team. She is also a part of the Best Buddies Missouri Citizens program. Madeline’s favorite thing about Best Buddies is seeing the impact that inclusion has on a community and the way that it truly blossoms. Madeline says, “I joined the YLC because I wanted to take my leadership to the next level. The YLC offers so many opportunities to not only grow your skills, but grow the Best Buddies mission and scope. The YLC gives motivated individuals the power to create large and long lasting change”. 

Celeste Resendiz Torres 

Hometown: Montgomery, TX, USA

Celeste is a first year member on the YLC and she is working on the Jobs Initiative. Celeste is also a part of the Longhorn Best Buddies Chapter. Celeste says, “My favorite thing about Best Buddies are the friendships I have fostered. Throughout my 7 years of being part of the organization, I have been able to have lots of fun and create meaningful connections all while advocating for a more inclusive society”. She joined the YLC to further her involvement with an organization that she deeply resonates with. 

Maya Ali

Hometown: Houston, TX, USA

Maya is a second year member of the YLC and she is currently working on the Life Skills Initiative. Maya is also a member of her college's chapter. Her favorite thing about Best Buddies is the community and positivity that the organization facilities. She enjoys the way that Best Buddies feels like a home and the people feel like a family. Maya says, “Best Buddies has always been an area of my life where I am extremely passionate. I have always wanted to give more and more into the organization. The YLC is a perfect place to work towards the organization, collaborate with others, and fulfill this passion of mine.”

     

Lipika Narisetti

Hometown: Columbus, OH, USA

Lipika is a first year member of the YLC, she is working on the Ambassadors Initiative. Lipika is also on the Executive Board of Vanderbilt University Best Buddies Chapter and she is a TN State Ambassador. Her favorite thing about Best Buddies is the community. She says, “Everyone I've met through Best Buddies is so friendly and strives to promote inclusion through their actions”. Lipika joined the YLC to increase the impact that shoe is able to make on the IDD community. 

    

Elizabeth Barham 

Hometown: Franklin, WI, USA

Elizabeth is a first year member of the YLC and she is working on the Transition Initiative. She is a part of the Carroll University School Chapter and a member of the Student Advisory Board for Wisconsin. Elizabeth says, “My favorite thing about Best Buddies is making new connections with someone I would not have met without the program. I also love the community it builds between individuals of all abilities”. She joined the YLC to help make a meaningful impact within Best Buddies and to play a role in creating a more inclusive community. 

   

Isabelle Hughes

Hometown: Dallas, TX, USA

Isabelle is a part of the YLC Leadership Team, and she is currently the Co-Cohort Lead for Leadership. She is the President for her high school's Best Buddies chapter and Chair of the North Texas Student Advisory Board. Her favorite thing about Best Buddies is "definitely the meaningful friendships that I have been able to make with countless people." Isabelle joined the YLC because she believed so passionately in the Best Buddies mission and she wanted to be more involved with the organization.

 

Amy Gibson

Hometown: Oklahoma, USA

Amy is a second year member on the YLC, and she is a part of the Transition initiative. Amy joined the YLC because she wanted to increase her involvement with Best Buddies! She was a part of the North Texas Student Advisory Board for three years which inspired her to join the YLC once her time on the SAB was over.

    

Caley Versfelt

Hometown: Manhattan Beach, CA, USA

Caley is a first year member on the YLC, and she is a part of the Digital Media initiative. Caley is a part of the UCLA Best Buddies chapter, Jobs program, and she serves as a State and Global Ambassador in California and Miami. She also has worked in the Entertainment Industry Foundation for 5 years. Caley's favorite things about Best Buddies are "being an ambassador with my friends and speaking at the Bike Challenges. I love traveling and it lets me learn a lot! Best Buddies Leadership Conference is really special for me personally. I do love my job too at the Entertainment Industry Foundation and gained more confidence in my independence. I mostly like everything Best Buddies so I don't have a favorite!"

     

Benjamin Haworth

Hometown: California, USA

Benjamin is a second year member on the YLC, and he is a part of the Blogs initiative. Ben joined the YLC to become more involved with a cause that he feels very strongly about.

   

 

Matias Gonzalez

Hometown: Boston, Massachusetts, USA

Matias is a second year member on the YLC, and he is a part of the Student Advisory Board (SAB) initiative. Matias wanted to join the YLC because his love for Best Buddies quickly grew and he knew he wanted to work with like minded people to create change together. The YLC was the perfect place to accomplish that!

    

Angelo Santiago

Hometown: Willimantic, Connecticut, USA

Angelo is a first year member on the YLC, and he is a part of the Ambassador initiative. He is also involved with his college's Friendship program and the Ambassadors program. Angelo's favorite thing about Best Buddies is meeting new friends and being a part of a worldwide movement. He joined the YLC to grow his leadership skills and to learn more about other opportunities!

     Katie Fludgate

Hometown: New York, USA

Katie is a first year member on the YLC, and she is a part of the Jobs initiative.

     Ari Molteni

Hometown: California, USA

Ari is a first year member on the YLC, and she is a part of the Digital Media initiative.

     Beau McDowell

Hometown: Florida, USA

Beau is a first year member on the YLC, and he is a part of the Jobs initiative.