Champions of Friendship

How Miss America and Best Buddies Are Making a Difference

By Tiffani Singleton & Mark Wylie

The partnership between Best Buddies and Miss America marks a significant milestone in the realms of advocacy, friendship, and inclusivity. Best Buddies, renowned for its unwavering commitment to fostering friendships and promoting inclusion for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, has found a powerful ally in the Miss America Opportunity. This effort enables women to lead in their communities, showcasing shared values and a commitment to positive change.

Mark Wylie, Vice President of Talent Relations, expressed his enthusiasm about the transformative power of this collaboration. “Life’s journey is not always smooth, and we often encounter challenges along the way,” said Wylie. “I’ve found that the road becomes less rocky when our friends are there to lift us up. That’s what I love about the partnership between Best Buddies and Miss America. We uplift each other while making a difference in the world, striving to create a better place for everyone.”

Best Buddies stands as the largest organization dedicated to ending the social, physical, and economic isolation of the 200 million people worldwide with intellectual and developmental disabilities, such as Down syndrome and autism. Founded in 1989 by Anthony Kennedy Shriver, Best Buddies has grown from one original chapter to nearly 3,500 middle school, high school, and college chapters worldwide. Its programs span Elementary Schools, Middle Schools, High Schools, Colleges, Citizens, e-Buddies®, Jobs, Ambassadors, Promoters, Inclusive Living, Transitions, and Eunice’s Buddies, engaging participants in each of the 50 states and 46 countries. This expansive positively reach impacts the lives of over 1.3 million people with and without disabilities around the globe.

Miss America and Miss America’s Teen ambassadors are committed to contributing their time and resources to support Best Buddies International. Their efforts are poised to have a transformative impact, fostering collaboration and shared values that will benefit individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. This partnership stands as a testament to the power of collaboration in creating a more inclusive and supportive society.