{"id":190411,"date":"2025-07-16T17:58:30","date_gmt":"2025-07-16T21:58:30","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.bestbuddies.org\/?p=190411"},"modified":"2025-08-06T14:21:44","modified_gmt":"2025-08-06T18:21:44","slug":"leaders-from-around-the-world-to-unite-in-the-name-of-inclusion-at-the-best-buddies-international-leadership-conference-in-bloomington-indiana-2","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.bestbuddies.org\/2025\/07\/16\/leaders-from-around-the-world-united","title":{"rendered":"Leaders from Around the World to Unite in the Name of Inclusion at the Best Buddies International Leadership Conference in Bloomington, Indiana"},"content":{"rendered":"
Get Ready for a “Wickedly Inclusive” Celebration of Change and Empowerment at Indiana University<\/em><\/p>\n[\/vc_column_text][vc_column_text css=””]Bloomington, IN \u2014 July 13, 2025<\/strong>\u00a0\u2014 Prepare to be\u00a0spellbound\u00a0by the return of the Best Buddies International Leadership Conference<\/a>, where inclusion takes center stage in a\u00a0wicked<\/em>\u00a0new way.\u00a0From\u00a0July 18\u201321, 2025, Indiana University will host over 2,500 student leaders, volunteers, and supporters from around the globe for an unforgettable experience packed with inspiration, empowerment, and celebration. This year\u2019s theme,\u00a0\u201cWickedly Inclusive,\u201d\u00a0promises to bring the\u00a0magic<\/em>\u00a0of true inclusion to life, creating opportunities for participants to ignite change in their communities and beyond.<\/p>\n \u201cWe\u2019re not just gathering\u2014we\u2019re creating a movement,\u201d said\u00a0David Quilleon, Senior Vice President, Global Mission, State Development & Operations at Best Buddies International. \u201cThe energy this year will be\u00a0off the charts<\/em>\u00a0as we celebrate bold leadership, friendship, and inclusion. The \u2018Wickedly Inclusive\u2019 theme reflects the kind of daring, joyful spirit that this conference has always embodied, and we can\u2019t wait to see how these incredible young leaders will carry that spirit forward.\u201d[\/vc_column_text][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner][vc_video link=”https:\/\/youtu.be\/t8o8E7XMQZ8?si=c_zYJhBQ7kCGC5qZ” align=”center” css=””][\/vc_column_inner][\/vc_row_inner][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1752703438251{margin-top: -30px !important;}”]This year\u2019s conference features an array of inspiring special guests who will bring their talent, passion, and unique perspectives to the stage:<\/p>\n What to Expect: The Wickedly Inclusive Experience<\/em><\/p>\n The 2025 Leadership Conference promises to deliver an electrifying array of events and activities, including:<\/p>\n Held annually at Indiana University, the Best Buddies Leadership Conference is a transformative space where ideas are shared, barriers are broken, and leaders are inspired to take action. The 2025 conference promises to be the most dynamic and inclusive event yet, reflecting Best Buddies’ ongoing commitment to creating a world where all individuals, regardless of ability, have the opportunity to thrive.<\/p>\n To learn more about the Best Buddies Leadership Conference or to register, visit bestbuddies.org\/bblc<\/a>.[\/vc_column_text][vc_column_text css=””] About Best Buddies<\/u><\/strong>\n
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\nBest Buddies\u00ae<\/sup> is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization dedicated\u202fto establishing a global volunteer movement that creates opportunities for one-to-one friendships, integrated employment, leadership development, inclusive living, and family support for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). Founded in 1989 by Anthony K. Shriver, Best Buddies is a vibrant organization that has grown from one original chapter to nearly 3,000 middle school, high school, and college chapters worldwide. Today, Best Buddies\u2019 12 formal programs \u2014 <\/span><\/span>Elementary Schools, Middle Schools, High Schools, Colleges, Citizens, e-Buddies\u00ae, Jobs, Ambassadors, Promoters, Transitions, Inclusive Living <\/span><\/span>and <\/span><\/span>Eunie\u2019s Buddies<\/span><\/span><\/em>\u2014 engage participants in<\/span><\/span>\u202f<\/span><\/span>each of the 50 states and in 45<\/span><\/span>\u202f<\/span><\/span>countries, positively <\/span>impacting<\/span> the lives of <\/span>nearly one<\/span> million people with and without disabilities around the world.<\/span><\/span> In many cases, as a result of their involvement with Best Buddies, people with intellectual and developmental disabilities secure rewarding jobs, live on their own, become inspirational leaders, and make lifelong friendships. For more information, please visit bestbuddies.org or connect with us via Facebook<\/a>, Instagram<\/a> or Twitter<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n